Raiders of the Lost Art - Hitler's Secret Treasure Castle

[@notsosilentmajority1]

Wow, if it weren't for an SS officer with the grit to refuse the ridiculous orders of his superiors, this wonderful castle and all of the artwork and treasures inside of it would be nothing more than a memory and a tale. Another great Mark Felton production.

[@paulbruno1734]

I visited the castle in 1987. I was not aware of this fact. This part of the castle's history was kept secret from the public. It is a beautiful place. An historical landmark a treasure itself. I'm grateful it was saved from destruction.

[@panzertracks]

That was a lot of art work in that castle. Thank goodness the SS officer disobeyed his orders.

[@joeotoole484]

I visited this castle in September 2019, the guide did mention the stolen art, and the refusal of the German officer to blow it up.

[@Statimtek]

The story of how the art in the Louvre in Paris was spirited away within a day to prevent being taken by the Nazi's is also remarkable, considering how much there was and the coordination needed to have the collection taken and hidden away.

[@johnphillips519]

Great decision by the SS officer as that castle is beautiful and its treasure was priceless

[@kiel_3222]

John Phillips Yeah same with the German officer who chose to surrender Paris rather than flatten it.

[@GladiusAustalis]

@Max Schneider #NotAllSS ;p

[@dgf8768]

@Max Schneider Nearly all ss at high level was evil or done bad things but there is always the good side of someone

[@GlamStacheessnostalgialounge]

@Max Schneider Blowing up priceless art and a historic castle wouldn't be evil, it would be stupid.

[@decnet100]

@Max Schneider What you could usually observe with these sort of people was that they often compensated for their lack of moral standard in regards to human beings by focussing on something else of symbolic value - Hermann Göring famously created pretty much the most humane hunting laws at the time, but had no problem regarding all the atrocities going on - as long as they only involved some humans, and not precious deer or boar. The point is, these people often psychologically trick themselves that in the long run, it's alright to take part in something utterly terrible, as long as you perform some sort of symbolic redeeming act that you can hold onto and say "I may have not been perfect, but at least I've done some good too" - i.e. by saving a bunch of precious art, by protecting animals, or by helping one single person in a concentration camp while raising not a finger about thousand others getting killed right next to them.

[@crowbar4929]

The castle stays up and the art is saved. One of the better stories of WW2

[@duchess4504]

Thanks for the fascinating content, Mark brilliant as always. My wife and I visited Neuschwanstein in 2015 amongst many other World War II historical sites in the region and had no idea the Nazis had stolen treasures stored there. Neuschwanstein receives around 6 thousand visitors daily during the summer which accounts to approximately 1.3 million visitors per year. Keep up the great. Look forward to more videos soon.

[@kevinconrad6156]

I visited in 1985 and heard nothing of the palaces WWII history. Another great video Mark.

[@simonkevnorris]

I tried to visit the castle on my way from Assen (Holland) to Bertchesgarden (Austria) in 1996 but could not find the way out of Munich in the rain and roadworks, If I had made that part of the trip I would have been in the same position of not knowing that part of history either. Anyway another fascinating video - thanks.

[@renataostertag6051]

@@simonkevnorris Berchtesgaden is in Bavaria, NOT Austria !

[@johnblackstone5261]

Probably were eager to cover it up

[@KCJAM1]

This is one of my top 5 most beautiful areas in the world (I have travelled and lived all over the globe, btw) and if you can swing it, I highly would highly recommend a Weihnachtsferien! Glühwein, Weihnachtsmarkt, and the occasional visit by the groups of the Krampuse make the trip simply amazing! Blue -green alpine lakes that placidly reflect the snow covered mountains are simply stunning and the Bavarian people are quite warm and welcoming, especially if you learn a few German words/ phrases and simply show some respect for their tidy, well maintained villages and centuries old customs. Stay in Füssen and you will be able to immerse yourself in the real Disney experience and not just Walt’s adolescent interpretation. Now I have talked myself into returning asap! Great video, as always Mr. Felton!!!

