Perhaps the most fabulous castle in the world: getting to know Neuschwanstein. Fairytale castles that actually exist Landscapes fairytale castles

Fairytale castles have always been present in history, art, fairy tales and legends. A castle is a house that shows power, protects from enemies, and gives a feeling of complete peace and spaciousness. Most castles you've ever seen actually exist. Even the castle from the Walt Disney screensaver actually exists. Each of these majestic buildings has stood for many centuries and decades, so it is not surprising that they keep their secrets and their history.

1. Neuschwanstein Castle, Germany.

Construction time: 1869-1886

The building was built by King Ludwig and, despite the difficult pronunciation for a Russian person, its name is very romantic in meaning. Translated from German language, the castle is called "New Swan Cliff". This amazing the building was chosen as the prototype for the Sleeping Beauty Castle, which was built for DisneyLand Paris.

Despite the fact that Neuschwanstein was not completed in 1886, the death of the king suspended construction. That is why there are unfinished objects in it. The interiors of the premises are amazing; Ludwig clearly did not skimp on the decoration and had very good taste for those times. During World War II, the German government took advantage of the castle's inaccessibility and hid some of the Reichsbank gold there, which later disappeared. In addition, paintings, antiques and jewelry that belonged to Hitler were brought there.

2. Hohenwerfen Castle, Austria

Years of construction: 1075-1078

Compared to the previous castle, Hohenwerfen was built very quickly, in the shortest possible time. Prince-Archbishop Gebhard of Salzburg chose the construction site very well, making it almost impossible to break into the castle. In 1524, rebel peasants captured Hohenwerfen and resolved it. However, this uprising was quickly suppressed, and subsequently, the destroyers themselves restored all the buildings.

Over the centuries, princes and bishops built and improved Hohenwerfen, but in 1931 a huge fire destroyed everything inside. Today this gloomy castle is an object of tourist attention, and to attract money, excursion organizers regularly hold bird shows on the premises of Hohenwerfen.

3. Vaduz Castle, Liechtenstein
Time of construction: XII century

It is still not known for certain who built the castle. Scientists believe that Vaduz Castle was created by order of the Counts of Werdenberg-Sargans, at least they were the first documented owners. This is one of the few historical buildings in which people still live today. Vaduz is closed to visitors because he still lives there to this day princely family.

Throughout all these centuries, the castle was owned by historical figures. It is not surprising that each of the owners brought something of their own to the decoration of this building, and at the beginning of the last century, Prince Johann II carried out a large-scale reconstruction and modernization of Vaduz, which lasted 15 years.

4. Rock of Cashel, Ireland
Time of construction: IV century

Associated with this castle interesting legend. According to legend, in the 5th century, Saint Patrick was engaged in expelling Satan from caves in the mountains. The enemy, without hesitation, bit off a piece of rock and broke a tooth. A piece of rock fell out of Satan's mouth and fell 30 kilometers from its original location. It is on this strange 60-meter rock that the Gothic Rock of Cashel stands.

The history of the castle is as dark as itself. in the 17th century Cashel was attacked and captured by Cromwell's troops. Despite protection from enemies, the townspeople found themselves face to face with danger. During that terrible time for them, more than 3,000 people died, the majority of whom were burned alive. To this day, the castle recalls the heartlessness of the medieval English, and the doomed courage of the brave Irish.

5. Bodiam Castle, England
Built time: 1385

One of the most unusual and photogenic castles was built during the Hundred Years' War, when the British, not without reason, feared an attack by the French. Thanks to a huge moat filled with water, the fortress remained impregnable. Despite the external severity, the premises of Bodiam were stunning, but at the beginning of the last century it all fell into disrepair. The main property was looted and destroyed.

It’s amazing how the builders created truly comfortable and cozy living conditions for people inside and such an impregnable façade outside. Today Bodiam is one of the most visited castles due to its picturesque views, lake with water lilies and excellent camera angles.

6. Estense Castle, Italy
Built time: 1385

This castle is a real lucky one, as it is one of the few that has been completely restored. The history of its construction began with the uprising of angry people against rising taxes and the exhaustion of people in Ferrara. Marquis Nicollo II d'Este thought about building a residence in which nothing would threaten him. The defensive structure was fenced with a moat, and from its walls military equipment looked at the city residents.

