They create an atmosphere of a fairy tale and the mysterious Middle Ages. Enveloping in a haze of mysticism and splendor, these beautiful buildings bring modern tourists back to those ancient times, when formidable feudal lords ruled in Europe, royal heirs to the throne were looking for their beautiful princesses around the world, and fearless knights set off on distant wanderings towards new dangers and adventures. The white castles of the world beckon with their beauty and charm, inviting visitors to the historical past.
Neuschwanstein (Germany)
One of the most beautiful castles in the world. The fairy-tale palace, which has earned crazy popularity among travelers, stands among the dense forests of the Bavarian Alps. Neuschwanstein means "New Swan Stone" in German. This feathered motif, by the way, permeates the entire architecture - from the snow-white color of the walls to the heraldic symbol of the ancient family of Schwangau. The structure is relatively "young": it was built at the end of the 19th century.
All the white castles of Europe are magical and brilliant, but Neuschwanstein has a special zest, a certain charm. The main decoration of the entire architectural ensemble - the cathedral in the Gothic style - was never built. Despite this, the brilliance and charm of the royal residence does not fade. Having been here, you will be in awe of the amazing sight: the sun is reflected in the pearl walls, penetrating the rays into the rich throne room, decorated with frescoes and tapestries. Another attraction is the grotto. Set on the third floor, this fabulous space looks like Ali Baba's real cave.
Chamborne (France)
The famous Loire Valley, located near Paris, is famous for its stunning castles. In ancient times, kings and court nobility built country residences in this place: there are about 300 of them in total. Chamborne stands out from the general mass of original and wonderful castles, the construction of which, according to legend, Leonardo da Vinci himself had a hand in. In addition, it was here that the famous playwright Moliere liked to retire, who wrote more than one play within the walls of the palace.
Of course, all white castles are famous for their historical artifacts and rich expositions. But in Chamborne, the interior decoration surpasses the design of other palaces with its splendor and variety. Here you can see a large number of canvases, which depict pictures from the life of the glorious Paris, the exploits of Don Quixote and the alluring radiance of Andromeda. Vintage candelabra on the walls, marble decorations, cozychapels and spiral staircases take visitors back to the Renaissance. The charming pearl of France is also famous all over the world for dog hunting, which is still carried out as an attraction in neighboring forests today.
Miramare (Italy)
If you accidentally find yourself in the birthplace of the Renaissance, be sure to visit the numerous cathedrals and palaces located here. At the same time, the white castles of Italy deserve special attention. With blue turrets, stone walls, deep moats, fragrant gardens, they will give tourists exactly what they like. At the same time, locals are advised to look into Miramar - the pearl of the coast in the Trieste valley. A palace built on a rock jutting out into the sea: it seems that he admires the play of the waves and is waiting for a wanderer from a long journey.
Renaissance art and Gothic architecture intertwined here. The castle, built in a medieval Scottish style, emphasizes the close proximity of the azure water surface with its interior. And the park, laid out on 22 hectares, amazes with splendor and exoticism. Walking along the winding paths and wide alleys, you can see graceful sculptures, flowing fountains, deep grottoes, unusual trees and rare plants.
Lednice (Czech Republic)
One of the most famous castles in this country. Spread out in a picturesque park on the Dyya River, it has long become a cultural heritage of Europe and a UNESCO site of enhanced protection. Lednice is mentioned in chronicles as early as the 13th century. Once it was the property of an old familyLiechtenstein, now this pearl of architecture belongs to the state. The famous Austrian architect Jiří Wingelmüller gave the palace a modern look: he decorated the facade with battlements, bizarre columns, aerial arches and miniature balconies.
The Blue and Hunting Hall, the Chinese Cabinet, the African Room, as well as the castle park with a unique palm greenhouse are open here for guests. In addition, thermal springs were recently discovered nearby, on the basis of which a modern resort was built. Local residents have preserved the recipes of ancient Moravian wines to this day, so they gladly invite tourists to taste not only drinks from the castle cellars, but also goods of their own production. All white castles in the Czech Republic enchant visitors, but it is in Lednice that you can plunge into the past.
