Europa-Park’s newest attraction has officially opened its doors: The “Castello dei Medici” has replaced the legendary Geisterschloss in the Italian-themed area, and since July 25th, visitors have been immersed in a dark tale of revenge and ghostly apparitions. Originally, only a renovation of the Geisterschloss was planned, but the creativity of the team led to a complete transformation. Under the leadership of construction manager Julien Lauffenburger and designer Pierre Nelli, the old Geisterschloss was reimagined as the Castello dei Medici, preserving its original charm while offering new and captivating experiences.
A Renovation Rooted in Tradition and Innovation
The Geisterschloss, a fixture in the Italian-themed area since 1982, was completely dismantled during the winter break in January 2024 to make way for the new Castello dei Medici. Special care was taken to preserve iconic elements like the Animatronics, which have thrilled visitors for decades. Europa-Park’s team collaborated closely with Bavaria Studios to incorporate state-of-the-art film technology and special effects into the new attraction.
Following in the footsteps of Lorenzo de Medici
The centerpiece of the Castello dei Medici is a ride in small gondolas through the eerie palace of Lorenzo de Medici. Visitors experience Lorenzo’s revenge against the Pazzi family firsthand, accompanied by ghostly voices and chilling creatures. The atmosphere is further enhanced by detailed designs inspired by real historical locations from the region around Europa-Park. The windows from the train station in Lahr are replicated in the banquet scene, and the ballroom is modeled after a Neo-Renaissance façade near Offenburg station.
Favorite Scenes and Technical Masterpieces
Pierre Nelli and Julien Lauffenburger, the creative minds behind the new attraction, each have their favorite scenes: Nelli is particularly proud of the mirror scene, where characters appear to follow visitors, while Lauffenburger is especially impressed with the “Descent into Hell.” These and many other scenes make the Castello dei Medici an unforgettable experience and a new highlight at Europa-Park.
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