Castles in the mountains of Europe. The most famous castles
It seems to everyone, probably, that the most luxurious castles are located in Europe. Or where? So know that castles exist everywhere. In South Africa and Louisiana, and even in New Zealand, Iran, any curious traveler can find a castle in almost every corner of the world.
Just to prove this theory to you, the most impressive castles from around the world have been collected for you to explore. This selection reflects some of the most intriguing castles in Europe, the Middle East. The oldest fortress currently rebuilt in Iran after the earthquake, eighty percent of the buildings were destroyed there. The last castle was built in this century on a private plot of land on the Sinai coast. Regardless of when these castles were built, most of them can be booked for special events or as tourist spots. So you can always visit to see a piece of royal life.
This list of castles is not a list and does not serve any specific purpose. Thus, the numbering does not mean that one castle is better than another, or that they are listed in order of quality, size, or historical value.
Europe
It seems like you can't turn around in Europe without a tour guide at the castle. Europe is the heart of palace culture and every country has amazing stories about its palaces and fortresses. But, if you can only visit Europe once, the following castles should definitely be included in your travel plans and travel list, as they are the heart of Europe. After you see them, you will understand that it is impossible to convey all the splendor that emanates from them in any photograph.
Windsor castle:
If youplanning to visit England, you will find that you could spend months visiting all the castles on this island. However, Windsor Castle is perhaps the most famous castle in the world, as it - along with Buckingham Palace in London and Holyrod Palace in Edinburgh - is one of the official residences of the Queen of England and the largest residential castle in the world. This building and its complex has housed a royal house and fortress for over 900 years. Originally made of wood, the castle was built for William the Conqueror to guard the approach to London. The castle sits above the River Thames, on the edge of the Saxon hunting grounds and a day's drive from the Tower of London. Visitors can walk around the huge castle, which has extensive apartments in the center of the workers' palace. Once you get to know medieval life through this castle, you can visit some of the other best castles in the UK listed in your travel guide. These castles are all highly recommended, but be sure to visit some of the smaller castles such as the one located in Dolwyddelan, Wales. This castle is a great place to visit on the road from Betws-Y-Coed to the West Coast, and provides views of the Snowden Mountains, itself high mountain in Wales.
Castello di Strassoldo di Sopra:
While there are more magnificent famous Italian castles, this selection is far from the tourist maddening crowd. This castle is the "upper" fortress, which is next to di Castello di Strassoldo Sotto ("lower" castle) and both castles are located in the northeast of Italy. Both castles are also privately owned by the Strassoldo family and have been in this family for nearly a thousand years. Since they are already privately owned, they are not open to the public, however, the owners open their rooms to two fascinating exhibits in the spring and fall of each year. It is also important wedding banquets and other memorable events personally organized by the owners. The castle's magnificent and fully equipped halls can accommodate several hundred people, while the park can be used for open-air buffets and wonderful photography. The owners of Castello di Sopra have recently restored a fifteenth century cottage called "LA Vicinia", which they rent out overnight. This building and castle is located in the heart of a lovely medieval village, surrounded by a century-old park that is fed by spring waters.
Frankenstein Castle:
Darmstadt, Germany is on the set for Mary Shelley in the gothic horror novel, Frankenstein. This 18th century castle is the home of Lord Conrad von Dippel Frankenstein. There are many theories about Dippel, including one that he sold his soul for eternal life. In reality, Dippel is a highly controversial alchemist in which laboratory Prussian blue was discovered. Maybe his opponents tried to destroy his reputation with the legend of the monster created in his laboratory. Visiting Frankenstein's castle during Halloween to get the maximum panic factor, how to develop a monster theme theater show is held in conjunction with the actors who lurk in the shadows of the fortress. If this castle isn't enough for you, you can visit several other German castles that can tickle your luxurious bones.
Bran Castle: This is anotherlock,
that the weak of heart could have avoided! Commonly known as Dracula's Castle, Bran Castle was originally built as a fortress by the Teutonic Knights in 1212. The first documentary evidence for Bran Castle is the Law of November 19, 1377, giving the Saxons of Kronstadt (Brasov) the privilege to build the Citadel. Construction began in 1378 as a defense from the Turks and then became a customs post on the passage between Transylvania and Wallachia.From 1920 the castle became a royal residence until the expulsion from the royal family in 1948.Today it operates as a very attractive museum of medieval art.The official website of the Romanian will provide you with a lowdown for this country of castles, so be sure to visit this site if you are planning to visit Romania.
