The most interesting castles in the world. The most beautiful and famous castles in Europe. Prague Castle, Czech Republic
This fairy-tale castle is the historical domain of Prussian kings and German emperors. It was built during the Middle Ages, in the 11th century, then was completely destroyed in 1423 and rebuilt in 1461. The castle is located on the top of the Hohenzollern mountain, about 50 kilometers south of Stuttgart, the capital of Baden-Württemberg.
Castle Howard, England
Even though the building looks like a castle, Howard is actually just luxury home is the private residence of the Howard family, who have lived there for over 300 years. This house is located in North Yorkshire, and is one of the largest residences in the UK. Its construction began at the end of the 17th century and lasted about 15 years. The castle is surrounded by fabulous gardens, as well as endless spacious meadows.
Alcazar in Segovia, Spain
The Castle of Segovia, located in central Spain, was originally (in the 12th century) used as a fortress. Externally, the Alcazar resembles the bow of a ship - a unique feature that distinguishes it from other castles. It served as the inspiration for many of the castles in Walt Disney films.
Himeji Castle, Japan
Himeji Castle, also known as White Heron Castle, is magnificent white complex, consisting of 83 wooden buildings. One of the castle's most extraordinary defenses is the spiral labyrinth with many dead ends leading to the main watchtower. The gates and courtyard of the castle were built in such a way that people entering there would get lost. The castle was built in the 14th century and is located in Kansai, Japan.
Prague Castle, Czech Republic
Prague Castle is one of the largest and oldest castles in the world, and is also a symbol of the capital of the Czech Republic. The length of the castle is 570 meters, width 130 meters. This building represents every architectural style of the last millennium, from Gothic and Romanesque to Baroque. The construction of the very first buildings of the complex dates back to the beginning of the 9th century.
Peles Castle, Romania
Situated in a picturesque location on Carpathian mountains in Romania, Peles Castle is a truly fabulous building. The start of construction dates back to 1873. Workers from different countries. Queen Elizabeth of Romania said: “The Italians were masons, the Romanians built terraces, the gypsies worked as laborers. Albanians and Greeks laid stones, Germans and Hungarians were carpenters. The Turks burned bricks. It was designed by the Poles, the stone carvers were Czechs. The French drew, and the British measured…” Presumably, workers who spoke 14 languages participated in the construction.
Chateau de Chambord, France
It is known that Chambord was used only as a hunting lodge. The view of this castle is quite impressive. Interestingly, the location of this castle was chosen by King Francis I, as he wanted to be closer to his beloved lady, Claude Rohan, whose palace was located next door. The huge castle has 440 rooms, 365 fireplaces and 84 staircases. This is the largest castle in the Loire Valley in France.
Neuschwanstein Castle, Germany
The castle, whose reconstruction began in 1896, was designed by Christian Janck at the request of the Bavarian King Ludwig II, who was declared insane before the castle was completed. This explains a lot. The architecture, location and size of Neuschwanstein are deeply impressive. Situated on a rugged hill in southwest Bavaria, the castle is today one of the most visited tourist sites.
Corfe Castle, England
Even though the ruins are all that remains of Corfe Castle, its fortifications still make a deep impression. The castle, located in Dorset on the Isle of Purbeck, was built in the 9th century. However, there is a possibility that Corpheus could have been built much earlier and could also have served as a defensive structure in the fight against the Romans. The part of the building that can be seen today was reconstructed in the 11th century. Two centuries later, the fortress began to be used as a repository for royal jewels, as well as a prison.
Matsumoto Castle. Japan
The wonderful Matsumoto Castle is located in the city of Matsumoto near Tokyo. The castle was built in 1504 and is a National Treasure of Japan. The castle was inhabited until the mid-19th century. In 1868, during the reign of Emperor Meiji, the building was restored. However, due to the insolvency of the new Japanese government, it was decided to demolish the castle and sell off the wood and iron from which it was built. In those days, this fate befell many castles. Matsumoto was saved local residents, having bought it.
Jeltz Castle, Germany
Jeltz is another of Germany's outstanding castles. This stunning medieval structure in southwest Germany is still owned by the same family who have lived here for over 800 years. Currently, the castle is owned by Count Karl von Jeltz, a representative of the 33rd generation of the family.