Sharovsky Palace (Kharkiv)
Which countries have white castles? Of course, in almost all European countries. And Ukraine is no exception. In the northeast is the chic Sharovsky Palace, the brainchild of Leopold Koening, the sugar king of Tsarist Russia. For elegance and charm, the building was called the "White Swan". The neo-gothic two-storey building has three large halls and 26 rooms. The main entrance is decorated with exquisite spiers and turrets.
Like all white castles, the Sharovsky Palace is framed by a dense park. The green zone is the brainchild of the architect Georg Kufaldt, who spared no effort and money to improve the territory. Under his leadership it was plantedmore than a hundred species of exotic plants. The crown of the park is a linden alley, the tree branches of which are arranged in an unusual way: they grow vertically. Not far from the castle is Sugar Hill. The legend says that the hill was created artificially at the request of the landowner's wife. When she wanted to go sledding in a snowless winter, he ordered one of the nearby hills to be covered with sugar.
Egret Castle (Japan)
The name says it all. Listing the most stunning white castles in the world, one cannot fail to mention this palace, graceful and neat. Like a bird, he towers over the area. The castle was built in the Harima region at the foot of Mount Hime. The complex consists of 83 buildings, which present carefully whitewashed walls, formidable loopholes and loopholes to the gaze of tourists. Built in the 14th century, the palace passed from one samurai clan to another more than once; civil strife was constantly fought over it, destroying the ancient architectural ensemble. Despite this, the modern version of the White Heron was completely reconstructed and supplemented with new buildings.
A beautiful spiral garden is laid out around the palace: labyrinths of paths slyly wind, lead tourists in a circle and lead them to dead ends. The design was thought up for enemies: while they wander in the impenetrable slums of the garden, the guards will be able to prepare for an attack and open fire. The park did not pass the battle test, because after the completion of construction in Japan, relatively peaceful times began.
Cape Coast (Ghana)
White castles are notonly in Europe and Asia, but even on the African continent. The most charming was erected by the Portuguese in Ghana, on the west coast, where at that time they were actively engaged in the trade in gold and timber. At first it was just a miserable wooden fort, which, after more than one hundred years, turned into a white stone castle. Nowadays, it is under the tireless care of UNESCO.
The palace consists of two forts. In one of the many wings there is a museum, the exhibits of which tell about the history of the struggle for the land of local tribes and European conquerors. One of the halls is dedicated to the pre-colonial history of the region: here you can see stone hunting tools, primitive swords and very ancient scales for measuring precious metals, as well as African musical instruments, canoes and primitive dishes. For thrill-seekers, they offer a chilling tour of the dungeons, where many years ago death rows were equipped with numerous instruments for excruciating torture.
Cinderella Castle (USA)
No, this is not an ancient palace or a medieval temple complex. Despite all its modernity, it is no less beautiful than other white castles in the world. Photos and other images of the palace amaze the eye: the building radiates the magic and splendor of past centuries. It is located in the W alt Disney Park in Orlando, which is the largest entertainment center on the planet. Definitely the highlight of the property is Cinderella Castle with its slender spiers, ornate towers and twinkling lights.
The building is almost 60 meters high. But the optical trick used here makes it even bigger and more massive. For example, the height of the spire is half the total area, the corner elements are expanded, which creates the illusion of distance and height. The snow-white castle with blue towers resembles a medieval fortress. The creator of the complex, architect Herbert Riemann, drew sketches under the impression of viewing real palaces, which have already been mentioned above. This building serves as proof that in our time it is possible to build a grandiose and charming castle, if there is a desire and appropriate funding. Like its ancient counterparts, Cinderella's castle is an architectural gem, beloved by tourists and revered by travelers.