Chateau de Versailles: This complex
The castle of Louis XIV is a masterpiece, a structure so magnificent that the state treasury was almost depleted during its construction. Also known as the Palace of Versailles, and now located on the outskirts of Paris, this palace became home to the French nobility in the seventeenth century. As the complex increased on the basis of four "building campaigns," Versailles became the center of the French government. Louis XIV lived in Versailles, as well as government offices, the houses of thousands of courtiers and their retinues were built there, and notables of the same rank and position worked every year at the court complex. Louis XIV's attempt to centralize the French government succeeded because few could match the ostentatious glamor presented by Versailles. Visitors can now visit this UNESCO World Heritage Site and themes of opulence such as the Hall of Mirrors (pictured here) as well as the magnificent gardens among other features. The official website also contains a gallery and podcast where people can learn about the castle before they actually visit. If a castle isn't enough for you, then visit this list of French castle sites.
Near East
The most significant castles in this area include those built by the European crusaders who arrived in the Middle East during the Middle Ages to protect the holy hypocrite Jerusalem. All A total of eight crusades were carried out between 1096 and 1270, and a whole network of castles was built during this era, which stretched from the desert of southern Jordan to the northern Asia Minor mountains. You can access a map showing that sites with crusader castles are located in the Levant.
What this map does not show is that a large percentage of castles are built on Byzantine architecture and heavily influenced by Armenian art. Such castles are often influenced by European architecture, which is borrowed while the Greek-Armenian influence. On the other hand, the adventurous traveler can use this guide to weather more than a handful of castles during a short trip. We've selected five of the best castles in the region that we think you shouldn't miss - including one that was recently built.
Krak des Chevaliers: T.E. Lawrence
once described this fort, located in Syria, as "the best preserved and most remarkable complete castle in the world." It is the easternmost in a chain of five castles designed to secure the Homs gap, atop a 650 meter high hill along the only route from Antioch to Beirut and the Mediterranean. This castle and Beaufort, located in Lebanon as well, are the most important link castles in the Middle East, and they planned an important role in coastal defense for the crusaders. In 1142 the castle was given by Raymond, Count of Tripoli, to the Knights Hospitallers, and it was they who, in the course of the fifty years that followed, renovated and designed it as the most respected work of military architecture of its time. The castle remains one of the most complete units of military architecture dating from this period, and it has some of the best preserved crusader frescoes in the world. The complex consists of two concentric ditch sandwich walls. The outer wall is an impressive three meters wide, and originally featured a dry moat and bridge, and was designed to be able to withstand a siege of up to five years. Three of the eight round towers were built after the Crusades. Also, the chapel inside this complex was later converted into a mosque.
Zaman Castle: Castle Zaman
islocated on a cliff top in the desert halfway between Nuweiba and Taba in the Sinai Peninsula. The simple architecture gives amazing views of the Gulf of Aqaba as well as Israel, Jordan, Saudi Arabia and Egypt. The exact site signifies a milestone on the ancient road that linked St. Catherine's Monastery with Jerusalem. But, while in the long term one might deceive the eye into believing it to be ancient ruins, the castle was built by Zaman along a local theme to house a modern tourist market. Used for honeymooners, parties, movies and fashion shoots, the castle and its room can be rented by the week or daily depending on availability. Zaman private beach, with its pristine sand and crystal clear water, is the only virgin beach left in the Taba and Nuweiba area.
Arg-th bame castle: It's huge
fortress, located on the famous Silk Road, was built some time before 500 BC, and remained in use until 1850 CE. It is not known, for some, why he was forgotten. Located in the city of Bam, Iran, this castle is the largest adobe building in the world. All buildings had a large fortress in the center of which the citadel itself is located, but due to the spectacular view of the citadel, which is the highest point, the entire fortress is called Bame Citadel. Listed by UNESCO as part of a World Heritage Site, but an earthquake in 2003 destroyed more than 80 percent of the buildings. However, since it is a World Heritage Site, a number of countries - including Japan, Italy and France - have joined forces to renovate the buildings. The World Bank also provided large sums of money to rebuild the project.
