The most famous castles The most beautiful castles in the world: rating, names, interesting facts and reviews. Sleeping Beauty Castle in Disneyland, California

Each of us has our own associations with the word “castle”: someone imagines impregnable walls with a moat and high towers, for others the citadel appears as a place where medieval knights gathered, tournaments were held, old songs were composed, and ladies waited from military campaigns their cavaliers. Anyway old buildings were created according to one principle and were intended for reliable protection against enemies. Many castles for several centuries keep the history of their owners, who lived in their halls, died or decided the fate of countries and peoples. Fortresses are a living heritage for you and me, and moss-covered walls are permeated with former grandeur, legends and secrets. We present you the top 20 most beautiful castles, many of which have come down to us almost in their original state.

Egret Castle (Himeji), Japan

Date of foundation - 1346, construction lasted 13 years. It is one of the most ancient castles in the Land of the Rising Sun, it was originally built as a family fortress for one of the samurai clans. Three centuries later, a small settlement was formed near the citadel, bearing the name of Himeji. For more than six centuries, the castle has been rebuilt several times. Today, its complex has more than 85 buildings, including the famous tower. During the Second World War, the attraction miraculously remained unscathed, although the area around it was bombed more than once. Listed as object number 661 in the UNESCO World Heritage List. He served as scenery for such films as "You Only Live Twice", "Shadow of a Warrior", "The Last Samurai".

Chenonceau, France

The most beautiful castles in the world, built centuries ago, amazed our ancestors, and now they impress us with their beauty, grandeur and original architectural solutions. These are not mansions or private expensive houses, which we wrote about. These chic stone buildings are giants that not all people on the planet managed to visit. Therefore, we suggest that you familiarize yourself with them at least from photographs. So, here are the 10 most beautiful castles in the world.

Neuschwanstein - Bavaria, Germany

The name of this castle in Germany is translated from German as "New Swan Rock". More than 1 million tourists come to see this beautiful building every year. It was built at the end of the 19th century by order of Ludwig II. It is worth noting that this castle served as the prototype for the Sleeping Beauty Castle in Disneyland Paris.

Trakai - Lithuania

In Lithuania, on Lake Galve, there is Trakai Castle - this is the former residence of the Lithuanian princes. The building is one of the most impregnable fortresses in Europe. In the past, the castle did not receive tourists, but today it has been restored and is open to guests. The castle hosts festivals and historical exhibitions.

Windsor Castle - Berkshire, England

This magnificent castle is almost a thousand years old. This architectural object is the favorite country residence of the Queen of Great Britain. It can be visited by everyone on weekdays. Visitors can look at the apartments of George IV and enjoy the paintings of Rembrandt and Rubens.

Mont Saint Michel - Normandy, France

The imposing castle of Mont Saint-Michel in Normandy is actually an abbey. At first it was a chapel, which eventually grew into a fortress. This building survived more than one attack and fire, and has survived to this day almost in its original form. After Paris, it is the second most visited place in France.

Hluboka, Ceske Budejovice, Czech Republic

This monumental pseudo-Gothic castle was erected under the reign of Duchess Eleonora Schwarzenberg, who wished to turn it into a "Bohemian Windsor". Architects even claim that the copy is far superior to the original. It is distinguished by sophistication and romance compared to the prim and harsh castles of the Czech Republic.

De Haar - Utrecht, Netherlands

This castle was reconstructed from the ruins by the Dutch architect Peter Kuipers. Titanic efforts were not in vain - thanks to his efforts, today everyone can admire the luxurious architectural landmark with bridges, towers and spiers, as well as parks and gardens.

Coca Castle - Segovia, Spain

Coca Castle was built in the late 15th century in the Spanish-Arabic Mudéjar style. The owners of the castle - the Alba family - gave it to the state. Since then, the building has been elevated to the status of a National Monument and restored. Today there is a school of foresters.

Conwy - Wales, UK

Initially, the owner of this monumental castle was King Edward I. The construction has survived a lot in its lifetime - from attacks to sieges. Today, this fortress can be visited by tourists from any country. From the towers of Conwy, a stunning view of the city and the beautiful embankment opens up.

Bran - Brasov, Romania

Bran Castle is considered the pride of Romania and one of the main attractions of the country. It was built at the beginning of the 13th century by the Knights of the Teutonic Order, and a few centuries later it became a royal residence. According to one of the legends, the prototype of the vampire Dracula, Vlad the Impaler, stayed here. Therefore, this creepy place is very popular with tourists, like other scary places on the planet, for example,

Since childhood, many have dreamed of visiting a real fairy-tale castle. We present a list of the most beautiful and famous castles and palaces in the world. You can use it to plan trips, 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 purposes, in different styles. But only the most worthy can get into the list of "10 most beautiful castles in the world". How to choose them? The criteria were: the organic connection of the structure and landscape, the originality of the architectural solution, the grandeur of the idea. Such parameters, of course, include many buildings in the world, but let's focus on the most famous of them.

