State Staircase

This was designed to be the first room people entering the castle see. The State Staircase was based on the 'Escalier des Ambassadeurs' or Ambassador's Staircase at Versailles, near Paris. The Versailles version was demolished in 1752 to make way for a new suite of rooms. The Herrenchiemsee version was based on the original plans, and on engravings made before it's demolition. Marble statues of Roman gods and goddesses include Apollo, Diana, Minerva, Ceres and Flora. Wall paintings show young girls rejoicing and throwing flowers in honour of the King's arrival. Unlike the original at Versailles, this Staircase features an iron and glass ceiling, which gives the huge room a light and airy feeling. The marble panels were copied exactly from the original at Versailles.

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