Rhodes Castle: Rose Island or
Rhodes, famous for its historical Medieval town, great shopping site and the Colossus of Rhodes. This "fortress" was built within the walls of the Old City in the early 13th century CE by the Knights of St. John of Jerusalem. The building consists of 205 rooms and conference space, which hosts the highest level of European and world leaders. Today it attracts visitors from all over the world as it houses the Archaeological Museum of Rhodes. Rhodes is located between Crete and the Middle East in the Aegean Sea. It is the largest of the Dodecanese islands and popular even among the Greeks as a holiday retreat. Rhodes has about sixty thousand permanent residents and it is the financial and cultural center of the southeast Aegean region. Excellent tourist infrastructure, including a wide range of entertainment, makes Rhodes popular.
Kolossi Castle: In Kolossi Castle
is a fortress located a few kilometers outside the city of Limassol on the island of Cyprus. It held great strategic importance and contained the production of sugar, one of Cyprus' main exports in the Middle Ages. The fortress was originally built around 1210 by the Frankish military when the land of Kolossi was given by King Hugh I to the Knights of the Order of St. John of Jerusalem (Hospitallers). It is a stone fortress and the baseground was probably used as a store with two underground cisterns. You will need to enter the ground floor via a suspension bridge, and on the south wall of one of the two lower rooms there is a mural representing the Crucifixion of Jesus Christ and Blason Magnac, which is evidence of the royal prayerful use of this room. Next room with a fireplace, in all likelihood, will be the main dining room and reception room. On the second floor there are two more rooms that were used for living. On the roof of the monument, a scalding bowl and loopholes lead the visitor's thoughts to a medieval siege, and with the thought of boiling oil. Former residents of this castle include Richard the Lionheart and Knights Templar.
For some reason, at the mention of the word "fairy tale", medieval castles and fortresses first of all come to mind. Maybe because they were built in those ancient times, when wizards freely roamed the fields and meadows, and fire-breathing dragons flew over the mountain peaks.
Be that as it may, even now, looking at the castles and fortresses that have been preserved in some places, one involuntarily imagines princesses sleeping in them and evil fairies conjuring over magic potions. Let's look at the once luxurious housing of the powers that be.
(German: Schloß Neuschwanstein, literally “New Swan Stone”) is located in Germany, near the town of Füssen (German: Fussen). The castle was founded in 1869 by King Ludwig II of Bavaria. The construction was completed in 1891, 5 years after the unexpected death of the king. The castle is magnificent and attracts curious tourists from all over the world with its beauty of architectural forms.
This is the "dream palace" of the young king, who was never able to see her incarnation in her full glory. Ludwig II of Bavaria, founder of the castle, ascended the throne too young. And being a dreamy nature, imagining himself as the fairy-tale character Lohengrin, he decided to build his own castle in order to hide in it from the harsh reality of the defeat of Bavaria in alliance with Austria in 1866 in the war with Prussia.
Away from state concerns, the young king demanded too much from the army of architects, artists and artisans. Sometimes he set completely unrealistic deadlines, the observance of which required round-the-clock work of masons and carpenters. During the construction, Ludwig II went deeper and deeper into his fictional world, for which he was later recognized as crazy. The architectural design of the castle was constantly changing. So the rooms for guests were excluded and a small grotto was added. The small audience hall was transformed into the majestic Throne Room.
A century and a half ago, Ludwig II of Bavaria tried to hide from people behind the walls medieval castle- today they come by the millions to admire his fairy-tale hideaway.
(German: Burg Hohenzollern) - an old castle-fortress in Baden-Württemberg, 50 km south of Stuttgart. The castle was built at an altitude of 855 m above sea level on the top of Mount Hohenzollern. Only the third castle has survived to this day. The medieval castle fortress was first built in the 11th century and completely destroyed after the capture, at the end of a grueling siege by the troops of the cities of Swabia in 1423.
A new fortress was built on its ruins in 1454-1461, which served as a refuge for the House of Hohenzollern throughout the Thirty Years' War. Due to the complete loss of the fortress of strategic importance, by the end of the 18th century, the castle was noticeably dilapidated, and some parts of the building were finally dismantled.
