Which castle inspired Pyotr Tchaikovsky to create Swan Lake? Where was Indiana Jones filmed? How do ancient European castles function today? Lovers of mystical landscapes, romantic trips and mysterious legends! Our material is especially for you!
Eltz (German: Burg Eltz) is a castle located in Rhineland-Palatinate (Wirsch commune) in the valley of the Elzbach River. Together with the Bürresheim Palace, it is considered the only building in western Germany that has never been destroyed or captured. The castle was not damaged even during the wars of the 17th and 18th centuries. and the events of the French Revolution.
The castle has been perfectly preserved to this day. It is surrounded on three sides by a river and rises on a cliff 70 meters high. This makes it consistently popular among tourists and photographers.
Official site
Bled Castle, Slovenia (11th century)
One of the oldest castles in Slovenia (Slovenian: Blejski grad) is located on the top of a 130-meter cliff near the lake of the same name near the city of Bled. The oldest part of the castle is the Romanesque tower, which was used for housing, defense, and to monitor the surrounding area.
During World War II, the headquarters of German troops was located here. In 1947, there was a fire in the castle, due to which some of the buildings were damaged. A few years later the castle was restored and it resumed its activities as historical Museum. The museum's collection includes clothing, weapons and household items.
Official site
(XIX century)
The romantic castle of King Ludwig II is located near the town of Füssen in southwestern Bavaria. The castle was the inspiration for the construction of Sleeping Beauty Castle at Disneyland Paris. Neuschwanstein (German: Schloß Neuschwanstein) is also featured in the 1968 film Chitty Chitty Bang Bang as a castle in the fictional land of Vulgaria. Pyotr Tchaikovsky was fascinated by the view of Neuschwanstein. According to historians, it was here that he came up with the idea of creating the ballet “Swan Lake”.
Neuschwanstein Castle is shown in the films “Ludwig II: The Splendor and Fall of the King” (1955, directed by Helmut Keutner), “Ludwig” (1972, directed by Luchino Visconti), “Ludwig II” (2012, directed by Marie Noel and Peter Zehr).
Currently the castle is a museum. To visit, you need to buy a ticket at the ticket center and go up to the castle by bus, on foot or by horse-drawn carriage. The only person who "lives" in the castle on this moment and is its keeper - the watchman.
Official site
The castle in Livorno received its name due to the fact that the local coastline is known as Boccale (Jug) or Cala dei Pirati (Pirate Bay). The center of the modern Castello del Boccale was an observation tower, built by order of the Medici in 16th century, presumably on the ruins of an older structure from the period of the Pisan Republic. Throughout its history, the appearance of the castle has undergone changes more than once. In recent years, a thorough restoration of the Castello del Boccale has been carried out, after which the castle was divided into several residential apartments.
The legendary castle (rum. Bran Castle) is located in the picturesque town of Bran, 30 km from Brasov, on the border of Muntenia and Transylvania. It was originally built at the end of the 14th century with the help of local residents for exemption from paying taxes to the state treasury for several centuries. Thanks to its location on top of a cliff and its trapezoidal shape, the castle served as a strategic defensive fortress.
The castle has 4 levels connected by a staircase. During its history, the castle changed several owners: it belonged to the ruler Mircea the Old, the inhabitants of Brasov and the Habsburg Empire... According to legend, during his campaigns the famous governor Vlad the Impaler-Dracula spent the night in the castle, and its surroundings were the favorite hunting ground of the ruler the Impaler.
Currently, the castle belongs to a descendant of the Romanian kings, the grandson of Queen Mary, Dominic of Habsburg (in 2006, according to the new Romanian law on the return of territories to the previous owners). After the castle was handed over to the owner, all the furniture was taken to museums in Bucharest. And Dominic Habsburg had to recreate the decoration of the castle, buying various antique items.
Official site
Alcazar Castle, Spain (9th century)
Fortress Spanish kings The Alcázar (Spanish: Alcázar) is located in the historical part of Segovia on a cliff. Over the years of its existence, the Alcazar was not only a royal palace, but also a prison, as well as an artillery academy. According to archaeologists, even in ancient Roman times there was a military fortification on the site of the Alcazar. During the Middle Ages, the castle was the favorite residence of the kings of Castile. In 1953, the Alcazar was turned into a museum.
Currently, it remains one of the most visited tourist destinations in Spain. The palace has a museum in which furniture, interiors, a collection of weapons, and portraits of the kings of Castile are exhibited. 11 halls are available for viewing and the most high tower- Tower of Juan II.
