Despite the fact that the Middle Ages are often known as the Dark Ages, a period marked by a general decline following the fall of the Roman Empire, several stunning artefacts, such as mediaeval castles, have survived the years.
These fortresses may be found all over World, each with its own distinct characteristics. Castles had to be both useful, robust, and easy on the eyes, considering that many were a retreat for kings and nobles. Some were built on top of a mountain, others appeared to float above water, and some were nearly hidden by the leafy canopy of trees.
These World’s castles are well-known, while others are less well-known. Here are our 10 Most Beautiful Castles in the World:
1: Alcazar of Segovia
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The Alcazar of Segovia, shaped like the bow of a ship, has long captivated tourists due to its unique form and stunning environment. Given its location on a rocky outcrop overlooking the confluence of two rivers, the castle’s superb keep and narrow towers appear particularly dashing.
Its well-preserved palace is full of exquisite rooms and halls covered in art and fine furnishings, and it is located in the heart of Spain. The Alcazar of Segovia, which is now a popular museum, also boasts a well-equipped armoury and a collection of weaponry for visitors to peruse. Also read, Banff National Park.
2: Hohenzollern Castle
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Hohenzollern Castle is always an incredible sight, whether seen emerging from the woods that surround it or from amidst the clouds that whirl about its walls. The castle and Gothic Revival palace, which are perched atop the same-named renowned summit, have some stunning architecture, and the halls and chambers within are equally as charmingly adorned.
While the current castle was built in 1867, the same mount has been home to a fortification since at least the 11th century. Hohenzollern is still owned by the royal house of the same name and is one of Germany’s most visited castles.
3: Swallow’s Nest
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Swallow’s Nest, as the name suggests, is positioned abruptly on the brink of a clifftop in the Crimean Peninsula. The daintily painted castle, which overlooks the beautiful waves of the Black Sea, was erected in 1911 to very romantic Neo-Gothic designs. Also read, Mesa Verde National Park.
The Swallow’s Nest, which was featured in countless Soviet films, is today a renowned tourist destination, with visitors flocking to admire its perilous location, elegant architecture, and breathtaking views.
4: Corvin Castle
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Corvin Castle in Transylvania is one of Europe’s largest castles, built in a magnificent Gothic-Renaissance style. The 15th-century stronghold, which stands on a hilltop above the Zlasti River, boasts a number of towering towers, as well as impassable walls and a powerful drawbridge.
The Romanian castle is surrounded by several stories and legends. It has appeared in a number of television series and films due to its appealing and fairytale-like appearance.
5: De Haar Castle
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The beautiful turrets and spires of De Haar Castle appear all the more mystical as they rise from a tangled mass of lovingly maintained rose gardens. The exquisite Neo-Gothic castle is located just outside of Utrecht, Netherlands, and is surrounded by spectacular moats, lakes, and gardens. Also read, Shenandoah National Park.
Its interior is equally spectacular, with over 200 rooms tastefully adorned with rare paintings and luxurious furnishings. While the castle was first mentioned in 1391, it wasn’t until 1892 that it was renovated and remodelled from its ruined state that it became the romanticised image we know today.
6: Chateau de Chillon
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Chateau de Chillon, located near the eastern extremity of Lake Geneva, is a stunning sight, especially when the snow-covered Dents du Midi are visible in the background. The Romans erected an earlier version of the castle to guard the vital passages across the adjacent mountains.
The Swiss chateau, which is set on a little island connected to the lakeshore by a charming little bridge, has some striking and creative architecture that is magically reflected in the waters around it. Chateau de Chillon, a popular day excursion from Geneva, also features some exquisite halls and courtyards to see, as well as an eerie crypt.
7: Kylemore Abbey
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This spectacular castle in the west of Ireland, formerly known as Kylemore Castle, was converted into a Benedictine monastery by Belgian nuns fleeing the fighting of World War I. The Victorian-style buildings and Gothic church of the estate, which was built in 1868 to be the private home of a wealthy doctor, are magnificently mirrored in the waters of Pollacapall Lough. Also read, Mount Rainier National Park.
Kylemore Abbey has long been one of County Galway’s most popular attractions, with lovely mountains, reflected lakes, and rushing rivers all around it, and many visitors come to meander through its beautiful grounds.
8: Trakai Island Castle
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This majestic castle is situated on a small island surrounded by the dazzling waters of Lake Galve, as its name suggests. The massive red brick stronghold, located just outside of Vilnius, was once of vital strategic importance to the Grand Duchy of Lithuania.
The castle and its beautiful Ducal palace, which were built in the second part of the 14th century, were restored to their original look and style in the 1960s. When viewed from across the glistening waters of the lake, Trakai Island Castle’s Gothic and Romanesque elements are especially striking.
9: Predjama Castle
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Predjama is one of the most visually stunning castles on the planet, built into the side of a massive, jagged cliff face. Its fortunate location in the mouth of a cave made it difficult to attack, and defenders could replenish their supplies through a hidden network of subterranean channels. Also read, North Cascades National Park.
Predjama Castle is just a short drive from Slovenia’s capital, Ljubljana, and has been built and destroyed multiple times over the years. In July, when it holds a colourful and riotous mediaeval festival and jousting match, it is a fantastic time to visit.
10: Hohenwerfen Castle
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Hohenwerfen Castle, perched atop a rocky outcropping with the majestic Berchtesgaden Alps in the background, is an amazing sight. The castle and its robust walls were built between 1075 and 1078 and are located in the beautiful Salzach valley, just south of Salzburg, Austria.
It has served as a state prison as well as a magnificent fort, palace, and hunting refuge for the Archbishops of Salzburg throughout its history. Hohenwerfen Castle, now a museum, is well worth a visit for its rich history and gorgeous mountain location.