The modern version of the castle was erected in 1850-1867 on the personal instructions of King Friedrich Wilhelm IV, who decided to completely restore the family castle of the Prussian royal house. The construction of the castle was led by the famous Berlin architect Friedrich August Stüler. He managed to combine new, large-scale castle buildings in the neo-Gothic style and the few surviving buildings of the former ruined castles.
(Karlštejn), built by decree of the Czech king and emperor Charles IV (named after him) on a high limestone cliff above the Berounka River, as a summer residence and a place of storage of sacred relics of the royal family. The first stone in the foundation of Karlštejn Castle was laid by Archbishop Arnošt, close to the Emperor, in 1348, and in 1357 the construction of the castle was completed. Two years before the end of construction, Charles IV settled in the castle.
The stepped architecture of Karlštejn Castle, which ends with a tower with the Grand Cross Chapel, is quite common in the Czech Republic. The ensemble includes the castle itself, the Church of the Virgin Mary, the Catherine Chapel, the Big Tower, the Mariana and Well Towers.
The majestic Student Tower and the imperial palace, which housed the king's quarters, take tourists back to the Middle Ages, when a powerful monarch ruled the Czech Republic.
Royal palace and fortress in the Spanish city of Segovia, in the province of Castile and Leon. The fortress is built on a high rock, above the confluence of the Eresma and Clamores rivers. Such a good location made it almost impregnable. Now it is one of the most recognizable and beautiful palaces in Spain. Originally built as a fortress, the Alcazar was once a royal palace, a prison, and an artillery academy.
The Alcazar, which was a small wooden fortress in the 12th century, was later rebuilt into a stone castle and became the most impregnable defensive structure. This palace became famous for great historically significant events: the coronation of Isabella the Catholic, her first marriage to King Ferdinand of Aragon, the wedding of Anna of Austria with Philip II.
(Castelul Peleş) was built by King Carol I of Romania near the city of Sinai in the Romanian Carpathians. The king was so fascinated by the local beauty that he bought up the surrounding land and built a castle for hunting and summer holiday. The name of the castle was given by a small mountain river flowing nearby.
In 1873, the construction of a grandiose building began, under the leadership of the architect Johann Schulz. Along with the castle, other buildings necessary for a comfortable life were built: royal stables, guard houses, a hunting house and a power station.
Thanks to the power plant, Peles became the first electrified castle in the world. The castle officially opened in 1883. At the same time, central heating and an elevator were installed in it. The construction was completed in 1914.
It is a symbol of the small city-state of San Marino on the territory of modern Italy. The beginning of the construction of the fortress is considered to be the 10th century AD. Guaita is the first of three San Marino fortresses built on the peaks of Mount Titano.
The construction consists of two rings of fortifications, the inner one has retained all the signs of the forts of the feudal era. The main entrance gate was located at a height of several meters, and it was possible to pass through it only by a drawbridge, now destroyed. The fortress was restored many times in the 15th-17th centuries.
Well, so we looked at some medieval castles and fortresses in Europe, of course, not all of them. Next time we will admire the fortresses on the tops of impregnable rocks. There are so many exciting discoveries ahead!
22-11-2013, 22:47
They say that the best way to arrange an exciting trip for yourself is to include in your schedule for a particular country a mandatory visit to historical architectural masterpieces that are literally in every corner of our planet. In particular, if you are going on a cruise in Europe, be sure to find the opportunity to visit medieval castles. To make it easier for the traveler to navigate among the variety of such historical buildings, we will present a selection of the most popular castles, with a rich history and an unprecedented architectural style.
Neuschwanstein Castle, Germany.
The castle is located in the south of Germany, almost at the very border with Austria. The majestic building rises on a hill, high above the village of Hohenschwangau, next to the picturesque lake Alpsy. Neuschwanstein Castle was built at the end 19th century, and at the moment is the most famous castle in Europe. Indeed, there is something to admire here, not only looking at the building from the outside and admiring its architectural style, but also from the inside.
Peles Castle, Romania.
Among the lush green hills of the Carpathians, in central Romania, there is an unusually beautiful Peles castle. Spread out next to him mountain village Sinaia, a kind of landmark for those who are going to visit this unusually beautiful building, which was built at the beginning of the 20th century, during the Neo-Renaissance era. The castle is considered the biggest attraction in Romania. A very rich collection of armor and weapons has been collected within the walls of the castle. There are artworks.
