Castles have always captured our imagination with their grandeur and mystery. These magnificent structures, scattered across the globe, tell tales of kings and queens, battles and peace, and art and architecture.
Each castle has its unique charm, reflecting the time and culture in which it was built.
Key Takeaways
- Castles like Neuschwanstein in Germany and Himeji in Japan show off different building styles and historical backgrounds from the time and culture they were built.
- These castles are famous travel destinations. They offer guided tours, cultural events, and amazing views, making them places travelers should definitely visit.
- Many castles have been carefully restored to keep their beauty and historical importance so people can enjoy them for many years to come.
1. Neuschwanstein Castle, Germany
Perched on a rugged hill in Bavaria, Neuschwanstein Castle looks like it belongs in a fairy tale.
Commissioned by King Ludwig II in the 19th century, it features a romantic blend of Romanesque Revival architecture inspired by Wagner’s operas.
Its picturesque towers and stunning interiors draw over a million visitors annually.
Neuschwanstein Castle was intended as a retreat for the reclusive king and was also dedicated to the works of Richard Wagner, a composer whom Ludwig greatly admired.
The castle’s interior includes a magnificent Throne Hall and a Singer’s Hall, which are both decorated with murals depicting scenes from Wagner’s operas.
Unfortunately, King Ludwig II died before the castle was completed.
2. Windsor Castle, England
Windsor Castle, located in Berkshire, England, is the oldest castle in the world.
Built in the 11th century by William the Conqueror, it has been a royal residence for over 900 years. The castle’s grand state apartments and beautiful gardens make it a must-visit historical site.
The castle is notable for its long association with the British royal family and its architecture. It has been expanded and modified over the centuries and features a mix of medieval, Georgian, and Victorian designs.
Windsor Castle also houses St. George’s Chapel, the site of many royal weddings and burials.
3. Malbork Castle, Poland
Known as the largest castle in the world, Malbork Castle was built by the Teutonic Knights in the 13th century.
This brick fortress in Northern Poland is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, celebrated for its impressive size and historical significance. It was heavily damaged in World War II but has been meticulously restored.
Malbork Castle served as the Teutonic Order’s headquarters and played a crucial role in their control over the Baltic Sea region.
The castle complex includes three separate sections: the High Castle, the Middle Castle, and the Lower Castle. Each section served different purposes, such as administration, residence, and storage.
4. Matsumoto Castle, Japan
Matsumoto Castle, also known as the “Crow Castle” due to its black exterior, is one of Japan’s most beautiful and oldest castles.
Built in the 16th century, it features a unique wooden interior and a stunning backdrop of the Japanese Alps. The castle’s defensive design includes multiple moats and hidden gates.
The castle’s five-story main keep is one of Japan’s few remaining original structures, providing a glimpse into feudal Japan.
Its interior features steep wooden stairs and narrow windows designed for archers to shoot from.
The castle also hosts various cultural events throughout the year, including a popular cherry blossom festival in spring.
5. Eltz Castle, Germany
Eltz Castle is nestled in the hills above the Moselle River and has been owned by the same family for over 850 years.
This medieval castle is known for its picturesque setting, surrounded by lush forests. Its mix of Romanesque and Baroque architecture and well-preserved interiors make it a popular destination.
The castle’s location, hidden deep within a valley, protected it from many of the conflicts that affected other European castles.
Inside, visitors can see original furnishings, armor, and art collections. The castle also has a treasury and an armory that showcases medieval artifacts and weapons.
6. Himeji Castle, Japan
Himeji Castle is Japan’s largest and most visited castle. Known as the “White Heron” castle due to its elegant white facade, it was originally built in the 14th century and later expanded in the 17th century.
The castle’s complex design, with multiple layers of defense, is a testament to its strategic importance.
Himeji Castle, or “Shirasagi-jo,” features a six-story main keep supported by large wooden pillars.
The keep is surrounded by a maze-like arrangement of gates, walls, and moats designed to confuse and trap invaders. Despite its formidable defenses, the castle has never been attacked.
Recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1993, it remains one of Japan’s most well-preserved and stunning castles.
The castle underwent a major restoration that was completed in 2015, ensuring its white exterior shines as brilliantly as ever.
7. Bodiam Castle, England
Bodiam Castle in East Sussex is a quintessential medieval fortress complete with a surrounding moat.
Built in the 14th century, its picturesque ruins include a grand gatehouse, rounded towers, and a large courtyard.
The castle’s well-preserved exterior and scenic location make it a tourist favorite.
Constructed by Sir Edward Dalyngrigge, a former knight of Edward III, Bodiam Castle was intended to defend the area against French invasion during the Hundred Years’ War.
The castle features a unique quadrangular design with chambers built into the outer walls and towers.
Though the interior is mostly in ruins, the castle’s impressive exterior vividly represents medieval architecture.
8. Château de Chillon, Switzerland
Château de Chillon is a stunning castle set on an island in Lake Geneva. Its history dates back to the Roman era, though the current structure was built in the 12th century.
The castle’s beautiful halls, courtyards, and atmospheric crypt are reflected in the lake’s clear waters, offering a magical view.
Château de Chillon has served as a residence for the Counts of Savoy, a strategic fortress, and a prison.
The castle’s romantic setting has inspired many writers and artists, including Lord Byron, who wrote the poem “The Prisoner of Chillon” after visiting the site.
Today, the castle is open to the public and hosts various cultural events and exhibitions.
9. Hohenwerfen Castle, Austria
Situated in the Austrian Alps, Hohenwerfen Castle was built in the 11th century as a strategic fortification. Over the years, it has served various purposes, including as a state prison.
Today, it houses a museum and a Falconry Centre, offering demonstrations of birds of prey in flight. The castle’s dramatic location and rich history make it a fascinating visit.
Hohenwerfen Castle’s location atop a 500-foot-high rock gave it a strategic vantage point over the surrounding valley.
The castle’s history includes stints as a military base, a hunting retreat for Salzburg’s rulers, and a feared state prison.
Visitors can explore its well-preserved rooms, armory, and dungeons, as well as enjoy the scenic views from its towers.
10. Spis Castle, Slovakia
Spis Castle has stood as one of the largest castle complexes in Central Europe since the 12th century.
Located in Slovakia, it features impressive stone walls and towers, as well as a Romanesque palace. The castle’s commanding views over the surrounding hills and valleys add to its allure.
Spis Castle was initially built as a Romanesque stone fortress in the early 12th century and later expanded into a sprawling complex. It served as the Kingdom of Hungary’s administrative, military, and economic center.
The castle’s extensive ruins include a chapel, a residential palace, and defensive towers, all of which provide a fascinating glimpse into medieval life.
Plan Your Visit to the World’s Most Beautiful Castles
Exploring these breathtaking castles offers a unique window into history, architecture, and culture.
Whether you dream of walking through the fairy-tale halls of Neuschwanstein, standing in awe of the massive Malbork Castle, or experiencing the serene beauty of Himeji Castle, each destination promises an unforgettable adventure.
Start planning your trip today and immerse yourself in the stories and splendor of these majestic structures.
Pack your bags and prepare to travel back in time, discovering the grandeur and mystery that have captivated visitors for centuries.
Don’t miss the chance to create lasting memories at some of the world’s most beautiful castles.
