When you attended (or maybe attending) your history classes, you probably bore in your mind the images of various stone or wooden castles, where powerful feudal or kings and queens lived, and maybe the Medieval battlefields, where knights fought for glory and their families and homes. Perhaps castles are considered to be the top historical places every tourist wants to visit while being abroad on a vacation or something like that. The castle heritage is rich and fascinating, and it will take decades to visit every fortification, which nowadays has become a national decoration. Thus, here is our top list of castles, which are worth your attention, time and place in our memories.
Pena Palace
What a picturesque and colourful view this building has! Located in Portugal, it belongs to the UNESCO World Heritage and is a great example of romanticism style. Its history, however, is related not to wars, but to monarchs who settled there: firstly, it was an official residence for Portuguese kings, but then it became a place, where the President of Portugal welcomed foreign guests. By the way, this castle is claimed to be one of the so-called “Seven wonders of Portugal”.
Hohenzollern Castle
This one was rebuilt three times until it completely lost its strategic role and was classified as a Kaiser’s residence. Because of the exhausting sieges it experienced, only a chapel remained untouchable since the 11th century. Germans are proud of this castle and consider it as one of the best in their country. Moreover, it also has an attractive museum with the crown of Kaiser Wilhelm the Second and other relics of the legendary Hohenzollern House.
Neuschwanstein Castle
Quite a hard name to pronounce, right? However, if you look at the location of this castle, you will see that the conquerors had to spend a lot of time and resources to reach this mountainous diamond. Definitely, we would like to read more about this wonder in some free earth science papers, but let’s be honest: this one is a masterpiece. Even when you enter the castle, it will remind you of Versailles, with its rich rooms and halls. The Bavarian King Ludwig II, to whom the castle belonged, was very proud of the fortification.
Rock of Cashel
Frankly speaking, if you look at this castle from a far distance, it really reminds me of a big rock. However, this half-ruined, but good-looking castle is full of history. According to Irish historians, the castle is considered to be the place where St. Patrick was Christianized in the 5th century. You would surely like to fetch free historical college papers to know more!
Edinburgh Castle
This fortification was considered to be an impregnable castle because it was located on a rock, it was a place, which saved the retreating soldiers, and a lot of artefacts were found there during several archaeological researchers. It is also claimed to be the symbol of the Scottish struggle for independence.
Hluboka Castle
You may have never heard of this castle, but this is a gothic-baroque masterpiece. Built in the XIII century, it changed lots of owners, and the main feature of this castle is that it was rebuilt by every owner as he or she wished! However, it played a crucial strategic role during the Hussite Wars and saved lots of Bohemian civilians.
Corvin Castle
We guess that if we say that the castle is located in Romanian Transilvania, you will definitely think of the Dracula (or Vlad Tsepesh, as written in history books). Exactly, there are some rumours that it is the place where Hungarian general John Hunyadi imprisoned the “bloody count” for 7 years. Surely, if Game of Thrones was based on the events in Middle Age Romania and Hungary, this castle would be the alternative for Winterfell because it witnessed lots of crucial historical moments.
Alhambra
Traditionally, this one is called without the “castle” attachment, because nowadays, it’s a massive complex with gardens and museums. It was the vanguard fortress of the Maurs when they settled in Spain. Interesting fact: when they came to the land, it was a complete forest, but then they made it wealthy and fruitful.
Matsumoto Castle
Castles were not built only in Europe though! When you look straight at the astonishing Matsumoto castle, you will confidently say: “Yeah, totally Japanese”. It served as a main residence for daimyos, or regional lords. Nowadays, this castle is a museum and one of the top symbols of Japanese architectural achievements.
Castello Sforzesco
What an authentic Italian name for the castle! Indeed, it is considered to be the symbol of Milan. The castle was “opened” in the 15th century by one of the most influential Italians for that time – Francesko Sforza. It was a powerful citadel, guarded by brave warriors. In fact, Napoleon was the one who had to destroy the castle because it was the symbol of “old tyranny”. Some towers and bastions were destroyed, and the castle remains a cultural center.