The castle is a real greeting from the past and an opportunity to plunge into a fairy tale. What castles are the most famous?

The most famous castles

We offer you the top 10 most famous castles in the world:

Located in Southwestern Bavaria (Germany) near the town of Füssen. It is, in fact, a figment of the imagination of the monarch Ludwig II, who decided in 1869 to lower the rock plateau and create unique creation architecture. By the way, the name of the castle is translated as "New Swan Stone".

The construction lasted for 17 years, it took a fabulous sum (about 6 million gold marks), but under Ludwig it was never completed, although, of course, to this day it is the one that its monarch invented. The throne room is incredibly beautiful, which is more like a museum with many works of art. The Grotto also attracts attention - a room located on the third floor and designed in the form of a fabulous cave with a waterfall.

It is located in southern Italy in the city of Andria. The name translates literally as "castle on the mountain", and this building was built at the behest of the Emperor of the Roman Empire, Frederick II. And although this castle is considered one of the most famous, it does not have the characteristic features of castles.

There was no bridge, no rampart, no moat. In addition, there are no pantries, storages and stables. The purpose of this building is still unknown. Some historians considered the castle a hunting residence, while others argue that bold experiments were carried out here to transform metals.

Later, the castle was abandoned almost completely and was only occasionally used as a refuge for noble families, shepherds, or bandits. But in 1966 he was included in the list world heritage UNESCO.

This unique castle is located near the small German town of Darmstadt, in Hesse. And this place is notable for the fact that a slightly eccentric alchemist and Dr. Joseph Conrad Dippel, who called himself von Frankenstein (yes, the same Frankenstein, about which many films were made), once lived and worked here.

In the castle, he carried out his crazy experiments and made horrific experiments. So, during experiments with nitroglycerin, he destroyed one of the castle towers, and some accused the doctor of stealing corpses from the cemetery.

According to rumors, Joseph even tried to resurrect the dead (although this is probably not a rumor at all). One way or another, everyone was afraid of the doctor. By the way, the castle was originally built as a defensive structure. Today, only one tower remains intact, but the atmosphere is still ominous.

It was originally built as sea ​​fortress in 1524-1531. It was planned to defend the castle from attacks from the sea. The building was erected literally in haste, and that is why it looks very carelessly. But there was not a single attack, and later it was decided to use the castle not quite for its intended purpose.

Its location was ideal for keeping criminals, so in 1580 it was decided to organize a state prison. Various politicians, Huguenots, leaders of the Paris Commune and the most dangerous criminals served their sentences in it.

But this castle became famous and popular thanks to Alexandre Dumas and his immortal work The Count of Monte Cristo. The hero of this novel, Edmond Dantes, known as the prisoner of the Iron Mask, was in the Chateau d'If.

Located in Italy on top of a limestone rock, from which it got its name. The village of the same name sprawled nearby. The first mention of this place dates back to 1078, but most likely the castle was built earlier.

This is a unique structure that was erected on an uneven surface, but at the same time it is incredibly durable and strong. A staircase leads to the lower level (there are two in total). Surely everyone has seen this place, since its main feature is a huge sculpture called "Heart of Jesus", which is a figure of Jesus with outstretched arms, 14 meters high. This is a copy of the originally erected statue, but quite successful.

It was built in the distant 21st century by order of William the Conqueror. Initially, this structure was a building made of wood and earth and was built for defense. Then it was decided to strengthen the castle with stone. This building has seen so many battles and battles, as no other fortress has ever seen.

And that is why its appearance is constantly changing. According to the legends, one of the towers of the castle contained prisoners captured during the Hundred Years War. And in one of the parts of the castle, namely in the house of Sir Fulk Greville, who died at the hands of his own servant, the ghost of the owner of the building roams, according to tourists. One way or another, but the history of this place is very gloomy.