[@danreynolds4208]

Thanks for the informative history! This was not in the guides definition of the castle when I visited in 1988. The one thing that I found interesting though was that in Germany it was mandatory for the youth to fulfill two years in the forces to which some of them serviced the activities that went on at the castle, such as classical concerts. They would also put on other events there as well. It is an important landmark for Germany today. Thank God that German officer withheld the order to blow it all to smithereens!

[@8460437]

Hitler also ordered that famous landmarks in Paris be destroyed as the Allies approached. The German general commanding Paris refused to follow the order and surrendered the city to Free French troops.

[@dav1dc293]

C’mon Mark - you’re getting so close in subject matter- we want your take on the Gold Train supposedly in Wroclaw!

[@sarjim4381]

Thanks for this video. Another piece in the little known race to save Europe's art and culture. In an ironic twist, the Nazi looting of art and storage in central locations like Neuschwanstein Castle may have saved a lot of art that would have been destroyed by the massive allied bombings of French and German cities. There is way more to this story, involving everyone from Martin Bormann to the local Austrian Resistance fighters. A book called "Stealing the Mystic Lamb: The True Story of the World's Most Coveted Masterpiece" was written about the cat and mouse game of trying to recover all the art in the last days of Nazi rule. It's quite a gripping story, and it's available as an e-book from the usual sellers.

[@anulfadventures]

I've been to the castle but never knew this WWII history. Thanks!

[@kenmoore7195]

Jack Kunst Same as me, had no idea about any of this and it was not mentioned anywhere when I was there about 8!years ago.

[@johnblackstone5261]

Probably kept under raps

[@jerryumfress9030]

Thank you for bringing to light this story. I've heard of such stories of incidences similar to this one. This one is unique because of this castle and the German officer's refusal to destroy these precious artifacts

[@alexdemoya2119]

"The Corpulent Head of the Airforce" is the best description I have heard of Goering.

[@davidb6576]

I never thought I'd say these words, but "thank you" to the SS officer who acted with restraint.

[@sophrapsune]

The castle was depicted in that great work of historical documentary, “Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade”, in which Indiana pretends to be a Scot looking for tapestries.

[@claykemper7193]

Wonderful story about the recovered art. It is amazing to learn that all would have been lost at the castle had not one Nazi disobeyed orders.

[@GG-bw3uz]

I watch your videos late in the night, such a soothing slow cinematic feel to it presented in a non glamorous as a matter of fact way. Appropriate editing, superb narration and quality content as usual. Coming from the Komet video you made.

[@niccologentile867]

I'm just supper happy to watch your videos practically every week, and hear factual unbiased knowledge, as well as no pro or against anything, just straight to the point, always good hearing these stories like this, really make you smile that humanity is still a thing.

[@Thepriest39]

My family and I visited this castle last year. I had no idea about it's WW2 history. I am great full that the SS did not destroy it. Awesome place to visit.

[@Cosmystery]

let me get this right a dude named Rosenberg was a head in hitlers army?

[@Temppeliherra]

Amazing video as always, Mark! Keep up the good work!

[@Ronin4614]

I lived in the Hünsruck and we often drove to Bavaria taking the more southern “Roman Road” to get there. The castles of Ludwig in Bavaria were simply splendid. Ludwig grew up in a castle at the base of the mountain that would later be the site of this most famous castle. We were very aware of the role this castle played in WW II.

[@iane1022]

I hope to see you making full length documentaries one day, I'd watch them all!

[@lee_katiesalisbury5881]

Your videos are excellent Mark. I've learned so much from your channel. I'm 48 and have spent a lifetime studying ww2. Fascinating material.

[@DaLoganFrost]

Just visited this place in August 2019! The guide did not mention anything of this. Great video!

[@ChopperDoc181]

Funny how when my wife and I toured that castle on our honeymoon, there was absolutely no mention of it's WWII history. That's really interesting. Thanks for the upload. Also note, if you take the tour and want to take pictures inside it, you have to be sneaky because it's "not allowed," but I hung out at the back and did anyway. It's doable lol.

