Fairy tale castles that really exist. medieval designers. The most fabulous castles and palaces

Almost all castles from movies and fairy tales actually exist. Even the well-known castle from the Walt Disney screensaver also exists in reality. Each castle has its own centuries-old history which holds various secrets.

The most popular castle in Germany with a romantic name, which is translated from German as "New Swan Rock", is visited by more than 1 million people every year. Built at the end of the 19th century on the orders of the “fairytale king” Ludwig II, it served as the prototype for the Sleeping Beauty Castle in Disneyland Paris.

Trakai Castle rises on one of the islands of Lake Galve, the former residence of the Lithuanian princes, which has earned fame as one of the most impregnable fortresses Europe. For a long time the castle was empty, but today it has been restored and is open to guests. Festivals and historical reconstructions are regularly held within the walls of Trakai.

Magnificent castle with almost thousand years of history- the favorite country residence of the Queen of Great Britain. IN weekdays the complex is open to visitors who wish to take a look at the apartments of George IV, paintings by Rembrandt and Rubens and Queen Mary's Dollhouse.

As impressive as Mont Saint-Michel looks from the outside, it is actually an abbey, not a castle. Starting with a chapel, it gradually grew into a whole island-fortress. Having survived many attacks and fires during its heroic history, the abbey has partially survived to this day, and today it is the second most visited place in France after Paris.

This pseudo-Gothic castle owes its current appearance to Duchess Eleonora Schwarzenberg, who wished to turn it into the “Czech Windsor”. Perhaps this is the rare case when a copy has surpassed the original. Refined and romantic, with skillful carvings and decoration - Hluboka nad Vltavou compares favorably with other castles in the Czech Republic, as a rule, prim and harsh.

At the end of the 19th century, De Haar was literally brick by brick recreated from the ruins by the brilliant Dutch architect Peter Kuipers. Thanks to his grandiose work, today we can admire the luxurious complex with suspension bridges, towers and spiers, picturesque parks and gardens.

Coca Castle, built at the end of the 15th century, is an excellent example of the Spanish-Arabic Mudéjar style. After the aristocratic Alba family, who owned the castle, handed it over to the state, the building received the status national monument and has been restored. Today, behind the massive fortress walls, the school of foresters is safely hidden.

The pride of Romania, Bran Castle, was founded at the beginning of the XIII century by the knights of the Teutonic Order, and centuries later became royal residence. Tourists rush to Bran for vampire romance: according to legend, Vlad the Impaler, the prototype of Dracula, once stayed here, although no historical evidence of this has been found.

Built on oak piles in the middle of the lake, this Renaissance architectural monument seems to grow out of the water. The current owner still lives in the castle, so part of the premises is closed to tourists. But guests of Egeskov can set up a tent for free on the territory of its most beautiful parks.

The most unusual castle in Italy was conceived as a mausoleum, but then became the residence of the Popes, their refuge, treasury and prison in addition (it was in his dungeons that the Inquisition kept Giordano Bruno). After exploring the papal apartments and courtyards, admire magnificent views city ​​from the upper terrace of the castle.

A snow-white masterpiece of the French Renaissance, Chambord is one of the most luxurious and extravagant castles in the Loire Valley. At one time, it served as a hunting lodge for King Francis I. The scope is truly royal - in the palace there are almost 400 rooms!

Subscribe and read our best publications in Yandex.Zen. See beautiful pictures from all over the world on our page in Instagram

If you find an error, please select a piece of text and press Ctrl+Enter.

1. Neuschwanstein Castle, Germany.

Time of construction:: 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 Rock". This amazing 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 halted construction. That is why there are unfinished objects in it. The interiors of the premises are amazing, Ludwig obviously did not skimp on decoration and had a very good taste for those times. During the Second World War, the German government took advantage of the castle's impregnability 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

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

Over the centuries, princes and bishops completed and improved Hohenwerfen, but in 1931 a huge fire destroyed everything inside. Today this gloomy castle is an object tourist attention, and to raise money, the organizers of the tours regularly hold bird shows in 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 Werdenberg-Sargans counts, at least they were the first documented owners. This is one of the few historical buildings in which people live to this day. Vaduz is closed to the public, as the princely family lives there to this day.

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, St. Patrick was engaged in the expulsion of Satan from the 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 it is. in the 17th century, Cromwell's troops attacked Cashel and captured it. Despite being protected from enemies, the townspeople found themselves face to face with danger. At that terrible time for them, more than 3,000 people died, of which the main number of people were burned alive. Until today, the castle reminds of the heartlessness of the medieval English, and the doomed courage of the brave Irish.

5. Bodiam Castle, England
Time of construction: 1385

One of the most unusual and photogenic castles was built during the Hundred Years War, when the British, not without reason, feared a French attack. Thanks to a huge moat filled with water, the fortress remained impregnable. Despite the external severity, the premises of Bodiam were amazing, 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 facade - outside. Today Bodiam is one of the most visited castles thanks to picturesque view, a lake with water lilies and great angles for shooting.

6. Estense Castle, Italy
Time of construction: 1385

This castle is a real lucky one, as one of the few that has been completely restored. The history of its construction began with an uprising of an angry people against tax increases and the exhaustion of people in Ferrara. Marquis Nicollo II d "Este thought about building a residence in which he would not be in danger. defensive structure It was fenced with a moat, and military equipment looked at the inhabitants of the city from its walls.