It was in this castle that Eleanor of Aragon and her children escaped certain death. Centuries later, in the 19th century, the castle was used as an office building, and two hundred years later a complete restoration of the facade and interior began. For ten years now, everyone can visit Estense and imagine the life of past centuries and the events with which it was in full swing.

7. Chęcin Castle, Poland
Built time: 1306

Another stunning castle that was built in the 14th century, but in Poland. Despite all its grandeur and impressiveness, this historical building was abandoned in the 18th century and no one is still working on it. At first, the castle was used as a gathering place for troops under Casimir III the Great, then it became home to the Queen of Hungary, Vladislav III of Varna and Queen Bona Sforza.

Until the 16th century, Chęcin Castle was used as a prison, and it no longer carried the original idea of ​​protecting the royal family from an enemy plot. The castle was destroyed twice, and then local residents They dismantled the walls brick by brick for their own needs. After the Great Patriotic War, the government partially tried to restore the historical building, however, as before, the castle is in great need of economic help and attention.

The most famous castles are those from fairy tales, legends and myths. All princesses, kings and dragons, according to legend, live in castles. IN modern world, where there is no place for magic, castles become simply examples of medieval architecture and a place where historical values ​​are stored. This list contains the 10 most popular ones.

Surrounded by forested mountains Bran Castle is business card Romania is popularly called “Dracula’s Castle”, despite the fact that Vlad the Impaler himself never called it his home. Life in the castle began in 1378, when the area was defended against the Ottomans, then it was turned into a customs post at the pass between Transylvania and Wallachia. Vlad the Impaler, the hero of Bram Stoker's vampire novel, never lived here permanently, he simply spent 2 days in the castle's dungeon, locked away by the Ottoman invaders who invaded Transylvania.

Germany is famous for its medieval architecture, and this 80-meter castle stands out among others for its large size and beauty, despite the fact that it is now in ruins. The castle is located on the northern slope of Mount Königstuhl, overlooking Heidelberg. Him rich story, which began in the 13th century. It was destroyed during the Thirty Years' War, further damage was caused by the French in the 17th century, and in 1764 it was struck by lightning. Local residents used the castle stone to build their houses. It was restored several times, which led to a mixture of architectural styles and added some charm to the castle.

This castle is located on a high hill overlooking the Alsatian plain in the Vosges Mountains. The heyday of life in the castle occurred from the Middle Ages until the Thirty Years' War, when, after a 52-day siege, the castle was burned and looted by Swedish troops. After this, the castle stood desolate for several years and was even overgrown with forest. In 1899, the German Emperor Wilhelm II ordered it to be restored to its original form, as it was before the outbreak of the Thirty Years' War. After the First World War, the castle went to the French, and now there is a museum within its walls.

Located in a picturesque place, between the shore Lake Geneva and the Alpine ridge, the castle is one of the most popular attractions in Switzerland. The castle consists of 100 buildings, which were initially separate, but over time they were combined into a single architectural ensemble. From the mid-12th century, the counts of the Savoy dynasty lived here. It is noteworthy that this castle was never besieged; its owners always managed to solve any problems through diplomatic negotiations.

Matsumoto Castle, built in the 16th century in the city of Matsumoto (Nagano Prefecture), is one of the most famous in Japan. It does not crown the top of the mountain and does not hang over the city from the hillside, but stands on a plain, which is why a man-made network of special walls, ditches and secret passages was used to protect it. The castle's wing-like design and pitch-black color gave it another name: Raven's Castle. Over the many years of its existence, the castle changed owners more than once and was even under threat of demolition. It is now a popular attraction as it can be visited as a day trip from Tokyo.

Eltz Fortress, built during the Middle Ages, is located in the mountains on the Moselle River, between Koblenz and Trier, oldest city Germany. It is still owned by the Eltz family, who have owned it since the 12th century. Anyone can visit the Rübenach and Rodendorf houses, where the armory, kitchen, and living quarters are located. The castle also houses a rich treasury with jewelry, weapons and works of art.

