~ Top 10 European Castles ~

[MysteRy]

Top 10 European Castles

The refreshing coastal breeze, the charming rays of the sunset and the sound of the crashing waves are usually the best spices for an unforgettable romantic vacation. However, your romantic getaway can be easily complemented with a unique history and relaxation experience by visiting a castle. The fairytale ambience of the castles will take you to another world and your loved one will appreciate it. Not to mention the breathtaking journey when you go back in time and enjoy numerous fabulous moments. Moreover, make it a very special breathtaking journey by visiting the Top 10 European castles, which follow. All of them feature unparalleled architectural styles, while their history is just captivating.  For example, the world renowned Neuschwanstein Castle in Germany is an amazing historical and cultural treasure, which is surrounded by an even more fairytale scenery.


1. Neuschwanstein Castle, Germany
 


Neuschwanstein Castle is located in southernmost Germany and right next to the border with Austria. The castle itself stands majestically over a green hill, high above the village of Hohenschwangau and Lake Alpsee. Neuschwanstein Castle is one of the many castles and other historical landmarks, which dot the entire area, but it is probably the most inspiring and distinctive sight to witness. It was built at the end of 19th century in a Romanesque Revival architectural style and it is yet one of the most famous European castles. Its rounded towers and pointed domes gorgeously soar into the green mountain scenery and they tempt you to visit the castle from inside. There, you can come across a variety of spacious rooms, such as the Throne Hall and the Drawing room, which are fulfilled with lush decorations, ornaments and other historical displays.

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2. Peles Castle, Romania
 


Peles Castle is nestled within the beautiful green hills of the Carpathian Mountains in central Romania. During a trip to the small, but picturesque mountain village of Sinaia you will be captivated by the impressive Neo-Renaissance architecture of this castle. It was built at the beginning of 20th century and nowadays it is definitely one of the greatest historical attractions in Romania. The exterior also features some Gothic-Revival notes, whose combinations create a unique feeling for romance, especially during the summer when everything around the castle is coloured in green. Well, in the wintertime, the whole scenery changes into a white fairytale scene, while inside the palace you will be stunned by an abundance of lavish collections of armors, weapons, artworks and other interesting items.

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3. Brodick Castle, Scotland



Brodick Castle is a real historical jewel of Scotland and it is located on the east coast of the isle of Arran. The whole area around the castle is covered by Brodick Castle and Country Park, which creates some irresistible settings for a captivating, relaxing and romantic afternoon at once. During your scenic walk within the picturesque gardens of the castle you will be amazed by the green trees and meadows, while the blue waters of Firth of Clyde are adjacent as well. Of course, the most remarkable feature of the area is the castle, which was built in 16th century and it still captivates the mind through its reddish hues, large windows and mighty towers.

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4. Bran Castle, Romania   



Back to Romania, Bran Castle is situated in the heart of the country and it is famous for its beautiful location. It is nestled within green mountain hills and picturesque villages, and it is definitely an inspiring sight to witness. The white colours of the facades rise majestically over the trees, while the red hued domes and roofs provide some mystical accent to the entire atmosphere. Indeed, Bran Castle is fulfilled with mysticism and symbolism, first because it is also known as Dracula's Castle and all the legends, which are related to count Dracula. Second, during a trip inside the castle, you can explore plenty of historical landmarks and much, much more.

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5. Lincoln Castle, England



Lincoln Castle is situated in the heart of the village of Lincoln in England. This is a castle from 11th century and it is definitely a sight that you can't miss during your trip to northeastern England. Lincoln Castle is unique, first because of its enclosed courtyard. Inside the fortified walls you can come across two major buildings - the castle itself and the Lincoln Crown Court. It is used as a museum and it offers a unique historical experience. Well, the sunset over the defensive walls is just spectacular and it must also be seen and felt.

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6. Eltz Castle, Germany



Eltz Castle is one of the most picturesque castles in western Germany. It stands high above a hill, which is almost entirely surrounded by the blue waters of a creek that flows into the nearby Moselle River. Eltz Castle was built in 12th century and it includes a well-distinctive Romanesque architectural style with plenty of Baroque and Late-Gothic ornaments. Numerous pointed domes rise over the green crowns of the trees, whose combinations create a truly inspiring sight. This castle always might be your special romantic spice in your journey, while if you want to completely immerse in the charm of its historical legacy - consider visiting the interior. There, you can find a complex network of buildings and houses, which can tell you much more about this castle.

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7. Saint Michel Castle, France



Saint Michel Castle is one of the most famous castles in France. It is situated atop a rocky island with the same name, while the whole this impressive historical landmark can be found along the coasts of Lower Normandy. The history of the construction of this castle dates back to 6th century, when it was used mainly for military purposes, thanks to its unique strategic location. The rocky island was connected to the mainland via tiny and narrow bridge, which was completely submerged due to the giant tides. Thus, the fortress was almost inaccessible, but presently - it is one of the most visited historical landmarks in northern France. Your spectacular journey begins even from the bridge, where you will be captivated by the immense dimensions of the castle. Then, you can explore numerous ancient roads and buildings, which are encircled by walls, while the abbey of Mont-Saint-Michel is definitely one of the most beautiful sights within this ancient castle.

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8. Malbork Castle, Poland
 


Malbork Castle is one of the largest castles in the world and it is located along the shores of Nogat River in Poland. It was built by the Teutonic knights in the beginning of 15th century, when it was the world's largest brick castle. It features a breathtaking medieval architecture, which is fulfilled with red colours. It comes to the reddish defensive walls, the red hued facades of the main buildings and the even brighter red hues of the rooftops. This awesome scenery is complemented by picturesque gardens and tall green trees, while the best time for visiting the castle is during the autumn. Then, everything changes into a multi-coloured fairytale ambience, thanks to the colours of the fallen leaves, the red colours of the castle and the flat blue surface of the river, which magically reflects everything above.

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9. Spis Castle, Slovakia
 


In the heart of eastern Slovakia is situated another impressive addition to the largest and most famous European castles. This is the spectacular Spis Castle, which stands majestically over a green hill, right next to the city of Spišské Podhradie. The castle was built in 12th century and it is world renowned for its white colours, while its Romanesque architectural style is inspiringly compiled with numerous Gothic elements. And everything is situated at an elevation of over 600 meters, from where you can enjoy an incredible panoramic vista. Not to mention the clear blue sky that is just a surrealistic accent to the white and green shades of the whole area.

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10. Chateau De Versailles, France
 


Chateau De Versailles is gigantic. It is one of the most famous castle complexes in France and it is situated in southwestern Paris. The building of this huge landmark is a result of a long period of additions of different constructions. It is a Royal Palace and it features numerous displays of ancient artifacts, statues, picturesque decorations and lush ornaments. Indeed, you may need much more than a single visit to explore the entire interior, first because it is huge and second, because all the corners can take your breath away. And that's just inside the Palace of Versailles. The exterior features numerous water basins, scenic gardens, relaxing walkways, statues, fountains... And these are still few examples of what awaits you in Versailles.


France and Germany are probably the most famous countries in the world, which possess unsurpassed collections of ancient castles. From Versailles in France, to Neuschwanstein Castle in Germany - you can choose from numerous castles to include in your fairytale journey. Moreover, make sure to visit all or at least a few of the Top 10 European castles, mentioned above, and you will transform your fairytale journey into a truly unforgettable experience.