A German sculptor from Wendeburg in Lower Saxony has dedicated the past ten years of his life to creating an incredibly detailed replica of the famous Neuschwanstein Castle. Thomas Doneis has been meticulously carving his masterpiece from what was originally a massive 21-ton sandstone block, creating a faithful reproduction at a 1:62 scale that is now nearly complete.

The ambitious project has consumed more than 30,000 hours of Doneis's time, during which he has painstakingly recreated every architectural detail of the iconic Bavarian castle. His replica includes over 500 individual windows and an astounding 800 columns and turrets, each carefully carved to match the original structure. The sculptor continues to work up to 16 hours per day, fine-tuning every detail to ensure historical accuracy.

The intensive nature of his work has come at a significant personal cost to the artist's health. Doneis reports that constant inhalation of quartz sand dust during the carving process has resulted in lung disease, highlighting the physical toll of his dedication to the project. Despite these health challenges, he remains committed to completing his artistic vision.

Once the sculpture is finished, Doneis plans to sell his remarkable creation for 11 million euros. However, his vision extends beyond mere profit – he hopes the artwork will find a permanent home in a public space where it can be accessible to everyone. "For everyone to access, so that everyone can enjoy it," Doneis explained, expressing his desire for the piece to serve the broader community rather than disappearing into a private collection.

The project represents not only an extraordinary feat of artistic skill and endurance but also a testament to one man's dedication to preserving and celebrating architectural heritage through art. As Doneis puts the finishing touches on his decade-long labor of love, the art world awaits to see where this magnificent replica will ultimately find its home.