This building is called the "jewel of Scotland". The castle is located in the east of the island of Arran. Around Brodick Castle, an unusually picturesque park has been created. The castle itself was built in the 16th century and today it strikes the imagination with powerful towers, huge windows, and walls that have a reddish tint.
Bran Castle, Romania.
Bran Castle is located in the heart of the country, among the green hills. The building is surrounded on almost all sides by small villages. An amazing combination of colors - a white facade, against the background of red domes and roofs, give the surrounding atmosphere an extraordinary mystery. However, is it any wonder, since Bran Castle is also known as Count Dracula's Castle.
Lincoln Castle, England.
Lincoln Castle is located in the village of the same name. The building was erected in these places in the XI century. The castle is unique not only for its architecture, but also for its interior decoration. Inside the castle today there is a museum.
Eltz Castle, Germany.
Eltz Castle, built in the 12th century, has a clear Romanesque architectural style, which is characterized by a large number of Baroque and Gothic decorations. Eltz Castle must be explored not only from the outside, be sure to go inside and enjoy the historical interior of the building.
Castle of Mont Saint Michel, France.
The most famous castle in France, which is located on a tidal island located along the coast of Normandy. The castle was built around the 6th century and was once used as an important strategic object. The island is connected by a fairly narrow strip of a bridge, which is often flooded by powerful water currents. This fortress, once upon a time, was simply inaccessible.
Marienburg Castle, Poland.
Marienburg Castle, built by the Teutons at the very beginning of the 15th century, is currently considered one of the largest castles not only in Europe, but also in the world. This building is distinguished by an unusual medieval architecture, with a predominance of red.
Spis castle in Slovakia.
Spis Castle was built in the 12th century. He gained his fame thanks to an unusually white facade. The building was built in the spirit of the Romanesque style with numerous Gothic inclusions.
Palace of Versailles.
The Château de Versailles impresses, first of all, with its vast territory. This is one of the most popular architectural complexes in Europe. It is located in the southwest of Paris and is the most visited place at any time of the year.
The birth of castle building in Europe dates back to the end of the 10th century and reaches its peak by the 14th century. The castle was originally defined as a fortified dwelling of the feudal lord, containing a complex of all necessary services for defense. Over the decades, the structure of such fortified castles has changed. Around the beginning of the 10th century, in the era of feudalism, the most characteristic type of castles for Western Europe was formed - a donjon (from the Latin domineon - the dwelling of the owner of the estate). The donjon included phased lines of defense. Inside the lower courtyard of the castle there were many religious and household buildings. Higher on the bulk hill there was a residential tower of the feudal lord. The seigneurial and economic parts were connected by a wooden drawbridge, which could be easily removed and, if necessary, turned the feudal lord's dwelling into an independent defensive site. All these buildings of the castle were surrounded by a powerful oak palisade with a drawbridge system. Such a feudal castle was very impregnable and could defend itself for a long time when attacked by enemies. The oldest surviving castle is located in the Loire Valley, France. This keep was built in 950.
With the end of the Middle Ages at the end of the 15th - beginning of the 16th century, the ideas of the Renaissance gradually cover the whole of Europe. From now on, European monarchs understand that power can be determined not only by the strength of weapons, but also by the development of culture, lifestyle, wealth and grace. Castles are starting to change. Powerful and harsh castles of feudal lords cease to serve only defensive purposes. They rebuild, descend from the hills into the valleys and begin to harmonize with the natural landscape. Now the greatest attention is paid to the palace part of the castle. The interior is filled with new furniture and art. Ascetic feudal dwellings are transformed into luxurious royal residences. The birth of castle building in Europe dates back to the end of the 10th century and reaches its peak by the 14th century. The castle was originally defined as a fortified dwelling of the feudal lord, containing a complex of all necessary services for defense. Over the decades, the structure of such fortified castles has changed. Around the beginning of the 10th century, in the era of feudalism, the most characteristic type of castles for Western Europe was formed - a donjon (from the Latin domineon - the dwelling of the owner of the estate). The donjon included phased lines of defense. Inside the lower courtyard of the castle there were many religious and household buildings. Higher on the bulk hill there was a residential tower of the feudal lord. The seigneurial and economic parts were connected by a wooden drawbridge, which could be easily removed and, if necessary, turned the feudal lord's dwelling into an independent defensive site. All these buildings of the castle were surrounded by a powerful oak palisade with a drawbridge system. Such a feudal castle was very impregnable and could defend itself for a long time when attacked by enemies. The oldest surviving castle is located in the Loire Valley, France. This keep was built in 950.
