Top Famous Castles To Visit In The World

From the medieval castle to the Baroque palace of the Age of Enlightenment, from the banks of the Loire to the Carpathians, from the moats to the dungeon via the drawbridge, let’s set off to discover the most beautiful castles in the world. The myriad of breathtaking castles that the world is full of makes the task of drawing up a ranking of the most beautiful ones difficult.

The exception is a castle which is very far from the old continent. They are luxurious residences that can be visited, adorned with luxuriant gardens.

If you still dream of living in the world of fairy tales, know that you can fulfill your childhood wish and visit some of the most enchanted and romantic places in the world! You know the castle of Sleeping Beauty? Well, the place he is inspired by really exists and is one of the most popular destinations in Germany: Neuschwanstein Castle!

The most beautiful castles to visit

By the sea or on the shores of a lake. Overlooking vertiginous cliffs or on top of hills with breathtaking views. Europe is full of countries to visit and fortresses which, over time, have lost their defensive character while retaining their artistic, historical and legendary value. The charm of a castle hardly does not capture you, it happened to us in Scotland as in Holland, wherever we found ourselves faced with a mixture of beauty and majesty, between harmony and environment.

Versailles

Impossible not to start with the cream of the castles, that of the Sun King Louis XIV, often imitated, but never equaled. Who has not marveled at the Hall of Mirrors and the sumptuous gardens of Le Nôtre, the Grand Canal, the Petit Canal, and the Orangerie? We could write a thesis on its architecture, its history, its rooms and every corner, without forgetting its prestigious annexes, the Grand Trianon and the Petit Trianon. The whole of this sumptuous domain is registered since 1979 on the list of the patrimony of the Humanity by Unesco. With its 67,000 m² and 700 rooms, Versailles is the largest castle in the world. It is the third most visited site in France.

Chambord

The largest (440 rooms!) And the most prestigious of the Loire Valley castles was built at the request of François 1er. Built in the heart of the largest enclosed forest park in Europe (approximately 50 km² surrounded by a 32 km long wall), the Château de Chambordhas hardly ever been inhabited, and barely furnished. It is especially valuable for its exterior appearance, straight out of a fairy tale, its domain and the double staircase, designed by Leonardo da Vinci.

A true symbol of the castle, it is built in such a way that two people can simultaneously go up or down it without ever crossing paths. Listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1981, this sumptuous castle plunges you into the heart of the Renaissance. It is all the castles of the Loire that deserve to be included in this classification, but we must leave room for other countries! Among the must-see are: Chenonceau, Amboise, Ussé, Villandry and Cheverny, which inspired Hergé for his castle of Moulinsart.

Schönbrunn Palace

A marvel of European baroque architecture, Schönbrunn Palace, on the outskirts of Vienna, takes us back to the history of the Habsburg dynasty and Sissi Empress. Listed as World Cultural Heritage by Unesco, Schönbrunnwhich means beautiful fountain, is nicknamed the Austrian Versailles.

This majestic palace, distinguished by its yellow rococo imperial facade, has more than 1,400 rooms, only 40 of which are open to the public. Its 158 hectare park includes a giant plant labyrinth, greenhouses, the Gloriette (a triple triumphal arch in neoclassical style from which one enjoys a superb panorama), the very first zoological park in the world (created in 1752 ) and the longest orangery in the world. Schönbrunn is Austria’s most visited site with 2.8 million visitors each year.

Neuschwanstein

It was Sleeping Beauty’s castle that inspired Walt Disney. It is true that this picturesque castle has allure and charm straight out of a fairy tale! Built at the end of the 19th century, it is the most romantic castle in Germany. Wanted by King Ludwig II of Bavaria, it is perched on a rocky outcrop 200 meters high, lost in the middle of the pines, with the snow-capped peaks of the Alps as a backdrop: an idyllic setting! The Neuschwanstein castle in Bavaria is one of the most visited palace in Europe.

