European castles are some of the world’s most iconic and
historically significant structures, many dating back to the Middle Ages.?
They were primarily built for defense against enemy
invaders, housing nobles and royalty or asserting power over a religion. And there
are thousands of these edifices dotting the picturesque European landscape.
What is it about castles that draw travelers like moths to a
flame? Perhaps it’s because we find ourselves living within the pages of a
fairytale for a brief moment in time.
Let’s look at our favorite
places to find awe-inspiring magnificent European castles.
Neuschwanstein Castle, Germany
One of the most beautiful castles in
Europe and likely the most recognizable in the world, Neuschwanstein served
as the inspiration for Disneyland’s Sleeping Beauty Castle and it’s easy to see
why. It’s magnificent.
Originally built in Bavaria as a private retreat for King
Ludwig II in 1886, the majestic structure sits atop a rugged rock ledge
surrounded by stunning scenery. The castle features a range of fantastical and
fairytale elements such as towers, spires and elaborate ornate interior rooms.
Ch?teau de Chantilly, France
Located an hour from Paris, this incredibly beautiful
historic castle is known for its stunning architecture, rich history and vast
grounds, surrounded by a 7,800-acre park, which includes forests, lakes and
meticulously designed gardens.
The ch?teau consists of several buildings, the most
prominent the Grand Ch?teau built during the 16th century by the Montmorency
family and later expanded. Its mix of Renaissance and Classical architectural
styles include a striking fa?ade, elegant interiors, and impressive art
collections. The Musée Condé includes works by famous artists like Raphael,
Delacroix, and Watteau.
Alcázar of Segovia, Spain
This historic castle is one of the country’s most iconic and
well-preserved fortresses, its origins dating back to Roman times. The castle’s
dramatic, fairy-tale-like appearance with a distinctive turreted roof and
rounded towers makes it look like something straight out of a medieval fantasy.
And panoramic views of the surrounding landscape and city are amazing.
One of its most notable features is the stunning
architecture, an impressive blend of Romanesque, Gothic and Renaissance styles.
Inside, beautifully decorated rooms include a Royal Hall, Throne Room and the
elegant vaulted ceilings in the Hall of Kings. The castle is believed to have
inspired Disney World’s Magic Kingdom Cinderella’s Castle.
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PHOTO: Bran Castle (photo courtesy G Adventures)
Bran Castle, Romania
Located on the Transylvanian side of Central Romania, Bran
Castle is home to one of the most historical legends.?
Often referred to as “Dracula’s Castle,” it is one of the
country’s most famous landmarks due to the association with the Dracula legend,
the fictional character created by Bram Stoker in his 1897 novel.?
The real connection however is with Vlad the Impaler, a 15th-century
ruler known for his brutal and violent methods which included impaling his
enemies. Visitors can tour rooms which include eerie dungeons, secret passages,
medieval furniture, weaponry and art.
Prague Castle, Czech Republic
One of the largest castles in the world, Prague Castle or Pra?sk?
hrad in Czech, sits atop a hill overlooking the city of Prague and has been the
seat of the kings, emperors and presidents for over a thousand years.
The castle complex is a stunning blend of architectural
styles, with buildings ranging from Romanesque to Gothic and Baroque,
reflecting the various eras of its long history. Its origins date back to the 9th
century, built as a fortified seat but over time, it evolved into a grand
palace.
One of the most prominent features of the Castle is St.
Vitus Cathedral, a towering Gothic masterpiece that dominates the city skyline
and home to the tombs of kings with stunning stained-glass windows, intricate
stone carvings and impressive spires.
Buda Castle, Hungary
This Budapest castle absolutely dominates the Budapest
skyline. The stunning historic complex, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, has been
the seat of Hungarian royalty since the 14th century.
The castle boasts a rich blend of Gothic, Renaissance and
Baroque architectural styles and though visitors can explore its beautiful
courtyards, enjoy impressive panoramic views of the city and dive into the deep
history surrounding the castle, it is the nighttime that brings a magic to the
castle. We highly suggest an evening river cruise to see this palace in all its
glory.
PHOTO: Uniworld's River Beatrice, sailing past Buda Castle in Budapest, Hungary, will be upgraded to a 'Super Ship" and renamed S.S. Beatrice. ((Photo courtesy of Uniworld Boutique River Cruise Collection)
Blarney Castle, Ireland
This medieval stronghold steeped in myth and magic nestled
in the emerald landscapes of County Cork is most famous for its legendary
Blarney Stone.
As the legend goes, those who kiss the stone will be blessed
with the ability to speak with eloquence and persuasiveness. Thousands of
visitors flock to the castle each year to kiss the stone, though the medieval
fortress with defensive walls, towers and a central keep are totally worth checking
out.
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PHOTO: Blarney Castle near Cork, Ireland. (photo by Jason Leppert)
Moszna Castle, Poland
This 17th century picturesque castle located in
the small village of Moszna features an eclectic blend of Baroque, Neo-Gothic
and Neo-Renaissance architectural styles.?
The stand-out of the castle is the impressive number of
turrets – 99 in total and 365 rooms within the castle. The expansive grounds
feature stunning gardens, lakes and wooded areas and the interior of the castle
boasts opulent rooms including a library, dining halls and a variety of
picturesque salons.
Windsor Castle, United Kingdom
Though there may be more opulent castles located throughout
Europe, Windsor Castle in Berkshire, is the oldest and largest inhabited castle
in the world.?
Founded by William the Conqueror in the 11th
century, it has been the home of 40 monarchs and is open to visitors throughout
the year.?
A highlight of the castle is St. George’s Chapel, a stunning
example of Gothic architecture and the burial place of numerous monarchs
including Queen Elizabeth, the Queen Mother. It was also the wedding site for
Prince Harry and Meghan Markle in 2018 and famous for its Changing of the Guard
ceremony at the castle’s entrance.
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Predjama Castle, Slovenia
Located in southwestern Slovenia, this fascinating castle looks like something straight out of a fairytale. It was built into the side of a 123-meter-high limestone cliff just outside the village of Predjama as a fortress. The castle’s location made it almost impregnable due to its massive cave system with an escape tunnel, a feature visitors can access during a combined castle/cave tour.
Eilean Donan Castle, Scotland
Scotland has so many magnificent castles, but Eilean Donan is
likely one of the most beautiful you’ll ever see. Located at the point where
three lochs meet in the Scottish Highlands, its dramatic setting on a rocky
island perch surrounded by rugged landscape makes it a popular spot for
tourists and photographers. The castle was a filming location for The
Highlander and James Bond: The World is Not Enough.
Built in the 13th century or earlier, the castle was
constructed as a defensive stronghold to protect the region from Viking raids.
Largely destroyed during the British Jacobite rising in the 1700s, the fortress
was lovingly restored in the 20th century featuring a blend of medieval and
more modern elements.
Burg Kreuzenstein, Austria
This picturesque medieval castle located in Lower Austria,
about 20 kilometers northeast of Vienna is perched on a hilltop, offering
stunning views of the bucolic countryside.
The 12th century castle, full of magic and
fairytale-like wonders with an eclectic almost “storybook” appearance has been
used as a filming location for notable films and television productions. These
include The Prince of Egypt, The Chronicles of Narnia: The Witch and the Wardrobe
and Knight Rider.
Walt Disney once said “There is a place where castle spires
gleam in the night sky. Where fantasy is real and wishes come true. Where
everyday ends happily ever after. There is a place where Magic lives."
There is magic in the castles of Europe. You just need to
seek it out.
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