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 the architects and the skill of the builders.
Ranking 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. Of course, many buildings of the world fall under such parameters, 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. Commissioned by the Bavarian King Louis II in 1896In 1999, the architect Christian Jank began to build a unique building - the Neuschwanstein Castle near Swan Lake, high in the mountains. The structure is effectively inscribed in the landscape, the castle looks organically growing out of rocks and forests, 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 the Loire 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 are enough to inspect the main chambers.hours.
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 monastery-fortress dates back to 708, when a monk was ordered to build a monastery on an island off the coast of the Atlantic Ocean. The location on top of an impregnable cliff made the fortress invulnerable, and today such an original location attracts an endless series of tourists here. The castle was built in the Romanesque style, its brutal walls and towers make an indelible impression with their power. Inside the castle, you can see a collection of ancient church utensils, ancient books and jewelry.
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 of the times 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 towersmore than once became the scenery for movies and photo shoots.
De la Pena
Describing the most beautiful castles from around 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 the features of Manueline and Moorish style. 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.
Hirst
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 from Spain for whole rooms. A magnificent garden with many sculptures and fountains is laid out on a huge adjacent territory. Created in the parkthe magnificent fountain of Neptune, decorated with columns and a portico in the ancient Greek style, with a large number of statues around the perimeter. During the lifetime of the owner, there was a zoo here, but it was later disbanded due to the high cost of maintaining.
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 most impregnable fortress of the country. 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. Because of the 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 the picture.amazing harmony. In autumn, a unique moon festival is held here and the Japanese come to the park to watch the moon rise over 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 most 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 stunning palace complex began to be built in the 13th century during the Nasrid dynasty, when Granada became the capital of the Emirate of Granada. The device of the palace is amazing not only with luxury, but also with thoughtfulness. The composition of the palace is created by light and water. Every yard has a place to hide fromsoaring 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 Hall of Stalactites, in which the ceiling is decorated with amazing wooden carvings, the Golden Room. Adjacent to the palace is a huge garden with various buildings, where 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 the number to 10 items. Indeed, around the world there are many buildings worthy of admiration. I would like to add to the list of beauties such masterpieces of architecture as Prague Castle, Hohenzollern, Catherine Palace, Versailles, Potala Palace in Nepal, Castel Sant'Angelo, Chenonceau, Peles, Schwerin, Eltz, Alcazar, Quinta da Regaleira.