It was in this castle that Eleanor of Aragon with her children was saved from imminent 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 spaces. 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
Time of construction: 1306

Another stunning castle that was built in the 14th century, but already in Poland. Despite all its grandeur and impressiveness, it is historical building was abandoned in the 18th century and still no one is engaged in it. At first, the castle was used as a collection of troops under Casimir III the Great, then became the home of 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 had already ceased to carry the original idea of ​​​​protecting the royal family from an enemy conspiracy. The castle was destroyed twice, and then the locals themselves took apart the walls brick by brick to own needs. Already after the Great Patriotic War the government partially tried to restore the historical building, however, as before, the castle is in great need of an economic hand and attention.

Fairy tale castle hidden in forest areas of the Bavarian Alps, a real masterpiece that has earned crazy popularity among tourists and brings fabulous profits to Germany. Neuschwanstein became the prototype of Sleeping Beauty's castle in Disneyland Paris, Tchaikovsky's source of inspiration for the ballet "Swan Lake" and the embodiment of Ludwig II's love for Wagner's music...
Author: P_I_F.
Neuschwanstein translates as "New Swan Stone". The entire architecture of the building is permeated with the swan motif. The swan is the heraldic symbol of the old family of the Counts of Schwangau, whose successor the father of Ludwig II, Maximilian II of Bavaria, considered himself. Ludwig was a huge admirer of Richard Wagner, identifying himself with one of the characters in his operas, the Swan Knight. Having inherited the royal throne, Ludwig II realized his old fantasy - swan castle incomparable beauty.

Myths and facts

Incredible in their beauty, architectural relics have been left to us by history, which you can admire for a long time, because they keep so much in themselves. These castles are located in beautiful and unusual places, such as on top of 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 the UK, 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, it 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 (in terms of area) and it is also the largest brick building 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 were trying to raise money for its upkeep. Since then, there have been over 60 million visitors a year visiting this castle.

Chambord Castle, France

This palace was built as hunting lodge for Francis I, and has a very clear. French. architecture of the Renaissance. It has been open to visitors since 2007 and attracts over 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 a part of Bavaria in the place Berchtesgaden and built on the Tennengebirg mountain. Appearance This castle was used as a French hotel in the movie Honeymooners.

Kilkenny Castle, Ireland

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

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 man-made land and is surrounded by forests 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 educational institution for foresters.

Sleeping Beauty Castle in Disneyland, California

Sleeping Beauty Castle was built based on the Neuschwanstein castle we wrote about above 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 has been immortalized as Elsinore in William Shakespeare's work Hamlet.

Alnwick Castle, Northumberland (England)

The exterior of Alnwick Castle was used in the Harry Potter movie and was the prototype 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 TV 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 a wealthy London doctor, 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 from French invasion during the Hundred Years' War.

Hochosterwitz Castle, Austria

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

Chillon Castle, Switzerland

This castle-island consists of 100 separate buildings that have combined into a palace.

Catherine Palace, Russia

The residence of Catherine I was founded in 1717 and was built for the rest of the Empress. In 1752 it was rebuilt.

Windsor Castle, England

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

Hogwarts Universal Studios, Orlando

The main building of the wildly successful Harry Potter movie. Hogwarts was brought to life at the 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 it currently serves as the seat of the state parliament.

Old furniture and portraits former owners, dark narrow corridors with ghosts and halls in which outstanding historical events– what else can be hidden behind the fabulous appearance of popular castles? There are many in the world ancient castles and palaces, but only a few of them can be called truly "fabulous". Some of them have an amazing appearance, others have become famous unusual story appearances, and still others are so harmonious and attractive that they inspired the work of eminent fairy tale writers. For hundreds of years the world has changed a lot, but people's love for fairy tales and mysterious stories remained the same. If you are also passionate about beautiful legends and love to walk unusual places be sure to visit at least one of the most fairytale castles planets and unravel all its mysteries.

In a vast area park area Wilhelmscholl in one of the most picturesque districts of Kassel is the beautiful castle of Levenburg, whose name can literally be translated from German as "Lion's Castle". Its construction began in 1793 by order of Landgrave Wilhelm IX and lasted eight years. The work on the castle project was entrusted to the personal royal architect Heinrich Christoph Jussow. For several years he traveled around England and studied the most beautiful medieval castles country, it was decided to build a beautiful castle Levenburg in a rare and new for Germany architectural style "romantic ruin".

For more than two hundred years, Levenburg Castle has been considered by experts to be one of the best examples of the "romantic" architectural style on the planet. Those who are not strong in subtleties architectural styles, Levenburg may recall the world-famous fairytale castle located in Disneyland. A tour of the castle promises to be incredibly interesting. On its territory there is a large armory, as well as a miniature chapel, which houses the tomb of William IX.

It is located on the top of the mountain of Bavaria, the height of which is 92 meters, therefore, from the terraces surrounding it and viewing platforms offers a great view of Kassel and its surroundings. The castle is surrounded by incredibly beautiful landscaped garden with many original compositions and decorations. It is noteworthy that upon completion of the construction of the castle in 1801, the very first garden was laid out around it, and it was also made in the English style.