20 Castles That Radiate History and Power
The world is dotted with castles that brim with history and radiate power. These monumental marvels are perfect for inspiring your next epic journey. Let’s explore these iconic castles.
Neuschwanstein Castle – Germany
Nestled in idyllic Bavaria, Neuschwanstein Castle stands out as Germany’s most famous. Erected in 1869 by King Ludwig II of Bavaria, its architecture, particularly its towers, sparked Walt Disney’s imagination for Sleeping Beauty’s Castle and inspired the creators of ‘Game of Thrones.’
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| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Year Built | 1869 |
| Location | Bavaria, Germany |
| Features | Towers, fairytale-like architecture |
Hunyad Castle – Romania
An awe-inspiring edifice from the 14th century, Hunyad Castle is Romania’s largest. Its gothic splendor is best appreciated by crossing a bridge over the Zlaști River, making it a must-visit in Transylvania.
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| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Year Built | 14th century |
| Location | Hunedoara, Romania |
| Features | Gothic architecture, bridge over river |
Colomares Castle – Spain
Colomares Castle graces Benalmádena in Andalucía, southern Spain. Built in the late 1980s by Esteban Martín as a tribute to Christopher Columbus, it features a blend of Neo-Romanesque, Neo-Mudejar, Neo-Byzantine, and Neo-Gothic styles.
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| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Year Built | 1980s |
| Location | Benalmádena, Spain |
| Features | Mix of Neo-Romanesque, Neo-Mudejar, and more |
Bojnice Castle – Slovakia
Perched on a hilltop in northern Slovakia, Bojnice Castle traces its origins to the 12th century and was completely rebuilt a century later. Its romantic architecture gives it a fairy-tale quality.
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| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Year Built | 12th century (rebuilt 13th century) |
| Location | Bojnice, Slovakia |
| Features | Romantic architecture |
Chenonceau Castle – France
Chenonceau Castle, a blend of elegance and history, is among the Loire Valley’s most beautiful and popular. It’s known as the “Castle of the Ladies” due to its succession of female owners, including Catherine de Medici and Diane de Poitiers.
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| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Year Built | 1513 |
| Location | Loire Valley, France |
| Features | Renaissance architecture, female ownership |
Dunrobin Castle – Scotland
Dunrobin Castle, privately owned by the Countess of Sutherland, majestically stands in Scotland’s Highlands. Built in medieval times and expanded in 1845 by Charles Barry, it’s a true historical gem.
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| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Year Built | Medieval times, expanded 1845 |
| Location | Highlands, Scotland |
| Features | Victorian and medieval architecture |
Hohenzollern Castle – Germany
This splendid neo-gothic structure atop Mount Hohenzollern is about 50 kilometers from Stuttgart, Germany. As one of the country’s most visited castles, it’s simply majestic.
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| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Year Built | 19th century |
| Location | Mount Hohenzollern, Germany |
| Features | Neo-gothic architecture, scenic views |
Trakai Castle – Lithuania
Trakai, the ancient capital of Lithuania, boasts a unique 14th-century castle built on an island. Now a top tourist spot, it’s a must-see in the Baltic states.
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| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Year Built | 14th century |
| Location | Trakai, Lithuania |
| Features | Island location, medieval architecture |
Dunnottar Castle – Scotland
Perched 50 meters above the sea on Scotland’s northeastern coast, the ruins of medieval Dunnottar Castle draw thousands of visitors each year, offering a birdwatcher’s paradise.
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| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Year Built | Medieval period |
| Location | Northeastern coast, Scotland |
| Features | Clifftop ruins, birdwatching spots |
Hochosterwitz Castle – Austria
Hochosterwitz Castle, towering 175 meters high in northern Austria, can be seen from nearly 30 kilometers away. Its medieval origins date back to the 9th century, with modifications into the 16th century.
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| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Year Built | 9th century (modified 16th century) |
| Location | Northern Austria |
| Features | High elevation, medieval architecture |
Scaligero Castle – Italy
Scaligero Castle in Brescia, Lombardy, was built in the 14th century to protect the village and harbor. Its towers, walls, courtyards, and medieval stone collection give it exceptional charm.
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| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Year Built | 14th century |
| Location | Brescia, Lombardy, Italy |
| Features | Medieval fortress, harbor protection |
Vianden Castle – Luxembourg
Vianden Castle, near the German border in Luxembourg, dates back to the 11th and 14th centuries, standing on Roman and Carolingian remnants. It is a top historical site in the Grand Duchy.
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| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Year Built | 11th and 14th centuries |
| Location | Vianden, Luxembourg |
| Features | Roman and Carolingian remnants |
Palace of Versailles – France
The Palace of Versailles, a jewel of the Paris region, encapsulates French history. A royal residence for Louis XIV, Louis XV, and Louis XVI, its gardens by André Le Nôtre are masterpieces.
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| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Year Built | 17th century |
| Location | Versailles, France |
| Features | Gardens, royal residence |
Red Fort – India
Constructed in 1638 by Shah Jahan, the Red Fort in Delhi epitomizes Mughal architectural beauty. Its vast size, striking red sandstone, and intricate designs symbolize India’s grandeur.
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| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Year Built | 1638 |
| Location | Delhi, India |
| Features | Mughal architecture, red sandstone |
Pena Palace – Portugal
This vibrant, romantic castle in Sintra, near Lisbon, dates back to the mid-19th century. Its vibrant hues and unique charm make it a standout, once owned by King Fernando II.
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| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Year Built | 19th century |
| Location | Sintra, Portugal |
| Features | Romantic architecture, vibrant colors |
Ashford Castle – Ireland
Built near the village of Cong, Ashford Castle is now a five-star hotel and filming location for ‘Reign.’ Despite its transformation, it remains open for tourist visits.
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| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Year Built | 13th century |
| Location | Cong, Ireland |
| Features | Medieval architecture, luxury hotel |
Vajdahunyad Castle – Hungary
Built in 1896 to commemorate Hungary’s millennium, Vajdahunyad Castle was initially a temporary exhibit but became a permanent fixture due to its popularity. Located on Széchenyi Island in Budapest, it’s inspired by Hunyad Castle.
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| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Year Built | 1896 |
| Location | Budapest, Hungary |
| Features | Mix of architectural styles, island location |
Peles Castle – Romania
Constructed in the late 19th century for King Carol I of Romania, Peles Castle was Europe’s first to have electricity. Its interior houses nearly 2,000 paintings.
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| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Year Built | 19th century |
| Location | Sinaia, Romania |
| Features | First electrified castle, art collection |
Chambord Castle – France
The largest castle in the Loire Valley, Chambord Castle was begun by King Francis I in 1519. Despite living there for only 42 days during his reign,
it remains a popular historical site.
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| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Year Built | 1519 |
| Location | Loire Valley, France |
| Features | Renaissance architecture, largest Loire Valley castle |
Exploring these majestic castles offers a glimpse into history and grandeur. Each castle has its unique charm and story, making them must-visit destinations on your next epic journey.