Bran: Dracula’s castle

Better known as Dracula’s Castle, Bran Castle nestles in the Carpathians in Romania, more precisely in Transylvania. Count Vlad the Impaler, who inspired the British writer Bram Stoker the famous vampire Dracula, has never lived there. In the absence of vampires, tourists flock there today to admire its architecture and the grandiose setting of the site, which would lend itself perfectly to the shooting of a film on Dracula! Property of the Hasbourgs, this splendid medieval castle was built in 1377 by King Louis I of Hungary. Built on the former site of a castle of the Teutonic order, this fortress is perched at the top of the rock of Dietrich.

Windsor Castle

Located on the outskirts of London, Windsor Castle is the largest castle still inhabited in the world. Official residence of the queen, it has the advantage of being visited all year round, unlike Buckingham Palace, which can only be visited in summer, during the absence of her majesty. It is one of the three official residences of Queen Elizabeth II. The royal family has taken up residence there since the Middle Ages! Tourists flock to admire this 13-hectare estate and the magnificent architecture of this castle built in the 11th century. Among the must-sees are the treasures of the Royal Collection in the State Apartments, and the Chapel of St. George, which serves as a royal necropolis.

Petrodvorets Palace

After the Austrian Versailles, here is the Russian Versailles. The Palace Petrodvorets, also called Peterhof, is located 29 km west of Saint Petersburg, on the edge of the Gulf of Finland. As the name suggests, this is the former imperial residence of Tsar Peter the Great. Here is in any case a castle which can support the comparison with Versailles! Its long white and ocher facade that stretches over 260 meters is impressive.

The whole is surrounded by a splendid wooded park, decorated with terraces, waterfalls, statues and fountains animated by water games, bordered by several pavilions (Monplaisir Palace and Marly Palace): a pure marvel. In 1717, after having visited Versailles, Peter the Great entrusted the French architect Jean-Baptiste Leblon with the task of redesigning the gardens of the estate. Inside the Grand Palais, which shines with the luxury of the ceremonial rooms, lounges and galleries, do not miss the cabinet of Peter the Great, the crown chamber, the portrait room, the ballroom and the astonishing Chinese cabinets. Also impossible not to mention Tsarskoye Selo.

Edinburgh Castle

Planted on a rocky outcrop in the heart of Edinburgh, the capital of Scotland, this castle has dominated the city from the top of Castle Hill since the 9th century. You can enjoy a breathtaking view of the Edinburgh skyline. Symbol of the city, Edinburgh Castle encloses within its walls the dazzling Scottish crown jewels. Overlooking the capital from the top of its volcanic rock, the former royal residence now houses exhibitions and museums. The fortress also hosts the Tattoo festival. It has been in continuous use for a millennium and remains in excellent condition today. With its dark stone and its fantastic aspect, it evokes the castle of the shadows of Skeletor, in particular the nights of storms! Like any self-respecting Scottish castle, it is haunted!

Malbork Castle

The Castle of the Teutonic Order of Malbork is one of the most important monuments erected by the Knights of the Teutonic Order, military monks, who founded the monastic state of Prussia. Erected in the 1270s on their return from the Crusades, this fortified castle is distinguished by its rust color.

The ocher of the bricks contrasts with the greenery of the vegetation that dots the fortress, which is reflected in the waters. Seat of the Grand Master of the Teutonic Order, Malbork Castle is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It is a perfect example of defensive medieval architecture. It houses a museum which presents collections of medieval art made up of stained glass windows, sculptures, medals, weapons, fabrics, as well as a very important collection of amber pieces.

The Château de Frontenac

And finally, to get out of Europe, let’s cross the Atlantic Ocean, direction Canada, and the beautiful province of Quebec. Here is a castle like no other, but a castle all the same: Frontenac, built at the end of the 19th century by Canadian railway companies. Luxury hotel belonging to the Fairmont chain, the Château de Frontenacdominates the old town of Quebec, of which it is the symbol, overlooking the St. Lawrence River.

