What is a castle? If you want to hear one answer, you are not here! The castle is a multifaceted facets, each of which overshadows the second ... This is a beautiful, ancient and impregnable building, from the walls of which the princesses looked out for their princes. And the stones that remember the warmth of every summer day and the cold kisses of winter ... several centuries in a row. And, yes - the castle is a story of the past, clearly told in modern times. Still - memory, beauty, grandeur, walls covered with moss, secret stories and high towers!
Ancient castles are history, a living heritage of the past for you and me! We invite you on a journey around the world, from one castle to the second! We have prepared for you an article about the best and most beautiful castles in the world according to most-beauty.ru!
The most beautiful castles on the planet:
1
Alcazar of Segovia
Location: Segovia, Spain.
The most remarkable, amazing and filled with historical past Spanish monument is the Alcazar of Segovia. The Moors laid the first stones of the fortress in the 11th century, but even earlier the ancient Romans chose this place for their military fortifications. Over time, the stone palace grew and turned into a beautiful residence of the royal family. King Philip II gave a modern look to the building, which added pointed towers to the overall picture of the fortress.
Crowds of tourists are currently visiting Alcazar to touch the history and feel the breath of the past. The stone fortress has turned into a museum and amazes its guests with eleven magnificent halls.
2
Aragon castle
Location: Italy, Ischia island.
The ancient landmark of Ischia, the Aragonese castle, impresses with its views, beauty, shape and secrets. The castle connected the past and the present, surprise and happiness, greatness and beauty. It is this amazing castle, the first stone of which was laid in 474 BC, the most visited attraction in Italy.
The walls of the castle seem to break out of the rock, gracefully dissecting the sky. The views from the castle-museum are really charming, but the castle inside is no less beautiful. Ancient murals, majestic temples, amazing gardens, an ancient prison, art gallery - everything needs attention! Rather, go!
3
Guaita Tower
Location: San Marino.
Prima Torre or Guaita Tower is the pride of San Marino. The first and oldest tower literally grew out of the mountain and hung over the abyss. It was built in the 11th century for defensive purposes, but later it served as a prison. The environment of the tower has two rings of strong walls, which served as reliable protection for the watch tower.
Today, the Guaita Tower is the pride of the city and a meeting place for many tourists. The views from the tower are incomparable, and Italy is clearly visible on a sunny day. Inside the fortress tower is the historical museum of San Marino. Tourists can also hear loud shots with blank charges coming from the bastions of the fortress.
4
Pena Palace
Location: Portugal, Sintra.
Medieval romance, which is imbued with the Pena Palace in Portugal, explodes the mind and excites the soul. This is the most beautiful, unusual and fabulously beautiful palace in the world. The palace has become a cultural icon of Portugal, to see which hundreds of tourists come daily.
The appearance of the colorful palace with bright facades is a mixture of Islamic motifs, neo-Gothic and Neo-Renaissance. Inside the Pena Palace, part-time summer residence of the kings, is generously filled with original elements, rich decoration and majestic beauty. Copper dishes froze in the kitchen, a tapestry and a large bed sleep in the bedroom, a red pouf awaits in the hall ... and the green softness of garden alleys ... everything awaits guests.
5
Potala Palace
Location: Lhasa, Tibet Autonomous Region, China.
What to tell about the Potala Palace in Tibet? This is the tallest castle palace in the world! This is the emblem and symbol of Tibet and Lhasa! This is a unique monument of ancient Tibetan architecture! This palace is on the UNESCO World Heritage List ... All this is wonderful, but a simple tourist does not see external pomp and title, he sees internal beauty, energy and feels the mysterious attraction of Potala.
The halls of the palace tell fascinating stories through drawings, libraries replete with ancient sacred texts, jewelry made of precious stones remember the touch of the master, and sacrificial supplies make you think and look to the frescoes on the walls. Here is history, religion and beliefs, here is the soul of the Buddhist religion.
6
Aze le Rideau Castle
Location: near Tours, France.
In the beautiful Loire Valley, amidst calm waters and a luxurious park, the most visited castle by tourists - Azay-le-Rideau, is harmoniously inscribed. The creation of the period of the French Renaissance seemed to have descended from the pages of an old fairy tale, because the harmony, warmth and tranquility prevailing around the castle surprise both the first time and after the 10th visit.
