A tour of Europe won’t be complete without seeing at least a few of its many magnificent castles. In case you’ve been planning to see the castles of Europe, here is our list of the top 10 most beautiful fortresses on this side of the world:
- Castle Neuschwanstein, Germany – This castle was built in the 18th century and is located in Hohenschwangau, Germany. If the castle looks familiar, then it may be because this was the inspiration to the castle seen in Walt Disney’s Sleeping Beauty.
- Peles Castle, Sinaia, Romania – One of the must-see destinations in Romania, this castle has 168 rooms although only 35 are open to the public. The castle also has the majestic Carpathian Mountains in the background.
- Bojnice Castle, Bojnice, Slovakia – An old castle built in the 12th century, this tourist attraction has some Gothic and Renaissance elements in it. There is a museum of art and history in the castle, which also has a stalactite cave underneath.
- Castle of Coco, Segovia, Spain – Built in the 15th century by a Castile magnate, this is considered as one of the most visited castles in Spain. It combines Gothic and Mudejar architectural designs. This three-sided castle has a chapel, armoury and ‘hall of secrets’ where Muslim-inspire jars are held.
- Alcazar de Segovia, Segovia, Spain – This ship-spaced fortress is built upon a huge rock promontory, giving it a natural defensive advantage during the old days. The castle was built by the Muslims from North Africa who were ousted by the Spanish Reconquista in the 10th century.
- Brodick Castle, Arran, Scotland – The location of this castle has been around since the fifth century, going back to the time of the Vikings. But it was the Dukes of Hamilton who ordered for the building of this fortress mainly for defense. The castle was given up by the last Hamilton heir in 1957 paving the way for the public to see this majestic site.
- Veliki Tabor Castle, Zagorje, Croatia – This UNESCO World Heritage site was built in the 12th century. Owned by the state, the castle also hosts exhibition spaces where old vehicles, paintings, pottery, swords, armour, and ethnographic items are on display.
- Ksiaz Castle, Poland – This castle was built in the 12th century and boasts of a very impressive architecture. A detailed tour of the castle will reveal its checkered history like tales of medieval dukes who used to live in it as well as its World War II secrets.
- Chateau de Versailles – Originally built as a hunting lodge in Versailles, France by Louis XIII, this castle was also the official house of the Court of France. To many Europeans, it is the premier royal residence in the continent. Its beauty has been due largely to the countless of architects, decorators, and sculptors who have embellished it.
- Prague Castle, Czech Republic – One of the largest castles in the world, the Prague Castle was built in the ninth century. It is considered the premiere tourist destination in Prague.
Before going to these castles, make sure you have purchased travel insurance, like Schengen travel insurance. Schengen travel insurance will make your trip to these castles worry-free and let you get on with having a great time.