Neuschwanstein

The list of "The most beautiful castles in the world" certainly 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 build a unique building - Neuschwanstein Castle near Swan Lake, high in the mountains. The structure is spectacularly inscribed in the landscape, the castle looks organically growing out of the rocks and the forest, its white pointed towers look spectacular in the clouds and fog, which are not uncommon here. The idea of ​​building a castle was inspired by Wagner's opera Lohengrin. 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, rooms 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 a valley in France, one of the most famous among them is Chambord. It was built as a hunting lodge of King Francis the first, where he rested after a hard day. The building was erected on the banks of the Kosson 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. Next to the park there is a beautiful regular park, where rare plants grow. The interiors of the castle corresponded to its purpose - entertainment and fun. The famous double staircase of Chambord is a masterpiece of architectural thought, its design was created by the great Leonardo. It will take more than one day to get around the 440 rooms of the residence, but several hours will be enough to inspect the main chambers.

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 history of the monastery-fortress dates back to 708, when the monk was ordered to build a monastery on an island off the coast of the Atlantic Ocean. The location on the top of an impregnable cliff made the fortress invulnerable, and today such an original location attracts an endless series of tourists here. The castle is built in its brutal walls and towers make an indelible impression with their power. Inside the castle, you can see a collection of antique ancient books and jewels.

Conwy (Conway)

Listing the most beautiful castles in the world, the names of which excite the soul of travelers, it is worth remembering the castle-fortress in Wales, Conwy from the time of Edward the First. The castle was built with the unique landscape in mind, 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 might. The fortress was built by one of the most famous military architects of that time, James. Today, Conwy is one of the best preserved castles in Wales. Its eight round towers have repeatedly become scenery for films and photo shoots.

De la Pena

Describing the most beautiful castles from all over the world, one cannot ignore the most romantic building in the Portuguese Sintra - the Pena Palace. In the middle of the 19th century, on the site of a dilapidated monastery, a summer castle was built for King Ferdinand II. Architect Wilhelm Ludwig von Eschwege created a unique building that absorbed the best trends of romanticism of that time. The building combines Manueline features and Pena Castle makes an indelible impression with its brightness, the combination of elements of the Middle Ages and the refined Manueline style. Its diverse turrets, battlements and luxurious park make it a real castle for a princess. Around the palace there is a magnificent park-forest, in which eucalyptus trees, roses and many other plants are fragrant.

Hurst

Despite its short history, the United States has also contributed to the creation of castles, and the list of "The Most Beautiful Castles in the World" cannot do without mentioning Hearst Castle. This historical monument began to be built on the California coast since the late 19th century, but the main buildings were erected in the early 20th century. Some of the buildings are designed in the Mexican colonial style, and the main building is in the Spanish style, for which the architect purchased carved ceilings in Spain for entire rooms. A magnificent garden with many sculptures and fountains is laid out on a huge adjacent territory. The park has a luxurious 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 here, but later it was disbanded due to the high cost of maintenance.

Dannotar

All the most beautiful castles in the world have their own history, and the Scottish fortress of Dunnottar is also unique. It stands on a high cliff above the sea since the 7th century, and at one time was the country itself. Today, the state of the castle does not allow living in it, but you can walk here. Powerful medieval stone structures, preserved secret passages allow you to feel the power that the castle had in its heyday. He had to endure many attacks, and he withstood them with honor, but he failed to survive the test of time. Walking 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 the traditional style. And the names of beautiful castles are also poetic with a deep meaning. For its black color and wide "wings" of the roof, the castle in Matsumoto is called the "Crow". 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 incorporation into the flat landscape. Beautiful multi-tiered pagoda towers are spectacularly reflected in the water of the moat surrounding the castle. In spring, cherry blossoms bloom in the castle garden, and tourists from all over the world come here to see a picture of stunning harmony. In autumn, a unique moon festival is held here and the Japanese come to the park to watch the moon rise above the towers, reflected in the waters of the moat and a cup of sake, which is an indispensable attribute of the ritual.

Himeji - Egret Castle

Another beautiful castle in Japan stands in the city of Himeji, it also has a poetic name - White Heron Castle. This building impresses with its harmony, sharp lines and incredible elegance. The castle was built at the end of the 14th century and served as a model for subsequent buildings for many centuries. The castle is organically integrated into the hilly landscape and is surrounded by a garden in the form of a spiral labyrinth. This was done in case of an attack by enemies so that they could not immediately reach the building. Himeji is the only castle in Japan that has never suffered from earthquakes, but fires have caused some damage to it. Various films were filmed on the territory of the castle, various festivals and holidays are held here every year. Himeji is a favorite travel destination for the Japanese.