Located in Portugal. It is located on a hilltop above the city of Sintra. This is just a stunningly beautiful building, which used to be the summer residence of the royal nobility. Initially, there was an abandoned monastery, but then a chic palace appeared, which later became not only the hallmark of Portugal, but also a real national cultural monument.

According to one of the legends, it was in this place that the appearance of the Virgin Mary took place, and that is why the temple was built here. But later the land was acquired by Prince Ferdinand. And even today, there is something to see in the castle, as its decoration excites the imagination and makes you go back in time.

is not only incredibly beautiful, but also in its own way unique place. The construction consists of 83 buildings, and almost all of them, oddly enough, are built of wood. The construction of the castle began in the distant XIV century near the foot of Mount Hime. And he got the name for the smooth lines that look like the open wings of a heron.

Around the castle is a chic garden, which was previously a large labyrinth with many dead ends, designed to confuse enemies who decided to attack the inhabitants. The building passed from one samurai clan to another, and eventually became a local treasure. By the way, you may have seen the castle in one of the James Bond films, in which it was used as a secret ninja school.

Located in Romania, about 30 kilometers from the city of Brasov and 20 kilometers from Rasnov. If you believe the legends, then Vlad Dracula, known to this day, who was considered by many to be a vampire and a cruel killer, once lived in this castle. Like it or not - it is not clear, but the history of the castle is really interesting.

Initially, the building was used to protect the city. By the way, his rooms formed a labyrinth, and only "their" knew how to get out of here. There were many owners of the castle, they sometimes changed one after another.

But as for Vlad the Impaler Dracula, it is unclear whether he was here. Yes, a couple of times Dracula probably stayed at the castle. And others claim that he was imprisoned in local dungeons and subjected to severe torture. But still popular place It was thanks to Vlad.

No wonder it attracts millions of tourists. It is considered one of the most exquisite castles. This building is located in Ireland, and it was erected in 1228 on the site of an Anglo-Norman house. For a long time the owners of the castle were the Burgos family, but then a discord arose between the knight John de Burgh and Sir Richard Bingham.

The feud lasted for a long time, but then the parties came to an agreement, but Richard Bingham eventually became the owner. He fortified the castle and began to develop it. Then the owners began to replace each other, and in 1910 Noel Huggard turned the castle into a luxury hotel. By the way, he is such to this day and is included in the list of the most the best hotels Ireland.

Be sure to go on a trip and see with your own eyes at least one famous castle. You definitely won't regret it!

This fairy-tale castle is the historical possession of the Prussian kings and German emperors. It was built during the Middle Ages, in the 11th century, then was completely destroyed in 1423 and rebuilt in 1461. The castle is located on the top of the Hohenzollern mountain, about 50 kilometers south of Stuttgart, the capital of Baden-Württemberg.

Castle Howard, England

Although this building looks like a castle, Howard is actually just a luxurious house - the private residence of the Howard family, who have lived there for over 300 years. This house is located in North Yorkshire and is one of the largest residences in the UK. Its construction began at the end of the 17th century and lasted about 15 years. The castle is surrounded by fabulous gardens, as well as endless spacious meadows.

Alcazar in Segovia, Spain

Segovia Castle, located in central Spain, was originally (in the 12th century) used as a fortress. Outwardly, the Alcazar resembles the bow of a ship - unique feature which distinguishes it from other castles. It served as the inspiration for many castles in Walt Disney films.

Himeji Castle, Japan

Himeji Castle, also known as White Heron Castle, is a magnificent white complex of 83 wooden buildings. One of the castle's most extraordinary defenses is the spiral labyrinth, with many dead ends, leading to the main watchtower. The gates and courtyard of the castle are built in such a way that people entering there get lost. The castle was built in the 14th century and is located in the city of Kansai, Japan.

Prague Castle, Czech Republic

Prague Castle is one of the largest and oldest castles in the world, and is also a symbol of the capital of the Czech Republic. The castle is 570 meters long and 130 meters wide. This building represents every architectural style last millennium, from Gothic and Romanesque to Baroque. The construction of the very first buildings of the complex dates back to the beginning of the 9th century.