[@bobboberson2024]

Good stuff, Mark. Yes, the Monuments Men would also advise BEFORE any miltary action was taken. This is VERY important. Consider the consequences. It's a very interesting aspect of WWII.

[@Sangrell]

Amazing! I used to live in this town and had no idea!!!! Thank you so kindly for educating me Mark! I've been to Neuschwanstein countless times and, as far as I recall, they indeed never discussed this past during any of my visits. Again, thank you very kindly for sharing this information!

[@UnclePutte]

Remarkable deed of sanity by the SS officer. Wouldn't have expected it, really.

[@DeathSocrates]

Speaking of castles, you should cover Castle Colditz and the many ingenious escape attempts that were attempted by the POW's, like the Colditz Glider

[@Starwithnonname]

Any further information about the SS officer who decided not to blow up the castle? He could be deemed a savior of much of Europe’s art treasures. Great video as always.

[@OutlawstarOOI]

Praising an SS officer who was in charge of stealing the art in the first place? What is wrong you lol

[@bernfranfrancis3012]

My wife and I have visited twice, last time 2 years ago and heard nothing of this, very interesting. You have a very good history channel, I subscribe, and I always look forward to posts.

[@davidmicheletti6292]

I do remember my father speaking of going down into a salt mine to look at works of art that the Germans stored there. His trip into the mine happened shortly after its capture, maybe within days of its capture. I’m not sure if we have photos he took in that mine or not.

[@jameswarner7435]

I cannot thank you enough for making all of these absolutely amazing videos! Bravo Good Sir, Bravo!

[@agwbcfjc2]

Another excellent presentation and fascinating account. Would you consider an episode detailing the SS officer who refused to blow up the castle and destroy all of that priceless art--the legacy of humanity? I'd like to know if there was anything in his life/education, other than a sense of human decency, that enabled him to have the courage to disobey orders? Thank you.

[@mixererunio1757]

Poland still hasn't recovered over 60 000 pieces of art stolen by Germany and Soviet Russia during IIWW.

[@vasili1207]

Americans have got it then

[@More_Row]

Germany still hasn't recovered either btw.

[@yuppy1967]

Sounds more like our friends the Bolsheviks have it now. Also, what is the difference between conquered art and looted art?

[@juststeve5542]

@@More_Row I wouldn't say that, 4th highest GDP in the world behind USA, China and Japan.

[@jwenting]

@@vasili1207 nope, still in Soviet archives and store rooms, never to be returned.

[@Twisted_utopia]

Mark, thank you for your work. All of these videos are top notch. Well done

[@alfredleadbeaterjr.6053]

I used to drive by there a lot and have been inside but only knew the history of it's creation. You have filled in the blanks with a fascinating look at things. Thanks.

[@fortis3686]

Don’t you just love it when your childhood movies have some hint of truth behind them? I am of course referring to Indiana Jones, specifically the Nazi’s obsession with finding treasure

[@gsr4535]

Mark, you do a great job with these video shorts. Entertaining, informative, educational. Keep up the good work!

[@brucebello9892]

Another great video Mark, well done!

[@Mike-tg7dj]

You're right they don't mention that history at that castle. It's mainly Bavarian history and how Ludwig was so infatuated with Wagner's operas. It would be interesting to research the death of Ludwig it seems that Ludwig was found dead, drowned in a local lake. It is also interesting to note that shortly after that Bavaria fell in as a state in the newly formed German Empire led by the Junkers of Prussia. Everyone else fell in line with the new German state. I don't know if this happened but it's interesting to think about. I've been to that castle by the way.

[@johnk4437]

Once again I'm outstanding bit of World War II history! I did not know that the SS had actually met and discussed a plan to blow up the Mad Bavarian King Ludwig's Castle full of looted Art. Thank God for The Monuments Men and all those who helped them retrieve the legacy of humanity in the form of our greatest artwork.

