England is famous for a huge number of completely unique ancient castles. Many of them are still residential. But the most famous, largest and oldest is Windsor Castle - the main residence of the English royal family for a very long time.
The structure was erected on top of an artificial hill and at first it was a fortification of wooden structures. For many centuries, the famous Windsor Castle was rebuilt many times. Almost all the rulers changed his appearance, but the round hill created by William remained untouchable. The fortress, located thirty kilometers from the capital of the country - London - and not far from the magnificent Thames embankment, was an important Norman object.
In 1170, King Henry II first built stone buildings on this territory, which were almost completely destroyed by Edward the Third, born here. He erected a new round castle in the center of the fortress. The main building of its construction has survived to this day, although with significant changes. At the end of the fourteenth century (1461-1483), during the reign of Edward the Fourth, the construction of the main church of the castle was begun, completed by King Henry the Eighth. He is buried in the famous castle with nine other English monarchs.
Windsor Castle holds many secrets from the history of Great Britain. In times of civil
war in England, the troops of the famous
Oliver Cromwell conquered the fortress and used it as headquarters. The defeated Charles the First was detained in the castle. He was executed and buried here in 1648.
The monarchy was restored in 1660. Almost immediately, Windsor Castle begins to experience one of the largest renovations in its history. In an effort to create some semblance of a Versailles castle in France, Charles the Second laid many beautiful shady alleys in the complex.
After the death of Charles the Second, for unknown reasons, the following monarchs preferred to live in other castles and palaces in England. Only during the reign of George the Fourth was the restoration of the castle started. The architects of the king did the impossible - they turned the ancient castle into a stunning Gothic palace, which is perfectly preserved today. The height of the towers was significantly increased, original decorative elements were added, which successfully combined buildings of various styles and eras.
Today, Windsor Castle is still the main residence of the royal family, but most of it is accessible for tourists.
Visitors can watch the solemn shift of the guard of honor that guards the castle. The spectacle is truly bewitching! Undoubtedly, Windsor Castle (photo can be seen below) is the greatest monument of history, culture, architecture of England. In addition, its magnificent halls hold the most valuable exhibits of painting, antique furniture, and the unique decorative ceiling designs are amazing.
In 1992, a fire destroyed part of the royal apartments open to the public, but they were all carefully restored and restored.
To see all this splendor, you need to buy tickets to the UK and fly to London, from where constant excursions to the famous castle are held.