There is something undeniably magical about castles. They spark the imagination, evoke a sense of wonder, and transport us to a time long gone. The world is full of spectacular destinations that inspire history enthusiasts, but among thousands of sites, few are as enchanting as majestic castles. These soaring structures, with their beautiful gardens and mysterious aura, bring us back to childhood stories and fairy tales. Join us on a journey to discover the 10 most enchanting castles in the world, each with its own unique story and allure.
1. Neuschwanstein Castle, Germany
Neuschwanstein Castle embodies castle romanticism and 19th-century architectural fashion and is located on a spectacular hill in southwest Bavaria. Commissioned by King Ludwig II of Bavaria in 1869, it was his fully private residence. The stunning castle opened to the public in 1886 after the king's death, and since then, over 1.3 million tourists visit annually. The total number of visitors exceeded 61 million from 1886 to now, making it one of the most visited
destinations in Europe.
2. Bran Castle, Romania
Located in 25 kilometers southwest of Berkshire, Romania, Bran Castle is a medieval castle famous as Dracula's castle. The castle was built-in 1212 and destroyed by the Mongols in 1242. A stone castle was built and used in defense against the Ottoman Empire. During some periods, the castle belonged to Hungarian kings. In 1920, Hungary lost Transylvania, and the ownership changed to the Kingdom of Romania. Since then, it was managed by Queen Marie's family, and the ownership passed from generation to generation.
3. Eilean Donan Castle, Scotland
The Eileen Donan Castle is located on a small tidal island in the western highlands of Scotland. This stunning majestic castle was built in the 13th century and became a stronghold of the Clan Mackenzie. It was destroyed in 1719 and reconstructed in the 20th century by Lieutenant Colonel John McCraegelstrap. This picturesque island has recorded zero population in past years.
4. Eltz Castle, Germany
Eltz Castle is a hilltop castle located in Germany. This medieval castle is still owned by the Eltz family and is surrounded by the river Ellsbach on its three sides, with an amazing Eltz forest. The forest is full of priceless fauna and flora, so it was listed as one of the nature reserves in Germany. This magical place is divided into a few parts, and they belonged to different branches of the Eltz family. The castle is open to the public from April to November.
5. Hohenwerfen Castle, Austria
The Hohenwerfen Castle is a medieval rock castle located in the Salzac Valley in Austria, about 40 kilometers south of Salzburg. This scenic castle is a sister of the Hohensalzburg Fortress, both of which were built by archbishops of Salzburg in the 11th century. The majestic Hohenwerfen is on a 155 meters high rock and surrounded by the scenic Birchtest Gate and Alps and Tenon Mountains. Now the castle belongs to the Habsburg family in Austria. Hohenwerfen Castle was used as a background for a few world-famous movies, video series, and music videos, as well as for a video game.
6. Corvin Castle, Romania
Corvin Castle is a Gothic Renaissance castle located in Hunadora, Romania. It is also called Hunadora Castle or Hunyadi Castle. Corvin is one of Europe's largest castles and is famous as one of the seven wonders of Romania. This majestic castle was built in 1446 by Vivod of Transylvania, John Hunyadi. It featured a strategically enforced point and a sumptuous home. Now the castle belongs to the Ministry of Culture of Romania and is open to the public from nine o'clock am to five o'clock pm every day.
7. Windsor Castle, United Kingdom
Windsor Castle is a royal residence located in Windsor, Berkshire, in the United Kingdom. This amazing castle embodies a millennium of architectural history. The original castle was built by William the Conqueror in the 11th century. Windsor Castle is the longest-occupied palace in Europe and has been used by the reigning monarch. The ground area of the castle covers about 52,609 square meters, and it is known as the favorite weekend home of Queen Elizabeth II.
8. Hohenzollern Castle, Germany
Hohenzollern Castle is a German castle located atop Mount Hyan's Allen Central in Baden-Württemberg. The Hohenzollern was used as the ancestral seat of the imperial house of Hohenzollern and was constructed in the early 11th century. The structure of the castle consists of four parts, including the palatial building, chapels, gardens, and military architecture. It was used as the background of the thriller horror movie "A Cure for Wellness" in 2015.
9. Spis Castle, Slovakia
Spis Castle is one of the largest castles in Central Europe and belongs to Slovakia. The total area of the castle is about 41,426 square meters. The huge Spis Castle was listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1993. The original castle was owned by the Kings of Hungary before 1464. The present-day castle was built in the 12th century. This stunning historical monument is administered by the Slovakian National Museum Division.
10. Swallow's Nest, Crimea
Swallow's Nest is a decorative castle located in a small spa town called Gaspra, between Yalta and Alupka, and belongs to the Crimean Peninsula. This stunning castle was built on top of a 40-meter-high Aurora cliff in 1911. It was designed for the Baltic German businessman named Baron von Steingel by the famous Russian architect Leonard Sherwood in a neo-Gothic style. Swallow's Nest is a very attractive destination located near the Black Sea coast and considered the symbol of the southern coastline of Crimea.
Conclusion
These 10 most enchanting castles in the world are a testament to the grandeur and beauty of architectural history. Each with its own unique story, allure, and mystique, these castles transport us to a time long gone. From Germany to Scotland, from Romania to Slovakia, these majestic castles are a must-visit for anyone who loves history, architecture, or simply wants to experience the magic of these enchanting structures. So pack your bags and embark on the journey of a lifetime to explore these breathtaking castles.