Castles represent the architectural glory of a country and the magnificently built castles of European countries not only portray the distinguished civilization of the country but also show the intricate work of art. They are enchanting not only in their history but also architecture and grand exterior. Castles may fill the pages of storybooks but many of these mystical structures still stand today and can be visited across the globe. There are so many breathtaking castles around the world, all exhibit their own architectural style with their own incredible stories and it’s very hard to make this list of the top 10.
You may leave some comments on which ones are your favorite!
10. Hohenzollern Castle, Germany
Hohenzollern Castle is a castle located around 50 kilometers (31 mi) south of Stuttgart, Germany. It is regarded as the ancestral seat of the Hohenzollern family, which emerged in the Middle Ages and eventually became German Emperors. Enriched with numerous towers and turrets, Hohenzollern Castle is positioned on top of Mount Hohenzollern, at an elevation of 855 meters above sea level. Privately owned, Hohenzollern is an important site in Purssian history. The castle was the ancestral home of the Hohenzollern dynasty, ruling over Prussia from the Middle Ages up until the end of the First World War.
9. Himeji Castle, Japan
Himeji Castle is a hilltop Japanese castle found in Himeji, in Hyōgo Prefecture, Japan. The castle is considered to be the finest remaining example of prototypical Japanese castle architecture. The castle is often known as Hakuro-jō ("White Egret Castle") or Shirasagi-jō ("White Heron Castle") due to its brilliant white colored exterior and supposed resemblance to a bird taking flight. Unlike many other Japanese castles, Himeji Castle was never destroyed in wars, earthquakes or fires and stands up in its authentic form. Himeji Castle is both a national treasure and a UNESCO world heritage site.
8. Neuschwanstein Castle, Germany
Neuschwanstein Castle is a nineteenth-century Romanesque Revival palace on a rugged hill above the small town of Hohenschwangau in southwest Bavaria, Germany. The palace was commissioned by Ludwig II of Bavaria as a retreat and as a homage to Richard Wagner. Neuschwanstein is famous all over the world as a representation of idealised romantic architecture and also for the tragic story of its owner. After losing sovereignty in his own kingdom, Ludwig II withdrew into his very own world of myths, legend and fairytales.
7. Kylemore Abbey Castle, Ireland
Kylemore Abbey is a Benedictine monastery founded in 1920 on the land of Kylemore Castle, in Connemara, County Galway, Ireland. Kylemore is home to a community of nuns of the Benedictine Order who moved here in 1920 after their abbey in Ypres, Belgium was destroyed in World War I. Settling at Kylemore, the Benedictine Community started restoring the Abbey, Gothic Church and Victorian Walled Garden to their previous glory. The stunning landscape and iconic impression of a gothic castle reflected in a Connemara lake has made Kylemore Abbey world-famous and it is now the major tourist attraction in the west of Ireland.
6. Burg Hochosterwitz Castle, Austria
Hochosterwitz Castle is located in the state of Carinthia, Austria. It perched on a 160m high rock rising from the plains and can be viewed from 20 miles away on a clear day. Hochosterwitz Castle is Austria's most popular and most impressive castle with history since the 10th century. The 14 gates of Hochosterwitz Castle make this Middle ages fortress one of the most impregnable in entire of Europe.
5. Trakai Castle, Lithuania
Trakai Island Castle is a 14th century island castle within Trakai, Lithuania, positioned between the hills, forests and lakes. The castle is sometimes called "Little Marienburg". Trakai and Trakai Castle are one of the main centres of the Grand Duchy of Lithuania and the castle held significant strategic importance.Some events such as the Day of the Crafts and Middle Ages or performances of Pilėnai opera are periodically held in the castle courtyards.
4. Mont Saint Michel Castle, France
Mont Saint-Michel is one of France’s most iconic places of interest and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It is situated on a rocky tidal island approximately a mile off coast of Normandy, and about 150 miles from Paris. The castle is best known for the middle ages Benedictine Abbey and steepled church that covers the majority of the 1 km diameter clump of rocks jutting out of the waters of the English Channel. It also one of the most popular attractions in France, exhibiting it's uniqueness and undoubtedly incredible view.
3. Hohenwerfen Castle, Germany
Hohenwerfen Castle stands high above the Austrian town of Werfen in the Salzach valley, approximately 40 km (25 mi) south of Salzburg. The castle is dramatically placed on a rocky plinth, surrounded by the sharp snow-capped Alps and the adjacent Tennengebirge mountain range. The first fortifications of Hohenwerfen were built in around 1077. The reason for building in this location was purely defensive, designed to protect the city of Salzburg. Nowadays the bastion, enlarged and renovated several times over the centuries, performs as an adventure castle for its visitors. Among the various attractions offered by the fortress are guided tours displaying its extensive weapons collection, the historical Salzburg Falconry with the falconry museum along with a fortress tavern. The historic Falconry Centre is a unique attraction, featuring daily flight demonstrations by various birds of prey.
2. Eilean Donan Castle, Scotland
Eilean Donan Castle sits at the point where three Scottish Lochs Meet; Loch Duich, Loch Long and Loch Alsh, in the western Highlands of Scotland. In a superbly beautiful and romantic setting, Eilean Donan Castle possesses a dream like quality. This thirteenth century castle means simply "island of Donnán", is named after Donnán of Eigg, a Celtic saint martyred in 617. Some people say Eilean Donan is the most beautiful castle in Scotland.
1. Peles Castle, Romania
Peleș Castle is a Neo-Renaissance castle near Sinaia, in Prahova County, Romania, on an existing middle ages path connecting Transylvania and Wallachia, built between 1873 and 1914. Peles Castle is believed by many, one of the most beautiful castles in all Europe. It was the final resting place for several Romanian monarchs such as King Carol I, who died here in 1914. Positioned in the southeastern Carpathian Mountains, and surrounded by incredibly beautiful landscape with gardens built on terraces, all at the edge of dense forests, Peleş Castle is not just a pleasurable place during summer time; it has been conceived to be also a national monument.
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