It’s so easy to believe in a fairy tale.
The castles of old served as a symbol of the absolute power of the minority over the majority. Today, however, these buildings are favorite tourist attractions in many countries. Architectural special and attractive, big size, having historical and cultural value, castles around the world never cease to amaze millions of tourists for centuries. Today we look at ten of the most beautiful castles.
Hearst castle, San Simeon, CA, USA
Built in 1919, newspaper magnate William Randolph Hearst, the castle was transferred to the municipal property of the state of California after his death. Since then, the castle is open to the public and is a historical Park.
Visiting, Lüdinghausen, Germany
The building is a fine example of the fortress since it is surrounded by a deep moat filled with water. The castle was built by order of Bishop Gerhard von der Mark in 1271. The ensemble includes the castle and the chapel. Today there are a Museum and a restaurant for visitors.
Pena Palace, Sintra, Portugal
Romantic castle stands on a hilltop in the historic city and looks stunning. He enrolled in the list of the seven wonders of Portugal and is a must tourist destination for those who come here from Lisbon.
Hohenzollern Castle, Germany
Built on mount Hohenzollern at a height of 855 m above sea level, the castle is one of the most beautiful in the country. The castle was built by the Hohenzollern dynasty, which appeared in the middle Ages and later became emperors of Germany.
Chateau de Chenonceau, Loire Valley, France
Located in the small French village of Chenonceaux, the Palace was built on the river cher. Today it belongs to the family Meuniere, which owns a famous chocolate company. The family has restored the Palace and its gardens. Today it is open to the public and the château de Chenonceau is the second most visited Palace in France after Versailles.
Lichtenstein Castle, Baden-Württemberg, Germany
The castle is located on a cliff in the beautiful Swabian Alps. The current Palace is an interpretation of a 19th century hunting Lodge of king Frederick I of württemberg. On the tour visitors can explore the luxurious rooms, filled with medieval paintings, coats of arms, murals, stained glass Windows and admire the magnificent panoramic views.
Eilean Donan, The Island Of Loch Duch Scotland
Built in the 13th century, the castle belonged to the clan MacKenzie. The castle had a lot of aristocratic dramas and finally was completely destroyed by the Jacobites in the 18th century. Reconstruction of the castle began in 1919 and was finished in 1932, making it one of the most popular castles in Scotland.
Osaka castle, Osaka, Japan
Built by a powerful shogun Toyotomi Hideyoshi in the 16th century, the castle is still the symbol of the city. Incredibly luxurious Palace decorated with gold inside and out – the result of possession of Toyotomi precious metal. A witness to many dramatic events, today the renovated building attracts visitors from all over the world.
Neuschwanstein Castle, Hohenschwangau, Bavaria, Germany
Nice is the famous European castle – the pearl of Bavaria. It was built in the 19th century by the personal order of king Ludwig II of Bavaria. The neo-Romanesque interior of the Palace often reflects the themes and characters of Wagner’s operas. And the scenery is breathtaking castle located in the Bavarian Alps, offering amazing views of the mountains and the valley of Hohenschwangau.
The Palace Of Versailles, France
The Palace and Park complex of the 18th century is one of the most beautiful and recognizable palaces in the world. Evidence of luxurious lifestyle of French king Louis XIV, today it is one of the most visited attractions in the country. The Royal Palace is in the suburbs of Paris and is an important historical monument. The gardens of Versailles are one of the best examples of French garden design.