Those who are not hotel guests will have to be content with the lobby, which does not leave you indifferent, unless you dine in one of the three restaurants! A hotel-museum in which you never tire of strolling admiring period objects, superb paintings, gilding and other moldings on the walls and ceiling. This imposing castle owes its name to Count Louis de Buade de Frontenac, the extravagant governor of New France at the end of the 17th century. And like any good self-respecting castle, a ghost would reside there.

Dunottar Castle

You could raise the question that there is little to see but I would argue that instead there is a lot to feel, with all the senses you have. This is where the legends of Scotland come to life, and they do so in a particularly impressive place, Dunnottar Castle! Perched on a rocky promontory surrounded by green meadows that are reflected in the cold North Sea, stand the ruins of this magnificent castle.

Wartburg Castle

The Germans know it very well, its imposing silhouette stands on a hill near the town of Eisenach, known for having given home to Martin Luther, near the Thuringian forest. Ludwig was also inspired by this castle, see above, for his Neuschweinstein castle. It is a large fortress, included in the Unesco Heritage, which is accessed by a customary drawbridge, full of towers and courtyards. The atmosphere is typically medieval, with many flags, wooden and iron doors, crenellated walls and flags in the wind.

Glamis Castle

Scotland takes first place in terms of number and quality of castles. Glamis was a royal residence now open to the public. This is where Queen Elizabeth Mother grew up. Magnificent the castle, inside and out, even the gardens are something incredibly beautiful. During our visit we were lucky enough to witness the event of traditional Scottish games in the castle park, with bagpipe competitions and typical dances.

Alcazar Segovia castle

The most beautiful castles in the world do not belong only to the tradition of northern Europe, even here in Spain we find tall pointed towers, crenellated walls and a fairytale atmosphere. Born as a defensive structure, it was a royal palace, a prison and today a museum as well.

Egeskof Castle

Just outside Odense in Denmark, there is this beautiful castle that seems to be suspended over the water. There is the park with the manicured gardens, the castle to visit also internally, the exhibition of vintage vehicles with particular care. A must during a tour in Denmark.

Castle of Vaux-le-Vicomte

A 50 km from Paris, Vaux le Vicomte introduces children to the beauty of the castles of the 17th century. Their story pleases them enormously, since it is this castle that made Louis XIV mad with jealousy, to the point of sending his unfortunate owner, Minister Fouquet, yet a faithful servant of the Sun King, to rot in prison. It is indeed a dazzling castle with sumptuous apartments and where you can enjoy the charming French gardens!

Haut-Koenigsbourg castle

A 50 km from Strasbourg this exceptional castle plunges visitors into the fascinating world of the Middle Ages. Completely restored, the Haut Koenigsbourg castle is remarkable: drawbridge, weapons room, dungeons and cannons … Standing at an altitude of over 800m, it offers a superb view over the Alsace plain. During the school holidays, possibility of visiting the castle with living characters from the Middle Ages.

Castle of the Dukes

The castle of the Dukes of Brittany plunges the visitor into the heart of history. The monument has remained similar to its former splendor: the fortress with its walkway punctuated by towers and curtain walls, the garden and the moat. Inside the ducal residence, the museum tells the story of the city from Nantes. Modern digital media allow children a fun visit.

Carcassonne Castle

In Cathar country, in the heart of the city of Carcassonne, discover the count’s castle and the ramparts classified as World Heritage by Unesco. Carcassonne offers a wonderful journey through time. By approaching it, children discover what a fortified city represented in the Middle Ages, the spectacle is phenomenal and makes a strong impression on young and old alike.

Chateau de Chantilly

The Château de Chantilly is a very beautiful Renaissance château located in the middle of the water in a vast domain, in the Oise. Various fun visit booklets and audio guides are available to children. The park is beautiful and has a playground, labyrinth, animals with sheep, kangaroo pens and a toy train. Not to be missed nearby: The Great Stables and the Horse Museum.

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