This castle is located in the city of Warwick, on a cliff above the River Avon. It is included in the Catalog of Antiquities and the List of Architectural and Historical Monuments of Great Britain. Since its construction in the 11th century, the castle has undergone several modernizations and renovations. Initially, the main structure was wooden; already in the 12th century it was replaced with a stone structure. During the Hundred Years' War the façade was redone, making it one of the most recognizable examples of 14th-century military architecture. In 2001, the castle was included in the list of "Top 10 Historic Buildings and Monuments" published by the UK Tourism Office. Today it is one of the most popular attractions in England.

We at TravelAsk decided that our lives are sorely lacking in fairy tales, magic and majestic beauty. And what could be more fabulous than a magnificent old castle as if stepped from the pages of a book? Therefore, today we introduce you to another portion of the most beautiful and impressive castles on the planet. Well, of course, we won’t forget to tell you a few words about them!

Chenonceau Castle, France

It has a “folk” name - “Ladies' Castle”. One of the most beloved, famous and visited castles in France. It is privately owned but open to the public.

Castel Sant'Angelo, Rome, Italy


Cochem Castle, Germany

It was first documented in 1051.

Dunnottar Castle - medieval castle on the east coast of Scotland


Edinburgh Castle is an ancient fortress on Castle Rock in the center of the Scottish capital


Hearst Castle ("Hearst Castle"), California, USA

National historical monument on the Pacific coast of California. The house has 56 bedrooms, 61 restrooms, 19 living rooms, on the estate there are several swimming pools and tennis courts, a cinema, an airfield and the world's largest private zoo (now without animals).

Herstmonceux Castle, built in the 15th century, is located 10 km north-east of Eastbourne. This is the oldest and largest brick building in England.


Hohenwerfen Castle is located in Austria, at a level of 155 m above the Salzach River valley, 40 km from Salzburg

Hohenzollern Castle - an ancient castle-fortress in Baden-Württemberg, Germany


The medieval castle fortress was first mentioned in 1267, but it is assumed that it was built earlier, in the 11th century.

The castle is located at an altitude of 855 m above sea level on a separate worthwhile grief, called Hohenzollern. Among the local population, this mountain is better known as Zollenberg or simply Zoller.


Today the castle is a popular tourist attraction.

Lichtenstein Castle is a 19th-century “fairytale castle” in the town of Honau, in the commune of Lichtenstein in Baden-Württemberg


Located at an altitude of 817 m. Today the castle is open to visitors. It houses a large collection of historical weapons and armor.

Matsumoto Castle is an ancient Japanese castle in the city of Matsumoto, Nagano Prefecture.


Pantanassa Monastery, Mystras, Greece


Pena Palace is a palace in Portugal, located on a high cliff above Sintra and characterized by a fantastic pseudo-medieval style


The entire composition of the mountain, the castle and the adjacent park with an area of ​​270 hectares is one of the early examples of romantic landscape architecture of the 19th century century. The castle and park arose in 1840 as a royal summer residence on the site of a small abandoned monastery.

Quinta da Regaleira, Portugal


A palace and park complex, on the territory of which there is a romantic palace in the neo-Gothic style, a chapel and a park with lakes, grottoes, fountains and various architectural vagaries


Named after Baroness Regaleira, who acquired the estate in 1840, it is also known as the palace of the millionaire Monteiro.

Mehrangarh Fort, Jodhpur, India


Mont Saint Michel, France


Cité or Carcassonne fortress is a medieval architectural ensemble located in the French city of Carcassonne in the Aude department


Moritzburg Castle, Germany


The Alhambra (“Red Castle”) is an architectural and park ensemble located on a hilly terrace in the eastern part of the city of Granada in Southern Spain


Trakai Island Castle is the largest surviving ancient castle in Lithuania


Wischering Castle, Lüdinghausen, Germany


Fernyhurst Fortress in Scotland


Ninomaru Castle, Japan


Have you ever been to medieval castles? They say that almost any fortress that has survived to this day has long become a haven for real ghosts. Of course, rational thinking tells us that we shouldn’t be afraid of these tales - but what about the facts that prove the real existence of paranormal activity?

