Schwerin's unique landmark, the neo-Gothic Castle, is situated on an island in Lake Schwerin and was built around the chapel of a 16th-century ducal palace. The castle is guarded by a statue of Niklot, an early Slavic prince, who was defeated by Henry the Lion in 1160. The huge, graphic picture of his death is a highlight of the castle interior. The Palace Chapel is an architectural gem. It was built during the years 1560-1563 as the fi rst specifi cally constructed protestant church in the area. A neo-Gothic chapel, with imposing stained glass windows, was added in the 19th century.
The Castle Garden was laid out in English style with its centre
piece the Orangerie. Today the castle is the seat of the government
and houses the Parliament of the federal state of Mecklenburg-
Western Pomerania as well as the impressive Castle Museum. Visitors
to Schwerin will hardly be able to resist the attraction of the
castle with its multiplicity of towers and turrets and its many
diverse façades. With the surrounding parks and gardens, it
presents itself as the largest and most important modern palace
site in this part of Germany.