With the end of the Middle Ages at the end of the 15th - beginning of the 16th century, the ideas of the Renaissance gradually cover the whole of Europe. From now on, European monarchs understand that power can be determined not only by the strength of weapons, but also by the development of culture, lifestyle, wealth and grace. Castles are starting to change. Powerful and harsh castles of feudal lords cease to serve only defensive purposes. They rebuild, descend from the hills into the valleys and begin to harmonize with the natural landscape. Now the greatest attention is paid to the palace part of the castle. The interior is filled with new furniture and art. Ascetic feudal dwellings are transformed into luxurious royal residences.
Warwick Castle is a fine living example of a medieval castle. It is located in the city of the same name on the high bank of the Avon River, which skirts the castle from the east. The castle ranks first in the list of cultural and historical places and monuments of Great Britain. The first Norman castle was built here on the site of the former Anglo-Saxon fortification (burgh), by order of William the Conqueror. In 1088, the castle and the title of 1st Earl of Warwick were granted to Henry de Beaumont. For several centuries, the castle became the main residence of several generations of the Earls of Warwick.
The magnificent Windsor Castle located in the county of Berkshire is the oldest and most active castle in the world. For over 900 years, it has been towering over the surrounding landscape, personifying a symbol of royal power. Today, the castle is one of the three official residences of the Queen, along with Buckingham Palace and Holyrood House.
Dover Castle is one of the most powerful historical fortresses in Western Europe. For many centuries it has stood guard over the shortest sea route from England to the continent. Its location on the banks of the Pas de Calais, known in England as the Straits of Dover, gave Dover Castle great strategic importance, resulting in the castle playing an important role in the history of England.
The current buildings of Amboise were built from 1492 on the orders of Charles VIII, son of Louis XI, who was born here on June 30, 1470. Inspired by his expedition to Italy, from where he brought back many treasures, his entire reign was marked by Italian influence. Having arrived together with architects and sculptors, the king decorated the castle. With the help of a gardener, Pacello arranged a decorative garden in a special way.
The Royal Castle of Blois is perhaps one of the most famous castles of the Loire, whose biography is oversaturated with significant events that left a bright mark on the history of not only France, but also Europe. Home to seven kings and ten queens of France, today's Château Blois is a place that provides a visual representation of the life of the royal court during the Renaissance.
Burghausen Castle is a classic fairy tale castle. This castle, the longest in Europe (1043 meters) and one of the largest in Germany, rises above the town of Burghausen in Upper Bavaria on the border with Austria. The elongated structure of the castle is subdivided into six separate courtyards. Each of them had its own important functions, and each of them was an independent fortified bastion with its own gate, moat and drawbridge. The towers were the living quarters for all the inhabitants of the castle, from foresters, barn keepers, court employees and ending with the chief treasurer.
Neuschwanstein Castle is one of the most visited castles in Germany, and one of the most popular tourist destinations in Europe. It is located in the state of Bavaria near the city of Füssen. This monumental piece of architecture was erected by King Ludwig II of Bavaria, also known as the "Fairy King".
Today's Reichenstein Castle is a typical example of a castle resurrected from oblivion at the dawn of the Rhenish Romantic craze. The rich collection of the castle museum invariably attracts many tourists traveling along the Rhine. Many interesting and attractive expositions await the guests of the castle.
Trausnitz Castle, built in Landshut, got its present name in the 16th century. Initially, it had the same name as the city, since it was built to protect the city and surrounding lands.
The castle of Aragonese rises above the islet, perched on top of a cliff. A 15th century stone bridge, 220 meters long, links it to the eastern side of the island of Ischia. The rocky base of the islet on which the castle is located is a bubble of magma, which formed here during the long-term activity of volcanic phenomena.
For over six hundred years, the Vienna Hofburg was the main home of the royal court of the rulers of Austria. Over the centuries it has played many important roles in the course of European history. Since the XIII century, the Habsburgs ruled their possessions from here. First as large feudal landowners, then from 1452 as Holy Roman Emperors, and finally from 1806 to 1918 as Emperors of the Austrian Empire.