Medieval Europe was not the most pleasant place to live. The cult of the lord reigned here, capable of sending peasants to death for the slightest offense. The times of witch hunts left a wide gap in the female population of half the continent, and the bones of so-called witches are still found embedded in the walls of medieval castles. In front of you are a dozen of just such fortresses, which even local residents try to avoid.

Germany

It is believed that a whole horde of ghosts has been living here for five centuries. Around the beginning of the 16th century, the owner of the castle hired a couple of farmers to deal with his unfaithful wife. Soon after, both the man himself and his sons died in their own beds. Since then, the castle has been considered cursed.

Leap Castle

Ireland

In the 12th century, the castle was built by the influential O'Bannon clan. The family nest of the eminent Irish very soon turned into a scarecrow for the entire area: fratricidal feasts, constant executions and even sacrifices took place here. The local chapel was nicknamed the "Bloody Chapel" after a jealous husband stabbed his wife and lover to death there, then brought his children there and forced them to pray over the rotting bodies of the adulterers for seven days. Are there ghosts here? Still would!

Zvikov

Czech

It is one of the most important and significant Gothic castles medieval Bohemia. According to rumors, the local Zvikovsky devil lives in the castle, who really does not like people. Jokes aside, but strange, unpleasant things actually happen here. Animals refuse to enter some rooms of the castle, sometimes the curtains in the main hall spontaneously catch fire, and those who sleep in the main tower die within a year. At least that's what the locals say.

Moosham

Austria

Built at the end of the 12th century, Moosham Castle became a silent witness to the death of thousands of young girls. The times of the witch hunt turned Moosham into a real stronghold of the Inquisition, blood flowed like a river for the glory of the papal throne and Christian virtues. Much later, in the 19th century, the remains of dead deer and livestock began to be found near the castle, which gave rise to a new wave of rumors. To this day, it is believed that a clan of ancient werewolves lives in the basements of Moosham, going out hunting at night.

Bran Castle

Romania

One of the most feared castles in the world, Bran Castle was the residence of Vlad III - the brutal Romanian ruler, better known as Vlad Dracula or Vlad the Impaler. It was this man who inspired Bram Stoker’s famous gothic novel “Dracula”: you can imagine how gloomy the atmosphere is in the family nest of the main vampire of the world. A little more creepy? Easily. In one of the main halls of Bran there is a golden casket where the heart of Queen Mary is hidden. Naturally, it is still beating - if you believe the rumors.

Chateau de Brissac

France

Built back in the 11th century, Brissac Castle is considered home to all the ghosts and ghosts of west-central France. According to legend, one of the first owners of the castle caught his wife with another man and killed them both. Today, the new owners host receptions here for high society who want to tickle their nerves.

Castle Fraser

Scotland

Located in the eastern part of Scotland, Fraser Castle is famous for the terrible story of a princess killed in her sleep by demons. They say that the body of the unfortunate woman was dragged down the stone steps of the tower, and the servants were unable to wash off the blood after that. The owners allegedly had to line the steps with wooden panels, but on a full moon, blood again appears through them.

Horst

Belgium

The dilapidated Horst Castle is still inhabited to this day. True, it is not people who live here, but real ghosts. At least that's what the locals say. They also say that the ghost of the former owner of the castle returns every full moon on a cart drawn by six pitch-black horses.

Predjama Castle

Slovenia

The famous pirate knight Erazem once lived here, launching raids on the coasts and passing ships. The castle is riddled with hundreds of underground passages, caves and shelters, which even certified “demon hunters” do not dare to explore.

Dragsholm

Denmark

One of the most scary places Denmark. The famous White Lady lives here - the ghost of a young girl who fell in love with a local commoner. The father walled up his own daughter in the room where she ended her days. It sounds like an ordinary legend, but there is a place for truth here. At the beginning of this century, shocked builders working to restore part of the walls discovered secret room, where a skeleton in a white wedding dress was sitting at the table.

History has left us architectural relics of incredible beauty that we can admire for a long time, because they contain so much. These castles are located in beautiful and unusual places, for example on the top of the mountains or on the water, which add even more charm to them. If castles could talk, they could tell us a lot, a lot...

Castle Howard, Yorkshire

One of the grandest mansions in Britain, this beautiful castle has been home to the Howard family for over 300 years.