Tourists without fail visit the romantic castle, so loudly described by Honore de Balzac in his work. The great genius of the pen called the Azele-le-Rideau castle “a diamond inserted into the rim of the Indre River”. This diamond attracts guests today, surprises with its chic appearance and unique museum exhibits hidden inside. Must visit to understand and feel.
And about the 10 most popular medieval castles in France on most-beauty.ru there is a very fascinating article.
7
Balmoral Castle
Location: Aberdeenshire, Scotland.
Balmoral Castle is a young Scottish castle. The building is no more than 150 years old, but it is known throughout the country, because it is here that in the summer the royal family rests. Only one tower can boast of resemblance to a real castle, everything else looks more like a summer cottage.
The architectural style of the castle is very energetic, truly baronial. Every detail is thought out and expertly executed, and the beauty of the mountain landscape, river and forest complement the overall picture of exquisite beauty.
8
Bran Castle
Location: Bran, Romania.
It all started at the end of the XIV century, when the inhabitants of the city of Brasov built an impregnable Bran castle on a high rock. For the construction of the castle, the inhabitants of the city were exempted from taxes for many centuries, and the city received an excellent strategic and defensive object. The story would stop there, but the castle fort of unusual beauty was chosen by Vlad III the Impaler, aka Dracula.
So the castle house of Dracula has become the most popular tourist destination in Transylvania. Crowds of people driven by the terrible legend of vampires come here to hear terrifying screams in the labyrinths of the castle and to smell the fresh smell of blood. And is it really so - decide for yourself. But Romania receives a decent income, while the chilling legend is alive.
9
Valle Castle
Location: Zealand, Denmark.
Vallø Castle in Denmark is the beauty of architectural forms and inner fullness, unusual for this kind of building. The fact is that for many centuries the castle belonged exclusively to women ... either the king’s wife, then his mistress, or the queen herself. Such a feature was reflected both in the structure itself and in the rumors surrounding the castle. Femininity, warmth, compassion are felt today around the castle. And the interior is hidden from prying eyes, because women still live in the castle.
Outwardly, the fortress is made of red brick with two massive and different-shaped towers. One tower is round in shape and the second is square. In addition, two unusual towers surround many smaller turrets, with attics and spiers. What a beauty!
10
Hohenzollern Castle
Location: Baden-Wurttemberg, Germany.
It's time to visit the clouds! That's what tourists say when they come closer to the castle of unearthly beauty in Germany. Hohenzollern Castle was built in the XI century on top of the Swabian Alb. The castle in the clouds easily follows the contours of the mountain, rising higher and higher into the sky. A beautiful architectural ensemble, a rich history and the beauty of the views that open up - this is why tourists seek here.
Today, Hohenzollern Castle is included in all the top selections of the most beautiful castles in the world. It is open to the public for a year. Tourists are not allowed to photograph the rich decoration of the castle, but you can visit the dungeon, admire rare masterpieces of culture and enjoy the beauty of German history, which every stone of the cloud castle tells here.
11
Dublin castle
Location: Dublin, Ireland.
Dublin Castle, by right, is considered one of the largest architectural complexes of the Irish capital. A huge, stately, a little incomprehensible, but always attractive castle tells the history of the country from the earliest times to the present. The external image of the castle is not quite ordinary, because every era of history added new styles to the facade of the building. Therefore, tourists are met by a round tower, bright buildings, sharp spiers and rectangular buildings. Dublin Castle is often used by city authorities for official events.
The external unusualness of the castle is replaced by internal content, which exactly repeats the life of the royal family. Refined, chic, beautiful and expensive ... all on a tour!
12
Bodiam Castle
Location: Robertsbridge, England.
Ah Bodiam, beautiful Bodiam! The still waters of the Rother River, with mute reverence and admiration, gaze at the majestic castle with powerful walls and round towers.
Bodiam Castle is a fairly young castle, it barely turned 500 years old. But, floating on the water and drowning in parkland, the beautiful castle attracts the eyes and romantic thoughts. A huge giant, with light gray and traces of old age, surrounded by greenery, water and one bridge - an amazing and exciting landscape in East Sussex.
