10 Famous and beautiful castles to make a point to visit

Royal Residences: 10 Famous castles to visit in your lifetime

Amanda Lim

23 Nov 2015

updated the 24 November 2015 à 08:15

1/10
Neuschwanstein Castle, Germany
Considered one of the most beautiful castles in the world, Schloss Neuschwanstein has captured the hearts of everyone who has laid eyes on its majesty. This very palatial citadel inspired the famous Walt Disney Sleeping Beauty castle that stands in Disneyland today.
2/10
Himeiji Castle, Japan
You can find castles outside of Europe too. Himeji Castle is probably the most famous in Japan. It is famed for it’s beauty, especially during the season of cherry blossoms when the grey fortress is surrounded by a sea of pink.
3/10
Catherine Palace, Russia
One of the most undeniably beautiful castles in Russia is the blue-hued Catherine Palace, which was built for Catherine I as her summer getaway. It is said that it took 100 kilograms of gold to decorate the roofs and facades of the palace.
4/10
The Palace of Versailles, France
The Palace of Versailles is steep in history. It remains famous as a symbol of decadence of the French aristocrats that were taken down by the French Revolution. In modern history it is remembered as the place where the Allied Powers signed the Treaty of Peace, which came to be known as the Treaty of Versailles.
5/10
Hohensalzburg Castle, Austria
Hohensalzburg (or High Salzberg Fortress) was built in the 11^th century and is one of the oldest and largest medieval castles in Europe. It is a hilltop fortress is located on a hill called Festungsberg in Salzburg.
6/10
Kronborg Castle, Denmark
Built in the 1400s, Kronborg castle is one of the oldest castles in Northern Europe. If the name rings a bell it is because it has been immortalised in one of William Shakepeare’s most epic tales, Hamlet.
7/10
Edinburgh Castle, Scotland
Sitting atop Castle Rock is Edinburgh’s most iconic landmark, the Edinburgh Castle. Today, it’s the venue for the Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo, a must-attend event if you happen to visit in August.
8/10
Prague Castle, Czech Republic
The imposing Prague Castle is the largest ancient castle complex in the world, measuring 70,000 square metres. Today, Prague Castle is the official residence of the President of the Czech Republic.
9/10
Yi He Yuan, China
Also known as the Summer Palace, Yi He Yuan is a vast ensemble covering 2.9 square kilometers. The elaborate palace is famous for their temples and gardens, which are considered Chinese landscaping masterpieces that are made up of beautiful pavilions, lakes and bridges.
10/10
Highclere Castle, United Kingdom
This beautiful 19^th century castle will be familiar to fans of popular British period drama, Downton Abbey. Yep! Highclere serves as the eponymous home of the Crawley family. However in real life, it is the owned by the Earl and Countess of Carnarvon and is open daily to visitors.

Get a glimpse into the fairytale life through some of the most arresting strongholds in the world.

There’s no more decadent display of wealth and power than a formidable fortress. Castles are a product of a bygone era that never fails to impress us with its historical significance and its dreamlike beauty. Thankfully for us, some of the most beautiful castles in the world have been well preserved so we can still stand in awe of their majesty.

Castles hold the last vestiges of a lost time that have inspired stories and dreams. Standing in the middle of a real-life castle is enough to leave our jaws hanging at the thought of how people could live so large back in the day. Just imagining the celebrations and devastations the walls have seen over the century is enough to give you goosebumps.

If you’re looking to dive into a fairytale world just for a day, check out our gallery for a list of ten most beautiful and loved castles in the world that will definitely make you feel like you’re walking in a dream.

Amanda Lim

Photos: Getty Images

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