Eilean Donan Castle, Scotland
Built in the 13th century during Viking times, today Eilean Donan Castle is one of Scotland's most famous landmarks. The castle was probably named after Bishop Donan, who came to Scotland in the 6th century. The castle is located on an island surrounded by stunning scenery in the Scottish Highlands. The fortress was rebuilt at least 4 times. The castle lay in ruins for about 200 years (from the 18th to the 20th centuries). It was restored in 1932 and since then it has been open to visitors all over the world.
Today we have prepared for you a selection of the most beautiful castles in the world. All these structures were built at a time when no technology like modern technology existed. Nevertheless, these castles amaze us with their beauty, grandeur and original architectural designs. Let's take a look at all these buildings together
The beauty of these castles is beyond doubt, I will just give brief information For each of them there are links to more detailed materials. I have selected the ten most beautiful buildings, and I will start with the 10th place that I have identified in Italy. It rises above the sea at an altitude of 113 meters and covers an area of 56,000 square meters. m. This is one of the most popular castles in Italy, located in a picturesque area, on an island in the middle of the sea. Even if you have reached the island itself, you still have to get to the castle - a mule trail leads here, winding through the rocks to the fortress. For lazy tourists there is an elevator built in the 70s. The elevator shaft is carved directly into the rock, its height is 60 meters 
The citadel of the Aragonese castle took part in many military events and sieges, and since the beginning of the 19th century it has been in a neglected state for a long time. Only at the beginning of the 20th century were restoration work carried out, which continues today. Step by step, this is being restored beautiful castle, attracting tourists from all over the world
Now let's move on to Portugal - here is an equally beautiful castle, De la Pena, or simply Pena, as it is called here. The Pena National Palace clearly demonstrates the old European style of romanticism. Built on a hill in the city of Sintra, on a sunny day the castle is visible even from Lisbon, the capital of Portugal. is a national monument and is one of the main examples of 19th century romanticism. This building is listed Cultural heritage UNESCO and is one of the Seven Wonders of Portugal. The palace is often used for state ceremonies of the Portuguese President and other official events. There are many architectural styles mixed here - neo-Gothic, Islamic style and neo-Renaissance
It is common knowledge that many of the most beautiful castles in the world are located in Germany. One of them is Hohenschwangau. It appeared on the site of an ancient fortress created by knights of the 17th century. During its existence, the castle was extremely damaged during many battles, and during the Napoleonic wars it was completely destroyed. While still crown prince, the future king Maximilian II took possession of these ruins and began to restore the historical structure. Restoration work lasted for 4 years - from 1832 to 1836 
The future famous king Ludwig II was born here. His childhood and early years of life flew by. Social life in its most luxurious manifestations constantly reigned here - receptions, royal balls and large-scale knightly tournaments were held daily. 
Next we go to the other side of the world - to Japan. Classic Japanese architecture is very attractive to tourists, and the castles of Japan are its vivid embodiment. Matsumoto is one of the best historical castles in Japan. It is located in the city of Matsumoto in the Nagano region, which can be easily reached from Tokyo. The castle was completed at the end of the 16th century and is characterized by its original wooden interior and stone exterior. built on a plain, which makes it stand out among other castles in the world 
Matsumoto was built as a fortress during the war. In the year 1550, this area was in the possession of the Takeda and Tokugawa clans. Under their leadership, the main towers of the building were built. Matsumoto is also called Raven Castle because the black walls and roof resemble the wings of a raven. 
There is a famous castle in France. Its Gothic-style monastic buildings were built in the 13th century in the heart of a rocky island in Normandy. This island is named after Saint Michelle, and is located one kilometer from the northern French coast at the mouth of the Couesnon River. Since prehistoric times, the island has been surrounded by a sea that has continued to recede, exposing the coastal strip, for many millions of years. 
The island was originally connected to the mainland through an isthmus, which eventually sank under water. Therefore, Mont Saint Michel became an island, and in 1879 the isthmus was rebuilt into a bridge 
Our next destination is the top of the world, Tibet. Here, in the picturesque area of Lhasa, is located the legendary, named after the mountain of the same name. This castle was the home and residence of the Dalai Lama, and now houses a museum. The structure itself is very grandiose - 400 meters long, 350 meters wide, and the walls are 3 to 5 meters thick. The foundation is made of copper to prevent damage from earthquakes. The Potala contains approximately 1,000 rooms, more than 10,000 temples and 200,000 statues. The height of the palace is approximately 117 meters. The peak is called Marpo Ri, which means red hill 
So we’ve reached the top three most beautiful castles in the world. In third place is located in Wilhelmsholl Park. It is also called the Lion's Castle. Built by William IX, the castle was designed by a royal architect named Heinrich Christophe, an experienced builder who specialized in similar structures in France, Italy, and England. 