Alhambra

Our list should definitely include the Spanish Alhambra fortress near Granada. This palace complex, stunning in its scope, began to be built in the 13th century during the Nasrid dynasty, when Granada became the capital. The composition of the palace is created by light and water. In every yard there is 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 Stalactite 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 yourself to 10 names. Indeed, around the world there are many buildings worthy of admiration. I would also like to add to the list of beauties such masterpieces of architecture as Prague Castle, Hohenzollern, Catherine's Palace, Versailles, Potala Palace in Nepal, Castel Sant'Angelo, Chenonceau, Peles, Schwerin, Eltz, Alcazar, Quinta da Regaleira.

Incredible in their beauty, architectural relics have been left to us by history, which you can admire for a long time, because they keep so much in themselves. These castles are located in beautiful and unusual places, such as on top of mountains or on the water, which add even more charm to them. If castles could talk, they could tell us a lot, a lot..

Castle Howard, Yorkshire

One of the grandest mansions in the UK, this beautiful castle has been home to the Howard family for over 300 years.

Hohenschwangau Castle, Germany

It was built in the 19th century in Germany, it is visited by more than 300,000 tourists a year

Corfe Castle, Dorset

Corfe Castle is a fortress that was built in the 11th century by William the Conqueror.

Malbork Castle, Poland

Malbork is the largest castle in the world (in terms of area) and it is also the largest brick building in Europe.

Neuschwanstein Castle, Germany

Ludwig II of Bavaria built this castle as a personal retreat. After he died in 1886, Neuschwanstein Castle became open to visitors because tourists were trying to raise money for its upkeep. Since then, there have been over 60 million visitors a year visiting this castle.

Chambord Castle, France

This palace was built as a hunting lodge for Francis I and has a very clear view. French. architecture of the Renaissance. It has been open to visitors since 2007 and attracts over 700,000 visitors a year.

Castle in Osaka, Japan

One of the most famous castles in Japan, Osaka. It was built on top of a high hill in the 16th century to protect its inhabitants from enemies.

Hohenwerfen Castle, Austria

The castle was built in the 11th century and is located in a part of Bavaria in the place Berchtesgaden and built on the Tennengebirg mountain. The exterior of this castle was used as a French hotel in the movie Honeymooners.

Kilkenny Castle, Ireland

Kilkenny was built in 1195 by William Marshal. Now serves as conferences of diplomatic negotiations.

Peles Castle, Romania

This castle was built in the neo-Renaissance architectural direction. The castle is located in the Carpathians, built between 1873 and 1914.

Moritzburg Castle, Germany

Named after Duke Moritz of Saxony, this palace sits on man-made land and is surrounded by forests used for hunting.

Castillo de Coca, Spain

This castle was built on the site of ancient Cauca, the birthplace of the Roman Emperor Theodosius. The castle now serves as a training facility for foresters.

Sleeping Beauty Castle in Disneyland, California

Sleeping Beauty Castle was built based on the Neuschwanstein castle we wrote about above and acts as a landmark in Disneyland

Kronborg Castle, Denmark

Built in the 1420s, Kronborg is one of the most important fortifications in northern Europe. It has been immortalized as Elsinore in William Shakespeare's work Hamlet.

Alnwick Castle, Northumberland (England)

The exterior of Alnwick Castle was used in the Harry Potter movie and was the prototype for Hogwarts Castle. It has approximately 800,000 visitors a year.

Edinburgh Castle, Scotland

This 12th-century palace sits on volcanic rock and has become a recognizable symbol of Edinburgh.

Highclere Castle, UK

A 19th-century castle that serves as the main filming location for the hit TV series Downton Abbey.

Chateau de Versailles, France

This royal castle in France has a whopping 2,300 rooms, 67 staircases, and 5,210 pieces of furniture.

Prague Castle, Czech Republic

Prague Castle was named the largest and oldest castle in the world by the Guinness Book of Records, covering 70,000 square meters.

Kylemore Abbey, Ireland

Kylemore was built as a private residence for a wealthy London doctor, Mitchell Henry. But he was forced to sell it in 1909 due to gambling debts.

Bodiam Castle, UK

The 14th-century moated castle was built by Sir Edward Dalingrigg to defend the area from French invasion during the Hundred Years' War.

Hochosterwitz Castle, Austria

One of the most impressive medieval castles in Austria, Hochosterwitz is 160 meters high and can be seen from 30 km on a clear day.

Chillon Castle, Switzerland

This castle-island consists of 100 separate buildings that have combined into a palace.

Catherine Palace, Russia

The residence of Catherine I was founded in 1717 and was built for the rest of the Empress. In 1752 it was rebuilt.

Windsor Castle, England

This 11th century castle was a royal residence and is the longest fortress in Europe.

Hogwarts Universal Studios, Orlando

The main building of the wildly successful Harry Potter movie. Hogwarts was brought to life at the Universal studios in Orlando, Florida.

Balmoral Castle, UK

Balmoral has been the residence of the British Royal Family since 1852, when it was purchased by Victoria and her husband, Prince Albert.

Conwy Castle, North Wales

This medieval fortress was built by Edward I in 1283 and cost approximately £15,000.

Schwerin Castle, Germany

The first reports of this castle date back to 973, and it currently serves as the seat of the state parliament.