Peles Castle, Romania

located in picturesque place on the Carpathian mountains in Romania, Peles Castle is a truly fabulous building. Construction began in 1873. Workers from different countries. Queen Elizabeth of Romania said: “The Italians were masons, the Romanians built terraces, the gypsies worked as laborers. Albanians and Greeks laid stones, Germans and Hungarians were carpenters. The Turks burned bricks. Designed by Poles, stone carvers were Czechs. The French drew, and the British measured…” Presumably, workers speaking 14 languages ​​took part in the construction.

Chambord Castle, France

It is known that Chambord was used only as a hunting lodge. The view of this castle is quite impressive. Interestingly, the location of this castle was chosen by King Francis I, as he wanted to be closer to his beloved lady, Claude Roen, whose palace was next door. The huge castle has 440 rooms, 365 fireplaces and 84 staircases. This is the largest castle in the Loire Valley in France.

Neuschwanstein Castle, Germany

The castle, whose reconstruction began in 1896, was designed by Christian Janck, commissioned by the Bavarian king Ludwig II, who was declared insane before the castle was completed. This explains a lot. The architecture, location and size of Neuschwanstein are impressive. Situated on a jagged hill in the southwest of Bavaria, today the castle is one of the most visited places by tourists.

Corfe Castle, England

Despite the fact that the ruins are all that remains of Corfe Castle, its fortifications still make a deep impression. The castle, located in the county of Dorset on the Isle of Purbeck, was built in the 9th century. However, there is a possibility that Korfe could have been built much earlier, and could also serve as a defensive structure in the fight against the Romans. The part of the building that can be seen today was reconstructed in the 11th century. Two centuries later, the fortress began to be used as a repository of royal jewels, as well as a prison.

Matsumoto Castle. Japan

The wonderful Matsumoto Castle is located in the city of Matsumoto near Tokyo. The castle was built in 1504 and is the National Treasure of Japan. The castle was inhabited until the middle of the 19th century. In 1868, during the reign of Emperor Meiji, the building was restored. However, due to the failure of the new government of Japan, it was decided to demolish the castle and sell the wood and iron from which it was built. In those days, this fate befell many castles. Matsumoto rescued locals by buying it out.

Eltz Castle, Germany

Eltz is another of Germany's outstanding castles. This stunning medieval building in southwestern Germany is still owned by the same family, who have been living here for over 800 years. Currently, the castle is owned by Count Karl von Eltz, a representative of the 33rd generation of the family.

Eilean Donan Castle, Scotland

Built in the 13th century during the Viking Age, today Eilean Donan Castle is one of Scotland's most famous landmarks. The castle was probably named after Bishop Donan, who came to Scotland in the 6th century. The castle is located on an island surrounded by the stunning scenery of the Scottish Highlands. The fortress was rebuilt at least 4 times. For about 200 years, the castle lay in ruins (from the 18th to the 20th century). In 1932 it was restored and since then it has been open to visitors from all over the world.

Each of us has our own associations with the word "castle": someone imagines impregnable walls with a moat and tall towers, for others, the citadel appears as a place where medieval knights gathered, tournaments were held, old songs were composed, and ladies waited for their gentlemen from military campaigns. In any case, ancient structures were created according to the same principle and were intended for reliable protection from 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 in almost pristine condition.

Egret Castle (Himeji), Japan

Date of foundation - 1346, construction lasted 13 years. It is one of the most ancient castles in the country rising sun, 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 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

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, for example, 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 educational institution 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 the 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 ancient castle in the world in the Guinness Book of Records, occupying 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 Austria, Hochosterwitz is 160 meters high and can be seen for 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.

Most beautiful castles of 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 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 a favorite country residence 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 it creepy place is very popular among tourists, like other scary places planets, for example