This castle is also one of the first neo-Gothic buildings in Germany. There are many rooms and bridges at the back of the buildings, and a tower at the front. There is a gorgeous park around it, also designed by Heinrich. The park is called the Disneyland of its century - it looks very fabulous 
In neighboring Poland there is an equally beautiful castle -. Built in 1274 during Prussian rule, this brick castle is located on the Nogat River. The castle, also called Malbork, was expanded several times by the owner and became largest building Gothic style in Europe 
The castle consists of three separate sections, the top, middle, and base, separated by a dry moat and towers. The building could accommodate up to 3,000 troops, occupying 210,000 square meters in area, which is 4 times larger than Windsor Castle. Second World War destroyed almost half of the building, but the worst damage was caused by a fire in 1959. In 1962, Marienburg was restored.
So, we come to the first place. It is generally accepted that the most beautiful and famous castle in the world is. The castle was built in the 19th century in southern Bavaria by Ludwig II of Bavaria. Although tourists are not allowed inside, the castle remains the main attraction of Bavaria, and the most popular destination among foreign tourists. Every year approximately 1.3 million visitors arrive here, especially in the summer, with up to 6,000 per day. The image of this castle was often used in Disney cartoons - it is very beautiful 
I told you only about the most beautiful castles in my opinion. On the pages of Lifeglobe you can find information about almost any palace in the world
The best way to create an exciting trip for yourself is to complement it with unique history and architectural beauty by visiting the most beautiful castles in Europe. The fairy tale environment will take you to another world, the world of medieval castles. This selection includes 10 European castles, each of which has an unprecedented architectural style, as well as a rich history. For example, the world's most famous Neuschwanstein Castle in Germany is an amazing historical and cultural treasure that is surrounded by a unique fairy-tale landscape. Separate articles have already been written about most of these structures; by following the links in the collection you will find a lot of additional material.
1. Neuschwanstein Castle, Germany
3. Brodick Castle, Scotland
Brodick Castle - real historical gem Scotland, located on east coast Isles of Arran. The entire area around the castle is covered in country park, and during your scenic walk through the picturesque castle gardens you will be amazed by the green trees and meadows. The castle, which was built in the 16th century, captivates with its reddish hues, large windows and mighty towers. Read also about other castles in Scotland in a separate selection.
4. Bran Castle, Romania
8. Marienburg Castle, Poland
Marienburg Castle is one of the largest castles in the world, located along the banks of the Nogat River in Poland. Malbork was built by the Teutons in the early 15th century, when it was the world's largest brick castle. The castle is impressive with its medieval architecture, with the predominant colors being red.
9. Spis Castle in Slovakia
In the heart of eastern Slovakia lies another impressive addition to Europe's largest and most famous castles. This is the spectacular Spis Castle, built in the 12th century and famous for its white color, Romanesque architectural style, as well as numerous Gothic elements. Since Spiš Castle is located at an elevation of more than 600 meters, from its top you can enjoy an incredible panoramic perspective.
10. Palace of Versailles
The Chateau de Versailles amazes with its gigantic area. And even if this is not exactly a castle, it still closes the top ten on our list. Versailles is one of the most famous architectural complexes in France, which is located in southwestern Paris. Among the attractions of Paris, this is one of the most visited places.
Many of us love history and enjoy watching historical films, be they feature films or documentaries. We want to know how people used to live, what they did, etc. Particularly interesting is the mysterious era of the Middle Ages, an integral part of which were knights and, of course, castles.
So, we present to your attention some of the most beautiful objects history - famous castles of Europe.
1. Neuschwanstein Castle, Germany
Neuschwanstein Castle is located in southernmost Germany, near the border with Austria. The castle itself stands majestically on a green hill, high above the village of Hohenschwangau and Lake Alpsi. Neuschwanstein Castle is one of many historical landmarks that dot the area, but its grandeur and architectural style set it apart from the others. Built at the end of the 19th century, this is one of the most famous European castles. There is something to admire here not only from the outside, but also from the inside. Be sure to visit Neuschwanstein during your trip to Germany.
