Castles are among the most beautiful and impressive historical buildings in the world, so it's no surprise that they attract tourists from all over the world. They are monuments of a bygone era, and their architecture will leave anyone breathless. In this article, we reveal the castles in Europe that you must visit at least once in your life.
These are special buildings that stand the test of time and pass on their eternal beauty to generations. In addition to the fact that their role in history was important because they had a defensive function and were the home of prominent personalities from some past times, they still surprise and inspire with their might.
1. Neuschwanstein Castle, Germany
The magnificent German castle Neuschwanstein is located in the southwest of Bavaria, at an altitude of 900 meters above sea level, and it is decorated with as many as 228 rooms. Neuschwanstein is undoubtedly one of the most recognizable and romantic castles in the world, so it is not surprising that it is high on the list of popular tourist destinations. It originates from the 19th century and was built by King Ludvik II. from Bavaria, who in the end did not see the end result of his vision.
The inspiration for the construction was drawn from German romances, and some details were 'rewritten' after the model of some other German castles. Neuschwanstein is visited by more than a million tourists annually and is on the UNESCO list world cultural heritage. The fairytale castle has served as inspiration for many films, some of which have also been shot on location.
Photo: Felix / Unsplash2. Castello di Miramare, Italy
Many Italian castles have been converted from private residences to museums and one of them is Miramare Castle. The architectural wonder was built in nineteenth century and is located near Trieste. It is located on a cliff right next to the sea and is surrounded by various tropical plants and palm trees.
Photo: Daniele Bucciarelli/Unsplash3. Hohenwerfen Castle, Austria
The medieval castle Hohenwerfen is built on a rock, 113 meters high, and is located 40 kilometers south of Salzburg. Construction lasted from 1075 to 1078. This period was characterized by a simple construction method, as the first fortified castles were just beginning to be built at that time. Embrasures, fortified towers and flanking towers did not begin to be built until 100 years after the Crusades. In 1931, a fire destroyed most of the castle, and it was opened to tourists only in 1987. The castle is also famous for having served as a backdrop for the filming of the movie The Eagle's Nest, starring Clint Eastwood and Richard Burton.
Photo: Ben Michel/Unsplash4. Frederiksborg Castle, Denmark
Frederiksborg Castle was built in the 17th century and is located near Copenhagen. He is the biggest Renaissance castle in Scandinavia, and due to its unique architecture and magnificent gardens, many compare it to the Palace of Versailles in France. The castle, which today houses the National History Museum, is an unmissable tourist attraction that will impress you with its beauty and the largest art collection in Denmark.
Photo: Ivan Dražić/ Pexels5. Pena Palace, Portugal
Pena Palace is one of the most famous and most visited Portuguese castles. This one the colorful castle stands on top of a hill in Sintra and looks like something out of a Disney fairy tale. Today, the entire complex is a mixture of Renaissance, Gothic, Egyptian and Moorish architecture, and is surrounded by with beautiful gardens, which spread over more than 200 hectares and contain many exotic plants. Many wells and ponds are hidden between them, and the fairytale harmony is disturbed only by winding footpaths.
6. Eltz Castle, Germany
Eltz Castle is one of the most beautiful and most photogenic castles in the world. It is a medieval castle located on the hills above the Moselle River between Koblenz and Trier. It is still owned by the Eltz family, who lived there in the 12th century 33 generations ago. It's also unique in that it looks like it's been painted, so it's the perfect place for fairytale photos.