[@yojop123]

I was there in 2018, and it was mentioned that during the war the castle was used for storage of art.

[@Arkeze]

Quick, informative and precise as always. Love your work Mark.

[@kimosabi860]

Another amazing story. Well done Mark. Thanks

[@ericmcquiston9473]

That's why I watch your video's Mark, because I learn so much that I didn't know. Keep up the great work !

[@aitortilla5128]

Very well made videos. It's important be concise in the youtube era. Usually people only pay attention to the first seconds of a video. It's important to make interesting videos. On the other hand in Spain we don't have that kind of stories. Congrats.

[@jamesjones8957]

I have been to that Castle twice when I was stationed in Germany in the 1980's I it's a beautyplace!!!! Took plenty of pictures!!!

[@GenghisVern]

I had a full size poster of this castle on my wall for 10 years lol. Never knew any of this.

[@tuduloo7799]

Must have been quite a big wall.

[@davidb6576]

@@tuduloo7799 His wall was part of another castle.

[@cagrangersealninja3720]

Visited while stationed in Germany. Beautiful

[@duanequam7709]

I was there in 1989 and I wasn't aware nor did anyone speak of it's possible destruction then. Very little was spoken of the war at that time. Just a magnificent place. It should be on everyone's bucket list.

[@rayd6537]

Another great video Dr. Felton

[@nikshmenga]

2:19 Van Gogh 2:27 Dali

[@tywinlannister8015]

I knew about these fellows and when they made a movie about them I was kind of hyped wondering how Clooney, Damon, Dujardin and all these great actors would portray the legacy of these monuments men. I was rather surprised Neuchwenstein Castle didn't make the cut since well, along with the mine it's where they got most off the loot back. And similarly, both these places weren't torched against the explicit orders of the Nero Decree because both times the officer in charge chose to disobey. It is a good thing these men had the sense to preserve our cultural heritage.

[@bowllulu]

Neuschwanstein Castle was featured in THE MONUMENT MEN.

[@glenesis]

Humanity within the Same, an all too rare thing indeed. Great documentary. Thanks for making. Thanks for sharing.

[@hamishneilson7140]

Hey Mark, I just watched your video about the Weather Station Kurt in Canada here and how it's now in the Ottawa war museum. Super cool, and I'm going to go back just to check that out because I probably over looked it because of the "Canadian Coast Guard" camouflage (or whatever it said on them). If you ever want footage or images from the War Museum give me a shout! I have free admission as a military member and I'm always looking for an excuse to go there.

[@Lerxstification]

You are correct. I've been there 4 times and had never heard of the WW2 art story. Bravo!

[@jmartin9785]

Fantastic Video! Great story! Amazed that the fanatically devoted to Hitler Nazi didn’t blow it up! Interesting proposition there! Thanks for that Jewel , Mark! You sure speak German great, and your narration is first class!!👍

[@mihaitihi6180]

Ohh mannnn! this chanell is so underrated!! Well done man!!

[@joeschlotthauer840]

Best six and half minutes of my day...

[@MrSnowford]

Great video, so glad I found it and your channel. I was fortunate as a teen to visit Neuschwanstein during a trip to Europe, had no idea it had so much WW2 History.

[@MirrorPeakFM]

This channel is so good! Love stories like this one.

[@angelazavala5315]

Bravo!! Great episode! 👏 *Standing applaud*

[@Jacobi.G]

Wow! I’ve visited this castle, but they never mentioned anything about it’s history in WWII. That’s really cool!

[@buzsalmon]

Excellent video. All of your work is very much appreciated. I am always learning more thanks to you.

[@edalder2000]

This is why I subscribed. Outstanding!!

[@brockbayley5279]

damn I'm early Great content as usual, keep up with it!

[@darrenmcdonald5373]

Really loving these video's,the narrator is very good,never loose interest.