2. Peles Castle, Romania
Peles Castle is nestled in the beautiful green hills of the Carpathian Mountains in central Romania. During a trip to the small but picturesque mountain village of Sinaia, you will be captivated by the impressive architecture of the castle, dating back to the Neo-Renaissance era. Built at the beginning of the 20th century, the castle is now one of the greatest historical attractions in Romania. Inside, you will be stunned by the abundance of lavish collections of armor, weapons, artwork and other interesting items.
3. Brodick Castle, Scotland
Brodick Castle is a real historical gem of Scotland, located on the east coast of the Isle of Arran. The entire area around the castle is covered in country park, and during your scenic walk through the picturesque castle gardens you will be amazed by the green trees and meadows. The castle, which was built in the 16th century, captivates with its reddish hues, large windows and mighty towers. Read also about other castles in Scotland in a separate selection.
4. Bran Castle, Romania
Bran Castle is located in the heart of the country, and is known for its beautiful location. The structure is nestled in the green mountain hills and picturesque villages, the white colors of the facades against the background of the red colored domes and roof provide a mystical accent to the entire local atmosphere. Indeed, Bran Castle is filled with mysticism and symbolism, also known as Dracula's Castle. All local legends are, in one way or another, connected with Count Dracula.
5. Lincoln Castle, England
Lincoln Castle is located in the heart of the village of Lincoln in England. This 11th century structure is definitely worth a visit during your trip to North East England. Lincoln Castle is unique. Within the fortified walls you can explore interesting buildings and a courtyard. It is now used as a museum that offers a unique historical experience. Read more about the castles of England in a separate collection on LifeGlobe.
6. Eltz Castle, Germany
Eltz Castle is one of the most picturesque in western Germany. it stands high above a hill, surrounded by the waters of a stream that flows into the neighboring Moselle River. The castle was built in the 12th century, with a distinctive Romanesque architectural style, with many Baroque and Gothic decorations. If you want to fully immerse yourself in the charm of its historical heritage, go inside and explore the interior. There you can find a complex network of rooms that can say much more about Eltz. Read also about other castles in Germany in a separate article.
7. Mont-Saint-Michel Castle, France
This is one of the most famous castles in France. Mont Saint Michel is located on a rocky island along the coast of Normandy. The construction history of this castle dates back to the 6th century, when it was used mainly for military purposes due to its unique strategic location. The rocky island was connected to the mainland through a tiny and narrow bridge, which was completely submerged due to strong currents. Thus, the fortress was almost inaccessible, but now it is one of the most visited historical sites in France.
8. Marienburg Castle, Poland
Marienburg Castle is one of the largest castles in the world, located along the banks of the Nogat River in Poland. Malbork was built by the Teutons in the early 15th century, when it was the world's largest brick castle. The castle is impressive with its medieval architecture, with the predominant colors being red.
9. Spis Castle in Slovakia
In the heart of eastern Slovakia lies another impressive addition to Europe's largest and most famous castles. This is the spectacular Spis Castle, built in the 12th century and famous for its white color, Romanesque architectural style, as well as numerous Gothic elements. Since Spiš Castle is located at an elevation of more than 600 meters, from its top you can enjoy an incredible panoramic perspective.
10. Palace of Versailles, France
The Chateau de Versailles amazes with its gigantic area. And even if this is not exactly a castle, it still closes the top ten on our list. Versailles is one of the most famous architectural complexes in France, which is located in southwestern Paris. Among the attractions of Paris, this is one of the most visited places.
Beautiful ancient castles have always been of particular tourist interest. Their enchanting grandeur, different styles and rich, interesting and no less misterious story attract everyone's attention. The following are the most beautiful castles in the world, which will be very interesting to learn about.
1. Neuschwanstein
The fabulous Neuschwanstein can easily be called the most beautiful castle in the world. It is located in Germany, in the picturesque surroundings of Southwestern Bavaria. Neuschwanstein was built according to the design of Ludwig II. Construction of the castle took almost two decades, but was never completed. The entire room is built in the Gothic style, only the third floor, the completion of which never took place, deviates slightly from the general style. It was this building that became the prototype for the construction of Sleeping Beauty Castle at Disneyland. Neuschwanstein Castle is in great demand among tourists, because its mysterious atmosphere is truly mesmerizing.