13
Osaka Castle
Location: Osaka, Japan.
Osaka Castle is the largest samurai castle with a total area of one square kilometer, the history of which began in 1585. This grandiose construction changed the course of Japanese history. Under the castle, a huge mound of stone hiding three underground floors of the building. The five outer floors look especially magnificent during the sakura blossom.
The internal beauty of the castle is slightly inferior to the external, because almost nothing remained of the former greatness. But there is an elevator, many museum exhibits and modernized exhibitions with video accompaniment. In Osaka, the connection between the past and the present is clearly visible, which makes visiting the castle amazing and unforgettable.
14
Conwy Castle
Location: Conwy, United Kingdom.
In North Wales, there is a medieval castle of stunning beauty - Conwy Castle. The stone giant is the creation of King Edward the First. The long walls of the castle are decorated with tall towers, of which there are already 21! All towers are ideally located precisely and equal distances between them, which gives the castle a finished and neat look.
The original mission of the huge castle was defensive. For this, 400 firing positions were designed. Today, this beauty is open to tourists and connoisseurs of the beautiful heritage of the past. Only in such a place is it audibly audible how the story tells, not people.
15
Korf Castle
Location: County Dorset, England.
The most famous castle in the history of England was the mystical and mysterious castle of Corf. The mystery, complemented by the beauty of architecture that is observed every day by the inhabitants of the village of Corfe, is so powerful that once you see the ruins of the castle, you involuntarily want to touch its secrets again and again.
The castle is known not only for its turbulent bloody history and for the many victims tortured here. Today he is still continuing his terrible life. According to the stories of many tourists, the spirits of deceased people make strange rustles, sounds and moans that are clearly audible at night. Do not believe? Check it out for yourself!
16
Levenburg Castle
Location: Kassel, Germany.
The magnificent castle of Leuvenburg in the city of Kassel is an aristocrat to the last stone. To create this masterpiece of architecture, I had to go to England to get acquainted with the local romantic castles.
The end of the 17th century in Germany, when the castle was built, was a stage of admiration for ancient romantic buildings, which was effectively reflected in every centimeter of castle architecture. It is this admiration for the Middle Ages that was reflected in the design of the Lion Castle, as Levenbur is often called today. The neo-Gothic style of the castle is truly beautiful and magnificent, attracts admiring glances and crowds of tourists. All rooms of the castle are open for inspection, only the tomb of William IX, located on the territory of Levenburg, is closed to visitors. Greatness, beauty, style ... everything is here!
17
Linderhof Castle
Location: Ettal, Germany.
The Bavarian king Ludwig II was fond of legends, beautiful fairy tales and romantic stories. This fascination grew from admiration into construction and found a way out in the architecture of Linderhof Castle. The magic castle, saturated with fairytale spirit, amazes with the artistry of the landscape and elegance. He is graceful, pompous, rich and magnificent! Tourists called the creation of the king little Versailles, surrounded by the Alps and magnificent garden alleys.
Each hall is a master’s creation, the color palette is a scattering of rich shades, the atmosphere is travels to a fairy tale. Of the three castles of Ludwig II, only Linderhof was completed during the life of the king and became his favorite solitude. Luxurious and truly fabulous privacy!
18
Marienburg Castle
Location: Marienburg, Poland.
The medieval giant of brick, Marienburg Castle is the standard of architectural Gothic. The unique and largest castle in the world covers an area of 20 hectares! Three magnificent castles in a single ensemble, complemented by thick walls and bold architectural solutions - this is Marienburg. The variety of elements used in the decor is unlimited, and the grace of each of them makes you forget about all the words ... and silently admire the power and beauty of a huge castle in Poland.
Today, the handsome giant Marienburg welcomes guests as a museum and delights them with a variety of events, interesting fights and its history of 700 years.
19
Matsumoto Castle
Location: Matsumoto, Japan.
Matsumoto Castle in Japan recently celebrated 500 years of existence. Being one of the most beautiful and unusual castles in the country, this building is striking in its external forms and internal secrets. The Japanese themselves call the ancient building poetically - Raven Castle. Also found is the name Fukami.