[@ShawnaGraham50]

Beautiful castle I’ve been to it twice while stationed in Germany. Was a wedding gift for his wife. One hell of a wedding gift. Nothing is more mysterious then the Amber Room! Do a video on the Amber Room

[@Timotheus157]

Fascinating! Thank you very much. By knowing the true events of this historical period one can properly find ways to avoid bad actions and embrace good actions.

[@krzysztofwaleska]

True. That knowledge is not commonly known. Great work! I recently discovered your chanel and I'm very impressed!

[@spavatch]

I've been to Schloss Neuschwanstein last summer. I had no idea of this intriguing chapter of its history!

[@julmdamaslefttoe3559]

been a while since you uploaded great work

[@mikesands4681]

I really appreciated you sharing this story and video footage. I'll visit next time I am near garmisch.

[@danter.8715]

Very interesting video.I live in Bavaria and never visited Neuschwanstein.In todays Bavaria Ludwig II is (sadly) more a mascot for this part of germany than a real person that lived once.

[@Aleksandar_M]

Excellent work Mark!

[@the-primered-thumb]

Been to this castle as a member of BAOR, no mention of its wartime history at all 😉👍

[@twobins2060]

My daughter visited this castle last year and was unaware of its war history

[@stevenconnolly7907]

King Ludwig also has/had another impressive castle right outside Munchen actually near Dachau. It's grounds and opulance are examples of the royalty that existed at the time. It is said that Ludwig had a strange obsession with horses and could be found riding horses around his castles at strange hours. Both of his castles were saved from destruction by the strategic bombing survey by delicate negotiations between Whermacht senior officers and allied representatives, I'd question the role of the SS.

[@Democratsrock]

There was a movie made about this in 2014, The Monuments Men.

[@gtate135]

You are correct, I was there in 2012 and was told nothing about it’s WW2 history! Beautiful castle by the way and country

[@robw3027]

Great video- well done. Free standing comment- despite appropriate respect for the SS, I never cease to be amazed at end of war situations in which it appears SS units failed to carry out clear orders as they seemed to "disagree" with them. "My Honour is(was or called) Loyalty".

[@markstafford6357]

I was there about ten years ago and didn't know about any of this ! Thank you .

[@nicholaswilson7734]

Loved the footage of the GI’s riding the tank

[@chrisparker8235]

I've been to Neuschwanstein twice and never knew any of this. I watched the movie and thought they made it up coz the castle looked so cool.

[@Shwonkz]

wow, ive been to Neuschwanstein, but never even knew about this. It's amazing the lengths the Germans will go to not to mention anything about nazi germany or that time period. Quite sad really.

[@JRCinKY]

First in line today! Great informative video

[@nickwood804]

Great video much enjoyed. Thank you!

[@willzest]

Visited this amazing castle last October and its hinterland ,this part of history wasn't mentioned by the tour guide ;)

[@thestonedabbot9551]

Really speaks to the effect that dehumanizing propaganda has on the mind when you can order a guy to carry out the murder of tens of millions and he'll enthusiastically and methodically do it, but then tell that same guy to burn a pile of paintings and he utterly refuses to do it

[@StangQuest94]

Always epic videos! Wasn’t this castle from the clip art in the History Channel’s Hunting Hitler?

[@docharley4535]

Mr. Sherlock Felton reveals Neuschwanstein's true heritage ;-) honestly: great historian work - thank you!

[@kvdodenburg2031]

Brilliant as always, thank you Mark.

[@Gods2ndFavoriteBassPlyr]

FASCINATING presentation. Had NO idea!

[@brittakriep2938]

My father, born 1938, told me, the first american soldier he saw pointed a pistol to him, his brother, his sister, his mother, grandmother and another woman and shouted: Wo Ring, wo Gold? (German,wo'- english,where'/ german,Gold'- english,gold'/ german ,Ring'-english ,ring'). I am sure the soldier was one of this heroic amercan soldiers seen in every war movie.

[@daveyinsc]

What is the point of your story?