The Schönbrunn Imperial Palace can rightfully be considered one of the significant cultural and historical monuments, not only in Austria, but throughout Europe. Since the 1960s it has been an attractive tourist center for visitors to Vienna.
North of the mouth of the Vistula, on the right bank of the river Nogat, the Crusaders of the Teutonic Order began the construction of the castle of Marienburg in 1274, and in 1276 they granted city rights to the settlement that formed at the castle. In connection with the transfer in 1309 of the main residence of the Grand Masters of the Order from Venice to Marienburg (Malbork), the castle was significantly expanded.
This most famous of Scottish castles has a long and varied history of building. Its oldest part, St. Margaret's Chapel, dates back to the 12th century. The Great Hall was founded by James IV around 1510. The Crescent Battery by Regent Morton in the late 16th century, and the Scottish National War Memorial after the First World War.
Original post by Vitaly_KalashnikovThe birth of castle building in Europe dates back to the end of the 10th century and reaches its peak by the 14th century. The castle was originally defined as a fortified dwelling of the feudal lord, containing a complex of all necessary services for defense. Over the decades, the structure of such fortified castles has changed. Around the beginning of the 10th century, in the era of feudalism, the most characteristic type of castles for Western Europe was formed - a donjon (from the Latin domineon - the dwelling of the owner of the estate). The donjon included phased lines of defense. Inside the lower courtyard of the castle there were many religious and household buildings. Higher on the bulk hill there was a residential tower of the feudal lord. The seigneurial and economic parts were connected by a wooden drawbridge, which could be easily removed and, if necessary, turned the feudal lord's dwelling into an independent defensive site. All these buildings of the castle were surrounded by a powerful oak palisade with a drawbridge system. Such a feudal castle was very impregnable and could defend itself for a long time when attacked by enemies. The oldest surviving castle is located in the Loire Valley, France. This keep was built in 950.
With the end of the Middle Ages at the end of the 15th - beginning of the 16th century, the ideas of the Renaissance gradually cover the whole of Europe. From now on, European monarchs understand that power can be determined not only by the strength of weapons, but also by the development of culture, lifestyle, wealth and grace. Castles are starting to change. Powerful and harsh castles of feudal lords cease to serve only defensive purposes. They rebuild, descend from the hills into the valleys and begin to harmonize with the natural landscape. Now the greatest attention is paid to the palace part of the castle. The interior is filled with new furniture and art. Ascetic feudal dwellings are transformed into luxurious royal residences. The birth of castle building in Europe dates back to the end of the 10th century and reaches its peak by the 14th century. The castle was originally defined as a fortified dwelling of the feudal lord, containing a complex of all necessary services for defense. Over the decades, the structure of such fortified castles has changed. Around the beginning of the 10th century, in the era of feudalism, the most characteristic type of castles for Western Europe was formed - a donjon (from the Latin domineon - the dwelling of the owner of the estate). The donjon included phased lines of defense. Inside the lower courtyard of the castle there were many religious and household buildings. Higher on the bulk hill there was a residential tower of the feudal lord. The seigneurial and economic parts were connected by a wooden drawbridge, which could be easily removed and, if necessary, turned the feudal lord's dwelling into an independent defensive site. All these buildings of the castle were surrounded by a powerful oak palisade with a drawbridge system. Such a feudal castle was very impregnable and could defend itself for a long time when attacked by enemies. The oldest surviving castle is located in the Loire Valley, France. This keep was built in 950.
With the end of the Middle Ages at the end of the 15th - beginning of the 16th century, the ideas of the Renaissance gradually cover the whole of Europe. From now on, European monarchs understand that power can be determined not only by the strength of weapons, but also by the development of culture, lifestyle, wealth and grace. Castles are starting to change. Powerful and harsh castles of feudal lords cease to serve only defensive purposes. They rebuild, descend from the hills into the valleys and begin to harmonize with the natural landscape. Now the greatest attention is paid to the palace part of the castle. The interior is filled with new furniture and art. Ascetic feudal dwellings are transformed into luxurious royal residences.
