Europe’s Best Castles

Many countries in Europe have castles, or chateaux, etched on the landscape. They serve as a reminder to the native population of what once was. Some are even still lived within by the wealthy and heads of states.

Often we think of castles as dark, dank places with dungeons, or as something from a fairy tale where the happy King and Queen reside. You’d be right, at some point in history anyway, but without the neighbouring dragon for company.

If you do plan to visit Europe, I would like to suggest for you to take a look at one of Europe’s Best Castles.

 

Leeds Castle – Kent, England

Described, by the English, as the ‘loveliest castle in the world’ it dates back to 1119, where it replaced the Saxon built manor, and became a royal palace in 1278 to King Edward I.

As its status as a popular tourist destination it has lots for everyone to do, including a maze, grotto, golf course and, maybe the worlds only, museum dedicated to dog collars.

 

Prague Castle – Prague, Czech Republic

Where Leeds Castle was the ‘loveliest’, Prague is officially the ‘biggest castle in the world’. It steadily grew bigger and bigger between the 9th and 18th centuries, until it started to host government departments in the 20th century.

This steady growth over time sees the castle incorporating a number of different architectural styles, which makes visiting quite a unique experience. It’s certainly an ‘international’ castle, with the guided tour being offered in six different languages.

 

Castelo de Sao Jorge – Lisbon, Portugal

This castle in Lisbon is located on the highest point of the Portuguese capital, offering stunning views of the city itself and the Atlantic Ocean.

The origins of the castle started early, in and around the 6th century BC by Celts, and it has been used over time from this point by Greeks, Romans, Carthaginians and many others. During more recent times the first geodesic observatory in Portugal was assembled at the top of one of the towers of the castle.

 

Alcazar of Segovia – Segovia, Spain

The site where this impressive castle sits is actually on top of an old Roman fortification, of which the Roman Aqueduct can be found within Segovia, with the first reference to its current form being in 1120.

Its main initial purpose served as a fortress and a residence, however as Madrid became the more important location, the Alcazar of Segovia turned in to a prison. The castle sits within one of the most picturesque areas of Spain.

 

Neuschwanstein Castle – Munich, Germany

Built as a retreat, and as a homage to the great composer ‘Wagner’, this castles construction started in 1869!

So, unlike some of the other castles featured in this list, it’s history is very modern. It played a big part in World War II and housed gold, artwork and other treasures. More recently Disney used this castle as it’s inspiration for Sleeping Beauty’s Castle within Disneyland.

 

Mont Saint-Michel – Normandy, France

Sitting on a rocky area between Normandy and Brittany, makes visiting Mont Saint-Michel a rather unique experience.

It was originally designed as an abbey for pilgrims, but has evolved throughout the years, incorporating the styles of the time and belongs to the Organization of World Heritage Cities.

 

 

Lincoln Castle – Lincolnshire, England

Constructed during the late 11th century by William the Conqueror on the site of a pre-existing Roman fortress, it is unusual in that it has two mottes.

It certainly carries scars, as it was where two major battles took place, but whatever was damaged during these battles they were either repaired or replaced. Starting in 1787, the castle was a prison for the area partially because its layout and build made it impossible for detainees to escape.

 

Chateau de Chambord – Loire Valley, France

Construction started in 1519 and is designed in a typical French Renaissance style. It retains the typical castle design with a keep and four towers, yet it was not built with defence in mind.

The Chateaux itself is surrounded by glorious woodlands and a game reserve, which compliments the luscious gardens and many water features. The château also features 128 meters of façade, more than 800 sculpted columns and an elaborately decorated roof and 440 rooms, 365 fireplaces, and 84 staircases.

 

Castle Frankenstein – Darmstadt, Germany

Lord Konrad II. Reiz von Breuberg erected Frankenstein Castle and had since named himself von und zu Frankenstein. He was the founder of the free imperial lordship ‘Frankenstein’, which was subject only to the jurisdiction of the emperor.

The castle has an interesting history, mainly through how the Frankensteins operated during their time inhabiting it. In more modern times it was used as a refugee and hospital after falling into ruins in the 18th century.

 

Glamis Castle – Glamis, Scotland

The castle was built by 1376, even though their had been a hunting lodge their previously.

It’s famous for it’s ‘Grey Lady’, a ghost that resides in the castle, for whom a seat is left empty in the Chapel. This is supposedly the ghost of Lady Glamis. There are other local ghosts too, including King Malcolm II and ‘Earl Beardie’ who is involved in an interesting story about poker.

 

So, if you’re visiting Europe don’t forget about your EuroBuzz European Cell Phone – for ease of use, just when you need it!

If you’ve visited any castles or chateaux in Europe please share with the rest of the gang. What was it like?