Matsumoto Castle is located in a swampy area, which is surprising for Japan. The magnificent building is surrounded by a charming sakura and chrysanthemum garden. Inside, the breath of the past is clearly audible, a trace of antiquity is visible and it still smells of wood. Thanks to the wooden pillars, the castle-fortress was able to perfectly survive, survive the fire, attacks and earthquakes. Today he is happy to receive guests!
20
Neuschwanstein Castle
Location: Bavaria, Germany.
Want to get into a fairy tale for a while? Then go to Germany to see the Neuschwanstein castle. It is not just fabulously beautiful, but really resembles a toy castle of the Sleeping Beauty. The whole architecture is so amazing that this castle has become a favorite destination for tourists from all over the world.
A long line of tourists is not an obstacle, because inside the castle is saturated with theatrical scenes, Wagner melodies, royal wealth and impeccable taste. Each hall is a separate story in which a fairy tale comes to life and reality recedes. Charming, mysterious and fairytale castle invites you to travel! Most-beauty.ru highly recommends visiting this place for tourists who find themselves in Bavaria or nearby!
21
Peles Castle
Location: near the city of Sinaia, Romania.
Romania does not cease to please tourists, because Peles Castle is no less bright than the eminent Dracula Castle. The wild beauty of nature, the naughty mountain river and the graceful castle are an idyll in Sinai. Peles is considered to be a diamond in the crown of castles of Eastern Europe and the pride of kings. But no one can say what a miracle castle it is.
It is a unique blend of asymmetric structures, carved wood, German Neo-Renaissance, German Baroque and Rococo. Also, Turkish and Spanish motifs left a clear mark on the castle architecture. The official opening of the castle took place in 1883. This is a beauty that everyone should see!
22
Frontenac Castle
Location: Quebec, Canada.
I would like to say "the medieval castle Frontenac", but this is not so. Frontenac Castle is very similar to a medieval castle, but this beautiful Quebec building dates back to the 9th century.
Despite this, the young castle became a national treasure of Canada and a luxurious hotel that welcomes notable guests. Monarchs and kings often spend their time here, high delegations and star guests. The castle hotel is a vivid representative of the elegant "chateau" style, which is highly regarded throughout the world.
23
Himeji
Location: Himeji, Japan.
Himeji Castle is the best representative of Japanese castle architecture. The beautiful castle has been preserved almost untouched, therefore it is a unique representative of Japanese ancient castles, which are visited annually by thousands of tourists. For the beauty and ease of form, travelers called it the castle of a white heron.
For the beauty of snow-white wooden walls, a unique garden, curved roof lines, the castle was awarded the title of the pearl of Japan and included in the UNESCO list of cultural values. Himeji scenery has repeatedly served as the location for famous films. Himeji - a must-see treasure!
24
Hohenschwangau
Location: Schwangau, Germany.
The history of Hohenschwangau dates back to ancient times, when the family of knights built a small castle with beautiful views from the castle cliff. Years passed, the structure turned into ruins ... Once King Maximilian II discovered this corner of paradise and was struck by the beauty of this place. Thus began the reconstruction of the castle and its second wind.
The majestic castle is made in the Neo-Gothic style, filled with rich decoration and fascinates with its beautiful forms. Beauty, grace, style - this is all that tourists can say when visiting the Hohenschwangau Dream Castle in Bavaria.
25
Chambord Castle
Location: Loire and Cher, France.
A vivid example of the Renaissance - Chambord has a romantic aura and masterpiece architecture. He is recognized all over the world, admired and sought to see. In the history of the building, the great Leonardo da Vinci left his mark, who developed the drawings for the construction of the castle. The author failed to see the grandiose plan; he died at the beginning of construction.
Sparkling in the rays of the rising sun, Chambord happily receives guests and shows them many towers, twisted steps, spacious halls, a rare picture gallery and rich decoration of chambers. Also listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site!
And about the most famous paintings of Leonardo da Vinci, you can find in the article on most-beauty.ru.
26
Chenonceau Castle
Location: Chenonceau, France.
