Since childhood, many dream of visiting a real fairytale castle. We present a list of the most beautiful and famous castles and palaces in the world. You can use it to plan your travels, or you can just admire the buildings and marvel at the imagination of architects and the skill of builders.
Rating Principles
Almost every country in the world has its own castles, built at different times, with different goals, in different styles. But only the most worthy can be included in the list of “10 most beautiful castles in the world”. How to choose them? The criteria became: the organic combination of the structure and the landscape, the originality of the architectural solution, the grandeur of the design. Under such parameters, of course, many constructions of the world fall, but we will dwell on the most famous of them.
Neuschwanstein
The list of “Most Beautiful Castles in the World”, of course, deserves to open a fabulous castle in Bavaria - Neuschwanstein. By order of the Bavarian King Louis II in 1896, the architect Christian Jank began to erect a unique structure - Neuschwanstein Castle near Swan Lake, high in the mountains. The structure is effectively inscribed in the landscape, the castle looks organically growing from rocks and forests, its white pointed towers look spectacularly in the clouds and fog, which are not uncommon here. Wagner’s opera Lohengrin inspired the king to build the castle. The appearance of the building absorbed all the romantic trends of the late 19th century. The chambers of the castle amaze with harmony and luxury, wall paintings, room solutions in different colors and comfort made the castle a favorite refuge of the king. Near him, unfortunately, Louis ended his earthly journey.
Chambord
Many of the most beautiful castles in the world are concentrated in the Loire Valley in France, one of the most famous among them is Chambord. It was built as the hunting lodge of King Francis I, here he rested after a hard day. The construction was erected on the banks of the Cosson River, in which it is so effectively reflected. In terms of style, the castle is an example of the transition from medieval architecture to the Renaissance, there is a version that Leonardo da Vinci took part in the development of the project. Near the park there is a beautiful regular park, in which rare plants grow. The interiors of the castle corresponded to its purpose - amusements and fun. The famous double staircase of Chambord is a masterpiece of architectural thought, its project was created by the great Leonardo. It will take more than one day to get around the 440 rooms of the residence, but a few hours will be enough to inspect the main rooms.
Mont Saint Michel
One of the oldest fortresses in Europe - Mont Saint-Michel is rightfully included in the list of "The most beautiful palaces and castles in the world." The fortress monastery dates back to 708, when the monk was ordered to build a cloister on an island off the coast of the Atlantic Ocean. The location on top of an impregnable cliff made the fortress invulnerable, and today such an original placement attracts an endless series of tourists. The castle was built in the Romanesque style, its brutal walls and towers make an indelible impression with its power. Inside the castle you can see a collection of old church utensils, ancient books and jewelry.
Conwy (Conway)
Listing the most beautiful castles in the world, the names of which excite the soul of travelers, it is worth recalling the castle fortress in Wales of Conwy from the time of Edward the First. The castle was built taking into account the unique landscape, it rises on a rocky ledge washed by the waters of the Conway River. The relief fortress with battlements and massive towers was part of the fortifications called the Iron Ring. The castle had to prove its reliability more than once. And today it makes a strong impression, its thick stone walls and brutal architecture evoke thoughts of power and power. The fortress was built by James, one of the most famous military architects of the time. Today, Conwy is one of the best preserved castles in Wales. Its eight round towers have more than once become the scenery for films and photo shoots.
De la pena
Describing the most beautiful castles from around the world, you can not ignore the most romantic building in the Portuguese Sintra - Pena Palace. In the mid-19th century, a summer castle was built on the site of a dilapidated monastery for King Ferdinand II. The architect Wilhelm Ludwig von Eschwege created a unique structure that incorporated the best trends of romanticism of the time. The building combines the features of Manueline and Moorish style. Pena Castle makes a lasting impression with its brightness, a combination of medieval elements and exquisite Manueline style. Its diverse turrets, battlements and a magnificent park make it a real castle for the princess. Around the palace there is a magnificent park-forest, in which eucalyptus trees, roses and many other plants are fragrant.