Hohenschwangau Castle, Germany

It was built in the 19th century in Germany and is visited by more than 300,000 tourists a year.

Corfe Castle, Dorset

Corfe Castle is a fortress that was built in the 11th century by William the Conqueror.

Malbork Castle, Poland

Malbork is the largest castle in the world (by area) and it is also the largest brick house in Europe.

Neuschwanstein Castle, Germany

Ludwig II of Bavaria built this castle as a personal retreat. After he died in 1886, Neuschwanstein Castle became open to visitors because tourists could raise money for its upkeep. Since then, there have been more than 60 million visitors a year visiting this castle.

Chateau de Chambord, France

This palace was built as a hunting lodge for Francis I, and is very clear. French Renaissance architecture. It has been open to visitors since 2007 and attracts more than 700,000 visitors a year.

Castle in Osaka, Japan

One of the most famous castles in Japan, Osaka. It was built on top of a high hill in the 16th century to protect its inhabitants from enemies.

Hohenwerfen Castle, Austria

The castle was built in the 11th century and is located in the Berchtesgaden part of Bavaria and is built on the Tennengebirg mountain. The appearance of this castle was used as French hotel in the film Newlyweds.

Kilkenny Castle, Ireland

Kilkenny was built in 1195 by William Marshal. Now serves as diplomatic negotiation conferences.

Peles Castle, Romania

This castle was built in the Neo-Renaissance architectural style. The castle is located in the Carpathians, built between 1873 and 1914.

Moritzburg Castle, Germany

Named after Duke Moritz of Saxony, this palace sits on artificial land and is surrounded by forests that were used for hunting.

Castillo de Coca, Spain

This castle was built on the site of ancient Cauca, the birthplace of the Roman Emperor Theodosius. The castle now serves as a training facility for foresters.

Sleeping Beauty Castle at Disneyland, California

Sleeping Beauty Castle was built based on the castle we wrote about above Neuschwanstein and acts as a landmark in Disneyland

Kronborg Castle, Denmark

Built in the 1420s, Kronborg is one of the most important fortifications in Northern Europe. It was immortalized as Elsinore in William Shakespeare's Hamlet.

Alnwick Castle, Northumberland (England)

The exterior of Alnwick Castle was used in the film Harry Potter and was the inspiration for Hogwarts Castle. It has approximately 800,000 visitors a year.

Edinburgh Castle, Scotland

This 12th-century palace sits on volcanic rock and has become a recognizable symbol of Edinburgh.

Highclere Castle, UK

A 19th-century castle that serves as the main filming location for the hit series Downton Abbey.

Chateau de Versailles, France

This royal castle in France has a whopping 2,300 rooms, 67 staircases, and 5,210 pieces of furniture.

Prague Castle, Czech Republic

Prague Castle was named the largest and oldest castle in the world by the Guinness Book of Records, covering 70,000 square meters.

Kylemore Abbey, Ireland

Kylemore was built as a private residence for wealthy London physician, Mitchell Henry. But he was forced to sell it in 1909 due to gambling debts.

Bodiam Castle, UK

The 14th-century moated castle was built by Sir Edward Dalingrigg to defend the area against French invasion during the Hundred Years' War.

Hochosterwitz Castle, Austria

One of Austria's most impressive medieval castles, Hochosterwitz is 160 meters high and can be seen from 30 km away on a clear day.

Chillon Castle, Switzerland

This island castle consists of 100 individual buildings, which united into a palace.

Catherine Palace, Russia

The residence of Catherine I was built in 1717 and was built for the empress's recreation. In 1752 it was reconstructed.

Windsor Castle, England

This 11th-century castle was a royal residence and is the longest fortress in Europe.

Hogwarts Universal Studios, Orlando

The main building of the wildly successful film Harry Potter. Hogwarts was brought to life at Universal Studios in Orlando, Florida.

Balmoral Castle, UK

Balmoral has been the residence of the British royal family since 1852, when it was purchased by Victoria and her husband, Prince Albert.

Conwy Castle, North Wales

This medieval fortress was built by Edward I in 1283 and cost approximately £15,000.

Schwerin Castle, Germany

The first reports of this castle date back to 973, and currently serves as the seat of the state parliament.

 

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