What is the first thing you would do if you visited a new city or country? People mainly go to theaters or museums, while some prefer ordinary walks around the city. But absolutely all travelers in all cities of the world cannot remain indifferent to such architectural masterpieces as castles. Of course, all of them are stunning, so it is very difficult to choose the best ones but we tried to do it. Here are 7 Fairytale Castles in Europe that you shouldn’t miss!
There are different types of castles: large, small, modest, majestic, long abandoned and functioning to this day. Nevertheless, all of them are real masterpieces of architecture. In addition, their ancient walls have certainly witnessed important historical events that you can get to know about. Real dramas took place in castles for many centuries. Whole generations of people lived there, who conducted intrigues, planned wars, and crowned monarchs.
An excursion to one of the most beautiful palaces in Europe is a great way to plunge into the past and go back many years. Visiting castles will surely appeal to all lovers of romantic and mystical adventures.
1. Fairytale castles in Europe: Palace Château de Chambord, France
Chambord (French: Chateau de Chambord) is one of the most recognizable castles in France and an architectural masterpiece of the Renaissance. It was built by order of Francis I, who dreamed of spending more time near his beloved lady, Countess Turi, who lived nearby. According to numerous historical studies, Leonardo da Vinci himself took part in the design of this masterpiece. For this reason, the building, which has 426 rooms, 77 staircases, 282 fireplaces, and 800 decorated capitals, is really worthy of attention. The castle is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. You can admire it at any time of the year, but in the autumn-winter period, it looks especially impressive. About 16 years ago, the castle acquired the status of a state public-commercial enterprise. On the second floor of the castle, there is now a branch of the Museum of Hunting and Nature.
2. Fairytale castles in Europe: Alcazar Castle, Spain
The residence of the Spanish kings’ Alcazar (Spanish Alcázar), is located right on a cliff in the historical part of the city of Segovia. Over the years of its existence, it was not only a royal castle but also a fortress, a prison, and even an artillery academy. During the Middle Ages, the castle was the favorite residence of the kings of Castile. Back in 1953, the Alcazar became a museum with furniture, interiors, a collection of weapons, and portraits of Spanish kings. Now it is one of the most popular places in Spain. Every tourist considers it his duty to go around all 11 halls in the castle and climb the highest tower — the tower of Juan the Second.
3. Fairytale castles in Europe: Alhambra Residence, Spain
This castle is a whole complex. Its construction went on for about two centuries — from 1230 to 1492, during the reign of the Narsid dynasty. The residence consists of two picturesque courtyards connected by a passage and surrounded by palaces, churches, gardens, and residential buildings. You can wander for hours around the complex, which is a real wonder of the world. There is definitely something to see there — decorative elements, murals, architectural delights, and an abundance of Muslim motifs that harmoniously fit into the overall atmosphere of the grandiose structure.
4. Château de Walzin, Belgium
This is one of the largest castles in Belgium. Bishop of Liege Dietwin (Theodwin) of Bavaria built it for defense purposes. The castle is located right on the cliff, in a village with the same name. It is noteworthy that Walsen acquired its romantic appearance after restoration work. The first restoration was carried out by architect Emile Janlet in 1881. The second one, in which Olivier Flanno participated, was in 1930. The castle is still the property of the Count and Countess de Limburg-Stirum, direct descendants of Henry IV Duke of Limburg and Guillaume de la Marck. Visitors can not go there, but you can admire it from afar.
5. Schoenbrunn Palace, Austria
Schoenbrunn Palace (нем. Schloß Schönbrunn), which previously belonged to the Habsburg dynasty, includes 1441 rooms in the rococo style. UNESCO has included this castle in the World Heritage List. At one time, Empress Maria Theresa, Napoleon, Mozart, Queen Sissi (wife of Emperor Franz Joseph) stayed here. Since 1918, after the fall of the monarchy, the residence has become accessible to the general public. Currently, you can visit a museum, picturesque gardens, cozy pavilions, and a maze where you can wander for hours.
6. Neuschwanstein Castle, Germany, Bavaria
Neuschwanstein Castlec (Schloß Neuschwanstein) is located near the town of Füssen in southwestern Bavaria. It became a source of inspiration for architects during the construction of the Sleeping Beauty Castle in Disneyland Paris. Historians, by the way, claim that the romantic views of the castle once fascinated Pyotr Tchaikovsky; after visiting the residence of King Ludwig II, he had the idea of creating a ballet “Swan Lake“. In addition, Neuschwanstein was featured in the 1968 film Chitty Chitty Bang Bang as a castle of the fictional land of Bulgaria. The castle also appeared in the 1955 paintings “Ludwig II: The Splendor and Fall of the King”, 1972 “Ludwig” and 2012 “Ludwig of Bavaria”.
7. Castello del Boccale, Italy
The castle in Livorno got its name due to the fact that it relates to the local coast Cala del Pirati (Bay of Pirates). The center of the modern Castello del Boccale was an observation tower built by order of the Medici in the 16th century, presumably on the ruins of an older structure from the period of the Republic of Pisa. During its history, the appearance of the castle has undergone changes more than once. In recent years, a thorough restoration of the Castello del Boccale has been carried out. After this, Italians has divided the castle into several residential apartments.
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