Chenonceau Castle has existed for more than 700 years and throughout its history, a magnificent monument of French architecture belonged to women of noble and royal blood. People often hear how Chenonceau is called Ladies' Castle.
The walls of the gorgeous giant remembered more than one love story, so that his visit will turn into a romantic trip filled with rich interior. Ladies' Castle - the most chic and expensive, in terms of decor, of all the castles of the Loire! The handsome Chenonceau easily spreads over calm water, near calm alleys and magnificent gardens. The sight is amazing!
27
Ashford Castle
Location: Cong, Ireland.
Ashford Castle is Ireland's brightest diamond. Located in the arms of the Emerald Isle, the castle attracts with unimaginable beauty and attracts with an unusual combination of practicality and lightness.
Today, the magnificent castle welcomes distinguished guests as a luxury hotel, and also welcomes tourists, playing the role of the country's cultural attractions. Real 2-in-1! And even more! Pomposity, scope, greatness, traces of history, rich modernity ... bright future!
28
Castelvecchio
Location: Verona, Italy.
Verona knows how to surprise guests! What is the castle of Castelvecchio - the largest monument of the city. Originally a castle from the distant XIV century, when it was not just a beautiful architectural monument, but a barracks and a warehouse for weapons.
Years passed and the strong walls of the castle turned into the residence of the monarchs. And only today, the warlike fortress resembles a museum with amazing and very rare exhibits. Painting, sculpture, jewelry, glassware, marble sarcophagus of St. Sergius of Caesarea and the original of the unique arch of the Scaligers - here are collected the best and valuable exhibits from around the world.
29
Castel del Ovo
Location: Naples, Italy.
Castel del Ovo is a real stone ship, from which the history of Naples began. It was on the site of the castle that the first stone of the city was laid, and maybe not a stone, but an egg. Local legend tells of a mysterious egg that held the walls of the fortress. Whatever the origin of this mystery castle is, it is antique, and therefore it is doubly interesting to visit an ancient landmark of an original form.
Tourists note the beauty of the sunsets in the castle and the calming beating of the waves, the romantic atmosphere around and the virtuoso play of street musicians. Yes, that’s great!
30
Mont Saint Michel
Location: Mont Saint-Michel, France.
The melodic name of the castle in France pushes thoughts of unearthly beauty and enchanting views. And indeed it is! Castle Abbey was built at the behest of the Archangel Michael, according to local legend, so that believers can pray to God in the middle of a rocky island.
The fortress island is still developing, becoming a wonderful architectural monument of every generation. The walls of the castle will tell about different eras in the history of the country, and the opening views will allow you to enjoy nature and hear its voice, in the singing of birds and the music of the waves.
31
Prague Castle
Location: Prague, Czech Republic.
Prague Castle is a castle fortress founded in the 9th century. The complex is so big that it resembles an entire city! Not surprising is the fact that Prague Castle is the largest fortress not only in the Czech Republic, but also throughout the world. It is located on the hill of the Vltava River. The uniqueness of the ancient structure is not only in its beauty and large size, it is also the current historical and political center of the country.
In ancient times, there was the residence of the Holy Roman Emperor, then the Czech kings, and today - the monastery of the President of the Czech Republic. Therefore, Prague Castle is the most visited and popular attraction of Prague. There is something to see, where to walk and accumulate positive emotions.
32
Chillon castle
Location: Swiss Riviera.
Picturesque Lake Geneva has saved many surprises, the most striking of which is the formidable Chillon Castle. The history of the most famous Swiss castle began in the XII century, when the first stone was laid on a protruding rock in the middle of the lake. The castle eventually turned into a reliable prison. This page of the history of the Chillon Castle is perfectly described in George Byron's work “The Prisoner of Chillon”.
Today, tourists are eager to visit an unusual castle on the water and see the unique painting of the chapel dating from the 14th century, a wine cellar, an armory, a prison room and Châtelena's dining room.
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Conclusion
Our list has come to an end. You're upset? Do not worry, we are already preparing for you a new amazing and bewitching selection of the most chic sights of our planet!
It is very difficult to show all the most beautiful castles in the world in one article, but we tried to do it based on our taste, as well as on the frequency of references to certain places on the Internet. Most-beauty always expects comments, additions and comments from you!