Hurst
Despite a short history, the United States also contributed to the creation of castles, and the list of “The Most Beautiful Castles in the World” cannot do without mentioning Hirst Castle. This historic monument began to be built on the California coast since the end of the 19th century, but the main buildings were erected in the early 20th century. Some of the structures are designed in the Mexican colonial style, and the main building is in the Spanish style, for him the architect bought carved ceilings in Spain with whole rooms. In the vast surrounding area there is a magnificent garden with many sculptures and fountains. The park created a magnificent Neptune fountain, decorated with columns and a portico in the ancient Greek style, with a large number of statues around the perimeter. During the life of the owner there was a zoo, but later it was disbanded due to the high cost of maintenance.
Dunnothar
All the most beautiful castles in the world have their own history, it is unique in the Scottish fortress of Dannottar. It stands on a high cliff above the sea since the 7th century, and at one time was the country's most impregnable fortress . Today, the state of the castle does not allow you to live in it, but here you can walk. Powerful medieval stone structures, preserved secret passages allow you to feel the power that the castle had during its heyday. He had to endure many attacks, and he withstood them with honor, but he could not survive the test of time. Walks around the castle amaze with the grandeur of the building and the grandeur of the builders of the past.
Matsumoto
Japan is famous for its unique buildings made in a traditional style. And the names of beautiful castles are also poetic with a deep meaning. For the black color and wide "wings" of the roof, the castle in Matsumoto is called the "Raven". It was built in the 16th century by order of the head of the Takeda clan. Today, the castle is considered the most beautiful in Japan, its architectural style is called "Hirajiro", which is associated with its fit into the flat landscape. Beautiful multi-tiered pagoda towers are effectively reflected in the water of the moat surrounding the castle. In spring, sakura blossoms in the castle garden, and tourists from all over the world come here to see a picture of amazing harmony. In autumn, a unique Moon festival is held here and the Japanese come to the park to see how the Moon rises over the towers, is reflected in the waters of the moat and a cup of sake, which is an indispensable attribute of the ritual.
Himeji - White Heron Castle
Another beautiful castle in Japan is in the city of Himeji, it also has a poetic name - White Heron Castle. This structure is striking in its harmony, sharpened lines and incredible elegance. The castle was built in the late 14th century and for many centuries served as a model for subsequent buildings. The castle is organically inscribed in a hilly landscape and is surrounded by a garden in the form of a spiral labyrinth. This was done in case of enemy attacks, so that they could not immediately reach the building. Himeji is the only castle in Japan that has never suffered from earthquakes, but the fires caused him some damage. On the territory of the castle, various films were shot several times; annually various festivals and holidays are held here. Himeji is a favorite place to travel with the Japanese.
The Alhambra
Our list must also include the Spanish Alhambra fortress near Granada. This stunning palace complex began to be erected in the 13th century during the Nasrid dynasty, when Granada became the capital of the Emirate of Granada. The construction of the palace impresses not only with luxury, but also with thoughtfulness. The composition of the palace is created by light and water. Each courtyard has a place to hide from the soaring sun and enjoy the murmur of water. The most famous objects in the Alhambra are the Lion's courtyard with a fountain in the center, the Myrtle courtyard with a symmetrical composition of trimmed plants, the Stalactites Hall, in which the ceiling is decorated with amazing wooden carvings, the Golden Room. A huge garden with various buildings adjoins the palace, in which thousands of roses and fruit trees grow.
Full list
Listing the most beautiful castles in the world from France to Japan, it is impossible to limit the number of 10 items. Indeed, all over the world there are many constructions worthy of admiration. In the list of beauties, I would also like to add such architectural masterpieces as Prague Castle, Hohenzollern, Catherine’s Palace, Versailles, Potala Palace in Nepal, Castle of Saint Angel, Chenonceau, Peles, Schwerin, Yelts, Alcazar, Quinta da Regaleira.