Originally built to be fortresses intended to protect the inhabitants, the castles have, over time, become true symbols of power. Today, they have become real tourist sites allowing you to admire various absolutely incredible architectures, landscapes and gardens.
1. Prague Castle
The largest castle in the world is in the Czech Republic. Little by little, buildings were added to the building, making this colossal castle. Located right in the heart of the city of Prague, you should know that with almost 70,000m², visiting all the rooms of the castle takes more than a day!
Today, Prague Castle is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and has also become the official residence of the President of the Czech Republic.
To tell you the truth, the architectural styles and the various palaces make the castle remarkably impressive. In the middle of a tourist route, visiting Prague Castle is really something to do… If you like the Baroque architectural style.
It is the largest castle in the Loire region. It has the trifle of 440 pieces. Located in the heart of a large forest park, the Château de Chambord benefits from an incredible garden of nearly 19,000 m².
It is also one of the rare French castles to have remained intact since its construction. Its architect, whose identity is still mysterious today, lets you admire today an essential monument that is part of the UNESCO World Heritage.
Surrounded by one of the largest parks in Europe, going to the Château de Chambord is also an opportunity to meet many animals. Deer, Corsican mouflon or salamander…
If you ever take a trip to the Pays de la Loire, don’t forget the Château de Chambord. It is an ideal place to spend quality time with the family.
How to evoke the castles in the world without evoking the colossal French castle of the dynasty of the last Louis. One of the most famous historical moments in France, the Palace of Versailles has no less than 2300 rooms!
Without mentioning the park of the castle which today extends over more than 815 ha, it is an essential site in France, located south-east of Paris.
Royal Opera, Hall of Mirrors, Marble Courtyard… the Palace of Versailles allows us to admire French architecture.
In Austria, there is a vast tourist site whose gardens have been classified as UNESCO heritage: Schönbrunn Palace. One of the major cultural heritages of Austria, this one is not lacking in activities.
Labyrinth, Roman ruins, fountains… Schönbrunn Palace offers a unique experience in the heart of a splendid park, filled with majestic monuments. It is particularly a must for any lover of the Baroque style.
Still today a meeting place for politicians, it is Austria’s most famous castle.
This is the largest castle still inhabited today in the world. Not far from London, you should know that Queen Elizabeth II of England still has her quarters there. Located in Berkshire in the United Kingdom, Windsor Castle is a medieval fortress full of history.
Being the occasion to observe more closely incredible Gothic architectures, the castle of Windsor extends on nearly 52 000m ² and includes/understands more than 1000 parts. An impressive build.
If you want to try Windsor Castle on your side, I advise you to pass the Drawings Gallery or the Queen Mary’s Doll’s House.
In the heart of Japan, between Okayama and Osaka, is a superb medieval castle attesting to the greatness of the country during the 17th century. Having escaped the ravages of civil war and earthquakes, Himeji Castle is now considered the most beautiful castle in Japan.
One of the few original castles in Japan, this one was built and expanded over several centuries. Nicknamed “castle of the white heron” because of its whiteness, this one allows you to admire an absolutely splendid Japanese architecture. An unmissable aesthetic for all lovers of Japanese culture.
Apparently, many films have been shot in the heart of this castle. To travel to Japan, I absolutely advise you to go there. If possible at sunrise, for an even more remarkable effect…
A magnificent defensive castle also nicknamed “The impregnable fortress“. The Krak des Chevaliers is today a Kurdish fortress still intact. Recognized as one of the largest fortified castles in the world, it now has an area of nearly 8.87 ha.
Built at the time of the Crusades in the heart of Syria, in the Near East, this castle is one of the best preserved.
8. Peles Castle
In the heart of Romania, Peles Castle was built in the 19th century. Located near Brasov and Bucharest, the construction of this castle began in 1873 century and lasted more than a century.
Hall of Mirrors, Hall of Honor, Music Room… Peles Castle has no less than 160 rooms in an incredible neo-Renaissance architectural style… And currently houses nearly 2,000 paintings as well as a collection of weapons and armour.
In other words, it is a castle to visit with your eyes closed if only for its incredible architectural style.
9. Neuschwanstein Castle
Does this sumptuous German castle , with its pointed towers sound familiar to you? It is the one that inspired Disney to represent the castle of Sleeping Beauty. Standing over 200 meters high, it is today Germany’s most famous castle and one of the tallest monuments in the world .
With more than 200 rooms for an area of 6,000m², Neuschwanstein Castle is a real gold mine in terms of history and architecture. When entering this castle, one does not expect to get such a spectacular view of Hohenschwangau.
In a neo-Gothic and neo-Byzantine style, the Neuschwanstein castle is a very touristic site. Ideally located, the landscape gives an additional hidden to this castle of an already consequent beauty…
Not to be missed if you are making a short getaway to Germany!
Let’s go for a little tour in Iran: Arg-é Bam is a citadel listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site with an area of more than 180,000 m²! This imposing castle is currently being rebuilt after a violent earthquake.
However, it is considered the largest ensemble built in adobe in the world… See even the largest citadel in the world . Suffice to say that it is a rather impressive place to see!
Comprising around 400 houses, this Arg-é Bam citadel would have served as the setting for the production of various films.