2. Hluboka Castle
Next on the list is the beautiful Hluboka Castle, built in the 13th century in pseudo-Gothic style. It is located in the southern Czech Republic and is one of the most visited attractions in the country. Initially, the castle was built as defensive structure, however, despite its long “military career”, it has been perfectly preserved to this day and now serves as an adornment of the Czech Republic. Tourists visiting Hluboka Castle unanimously say that when you see this beautiful building, you will definitely know the real meaning of the words “like in a fairy tale.” Excursions take place along various routes, each of them is filled with an interesting program, where you can learn as much as possible interesting information about the construction, secrets and real operation of the castle.
3. Hohenzollern
Germany is a country known for its incredibly beautiful medieval castles. One of them was Hohenzollern. The ancient castle-fortress in Baden-Württemberg enchants with its mystery. Located on a picturesque hill, it attracts visiting tourists. Initially, the building belonged to the German emperors and was supposed to perform defensive functions. Hohenzollern Castle was built in the style of medieval romanticism and delights everyone who sets foot on its territory. On average, a tourist spends about an hour here; a guided tour or alone is possible. In addition, free books written in the tourist’s language are handed out at the entrance.
4. Chambord
Chambord is the most beautiful castle in France. It was built during the Renaissance, so the main style of the building is architectural revival. This project became one of the largest constructions of this era, which already sets the castle apart from others. Throughout its rich history, the Chateau de Chambord has served as housing, a hospital, a chemical laboratory, and is now operated as a museum. Interesting design, rich interior, picturesque surroundings - all this attracts tourists, and for more than one century Chambord Castle has been recognized as one of the most beautiful on the planet!
5. Windsor Castle
Windsor Castle is the residence of British monarchs in the city of Windsor. A mixture of styles such as Gothic, Victorian and Georgian create an incredible structure that will delight you. Every day this beautiful medieval castle is visited by hundreds of tourists who are completely delighted with what they see. Guide services or special literature are available, which tell in detail about the owners of all times. Very interesting fact is also the fact that in 1992 the castle suffered a major fire that damaged most territory, but the builders managed to completely restore the entire damaged area.
6. Chillon Castle
In Switzerland, on the shores of Lake Geneva, the beautiful Chillon Castle is located, surrounded by picturesque nature. One of the features of the castle is that it is divided into 25 elements, differing from each other in the time of construction. As for the exact date and initiator of the construction of the castle, the sources are blurry. Some believe that the castle appeared in the 10th century, but some archaeologists claim that its first mention appeared in the eighth century. In the 14th century, the castle was used as a prison, but during the plague, the sick and infidels were exiled here. Centuries and centuries passed, and in the 19th century, Chillon Castle was equipped as a museum, which is still visited by hundreds of tourists to this day.
7. Ashford
In one of the most mysterious and mystical countries- Ireland - there is a very beautiful Ashford Castle, built by the ancient Berk family. In the 19th century, the castle's owners changed and rebuilt it to suit their tastes, adding several Victorian-style buildings and developing the surrounding garden. At the beginning of the 20th century, the building changed hands again, who decided to add a golf course and double the castle's territory. By the end of the 20th century, Ashford was taken over by a group of investors who turned it into a castle hotel in the 21st century. In 2013, the owners changed again. After several innovations, Ashford Castle has been voted the best 5 star hotel in Ireland.
8. Himeji
Japan has always been famous for its interesting architectural monuments, made in its own individual style. Himeji Castle, which is included in the list of the most beautiful castles in the world, was no exception. In 1993, the monument was included in the UNESCO World Heritage List. Almost the entire building is made of wood. Yours interesting name- “Castle of the White Heron” - Himeji received it for a reason. Tourists, and even local residents, personify the castle with a white bird, which it may appear to be like if you look at it from afar. Himeji does not stand out at all against the background of the surrounding nature. However, the history of the castle is not at all as calm as one might assume. During the war, American shells fell around, but fortunately did not hit the beautiful architectural creation.
9. Alcazar (Segovia)
Spain is a country whose history has left many beautiful castles of the Middle Ages. One of the most delightful is the Alcazar Palace in the city of Segovia. Initially, it was used as a fortress for the defense of the city, but in the mid-20th century it was decided to open a museum inside, which would tell visiting tourists about rich history the castle, its owners and important events. These days, the Alcazar is the most visited castle in Spain. 11 halls are open to tourists, Observation deck, which offers an incredibly picturesque view and one tower. In one of the halls you can see an old painting, the only one that was saved after a major fire in the 19th century.
10. Frederiksborg