Warwick Castle is a fine living example of a medieval castle. It is located in the city of the same name on the high bank of the Avon River, which skirts the castle from the east. The castle ranks first in the list of cultural and historical places and monuments of Great Britain. The first Norman castle was built here on the site of the former Anglo-Saxon fortification (burgh), by order of William the Conqueror. In 1088, the castle and the title of 1st Earl of Warwick were granted to Henry de Beaumont. For several centuries, the castle became the main residence of several generations of the Earls of Warwick.
The magnificent Windsor Castle located in the county of Berkshire is the oldest and most active castle in the world. For over 900 years, it has been towering over the surrounding landscape, personifying a symbol of royal power. Today, the castle is one of the three official residences of the Queen, along with Buckingham Palace and Holyrood House.
Dover Castle is one of the most powerful historical fortresses in Western Europe. For many centuries it has stood guard over the shortest sea route from England to the continent. Its location on the banks of the Pas de Calais, known in England as the Straits of Dover, gave Dover Castle great strategic importance, resulting in the castle playing an important role in the history of England.
The current buildings of Amboise were built from 1492 on the orders of Charles VIII, son of Louis XI, who was born here on June 30, 1470. Inspired by his expedition to Italy, from where he brought back many treasures, his entire reign was marked by Italian influence. Having arrived together with architects and sculptors, the king decorated the castle. With the help of a gardener, Pacello arranged a decorative garden in a special way.
The Royal Castle of Blois is perhaps one of the most famous castles of the Loire, whose biography is oversaturated with significant events that left a bright mark on the history of not only France, but also Europe. Home to seven kings and ten queens of France, today's Château Blois is a place that provides a visual representation of the life of the royal court during the Renaissance.
Burghausen Castle is a classic fairy tale castle. This castle, the longest in Europe (1043 meters) and one of the largest in Germany, rises above the town of Burghausen in Upper Bavaria on the border with Austria. The elongated structure of the castle is subdivided into six separate courtyards. Each of them had its own important functions, and each of them was an independent fortified bastion with its own gate, moat and drawbridge. The towers were the living quarters for all the inhabitants of the castle, from foresters, barn keepers, court employees and ending with the chief treasurer.
Neuschwanstein Castle is one of the most visited castles in Germany, and one of the most popular tourist destinations in Europe. It is located in the state of Bavaria near the city of Füssen. This monumental piece of architecture was erected by King Ludwig II of Bavaria, also known as the "Fairy King".
Today's Reichenstein Castle is a typical example of a castle resurrected from oblivion at the dawn of the Rhenish Romantic craze. The rich collection of the castle museum invariably attracts many tourists traveling along the Rhine. Many interesting and attractive expositions await the guests of the castle.
Trausnitz Castle, built in Landshut, got its present name in the 16th century. Initially, it had the same name as the city, since it was built to protect the city and surrounding lands.
The castle of Aragonese rises above the islet, perched on top of a cliff. A 15th century stone bridge, 220 meters long, links it to the eastern side of the island of Ischia. The rocky base of the islet on which the castle is located is a bubble of magma, which formed here during the long-term activity of volcanic phenomena.
For over six hundred years, the Vienna Hofburg was the main home of the royal court of the rulers of Austria. Over the centuries it has played many important roles in the course of European history. Since the XIII century, the Habsburgs ruled their possessions from here. First as large feudal landowners, then from 1452 as Holy Roman Emperors, and finally from 1806 to 1918 as Emperors of the Austrian Empire.
The Schönbrunn Imperial Palace can rightfully be considered one of the significant cultural and historical monuments, not only in Austria, but throughout Europe. Since the 1960s it has been an attractive tourist center for visitors to Vienna.
North of the mouth of the Vistula, on the right bank of the river Nogat, the Crusaders of the Teutonic Order began the construction of the castle of Marienburg in 1274, and in 1276 they granted city rights to the settlement that formed at the castle. In connection with the transfer in 1309 of the main residence of the Grand Masters of the Order from Venice to Marienburg (Malbork), the castle was significantly expanded.
This most famous of Scottish castles has a long and varied history of building. Its oldest part, St. Margaret's Chapel, dates back to the 12th century. The Great Hall was founded by James IV around 1510. The Crescent Battery by Regent Morton in the late 16th century, and the Scottish National War Memorial after the First World War.