Chateau de Chambord, France (XVI century)
Chambord (French: Château de Chambord) is one of the most recognizable castles in France, an architectural masterpiece of the Renaissance. The length of the facade is 156 m, width 117 m, the castle has 426 rooms, 77 staircases, 282 fireplaces and 800 sculpturally decorated capitals.
According to historical research, Leonardo da Vinci himself took part in the design. Since 1981, it has been included in the UNESCO World Heritage List. Since 2005, the castle has the status of a state public and commercial enterprise. On the second floor of the castle there is now a branch of the Museum of Hunting and Nature.
Official site
Windsor Castle, UK (11th century)
Situated on a hill in the Thames River valley, Windsor Castle has been a symbol of the monarchy for more than 900 years. Over the centuries, the appearance of the castle changed in accordance with the capabilities of the ruling monarchs. It acquired its modern appearance as a result of reconstruction after a fire in 1992. The castle occupies 52,609 square meters and combines the features of a fortress, a palace and a small town.
Today, the palace is owned on behalf of the nation by the Occupied Royal Palaces Estate organization (residential royal palaces), and consumer services are provided by the Royal Household department. Windsor Castle is the largest residential castle in the world (about 500 people live and work there). Elizabeth II spends a month in the spring and a week in June at the castle to participate in traditional ceremonies associated with the Order of the Garter. About a million tourists visit the castle every year.
Official site
Corvin Castle, Romania (XIV century)
The ancestral seat of the feudal house of Hunyadi in the south of Transylvania, in the modern Romanian city of Hunedoara. Initially, the fortress had an oval shape, and the only defensive tower was located in the northern wing, while on the southern side it was covered by a stone wall.
In 1441-1446, under the governor Janos Hunyadi, seven towers were built, and in 1446-1453. They founded the chapel, built the main halls and the southern wing with utility rooms. As a result, the appearance of the castle combines elements of late Gothic and early Renaissance.
In 1974, the castle was opened to visitors as a museum. Tourists are taken to the castle over a gigantic bridge, they are shown a vast hall for knightly feasts and two towers, one of which bears the name of the monk John Capistran, and the second has the romantic name “Do not be afraid.”
They also say that it was in this castle of Hunyadi that Dracula, who was overthrown from the throne of Vlad the Impaler, was kept for 7 years.
Official site
Liechtenstein Castle, Austria (12th century)
One of the most unusual castles in architecture (German - Burg Liechtenstein) is located on the edge of the Vienna Woods. The castle was built in the 12th century, but was destroyed twice by the Ottomans in 1529 and 1683. In 1884 the castle was restored. Further damage was caused to the castle during the Second World War. Finally, in the 1950s, the castle was restored by the efforts of the townspeople. Since 2007, the castle, like more than 800 years ago, is under the jurisdiction of relatives of its founders - the princely family of Liechtenstein.
The modern popularity of Liechtenstein Castle is associated with the Johann Nestroy Theater Festival held here in the summer. The castle is open to visitors.
Official site
Chillon Castle (French: Château de Chillon) is located near Lake Geneva, 3 km from the city of Montreux, and is a complex of 25 elements from different eras of construction. The features of the location and construction allowed the owners of the castle to completely control the strategically important road that ran between the lake and the mountains. For a certain period of time, the road to the Saint Bernard Pass served as the only transport route from Northern Europe to Yuzhnaya. The depth of the lake ensured safety: an attack from this side was simply impossible. The stone wall of the castle facing the road is fortified with three towers. The opposite side of the castle is residential.
Like most castles, Chillon Castle also served as a prison. Louis the Pious kept Abbot Vala of Corvey prisoner here. In the middle of the 14th century, during the plague epidemic, Jews who were accused of poisoning water sources were kept and tortured in the castle.
George Byron's poem "The Prisoner of Chillon" takes place in Chillon Castle. The historical basis for the poem was the imprisonment in the castle by order of Charles III of Savoy François Bonivard in the years 1530–1536. The image of the castle was romanticized in the works of Jean-Jacques Rousseau, Percy Shelley, Victor Hugo and Alexandre Dumas.
Official site
Hohenzollern Castle, Germany (XIII century)
Hohenzollern Castle (German: Burg Hohenzollern) is located in Baden-Württemberg, 50 km south of Stuttgart, on the top of Mount Hohenzollern at an altitude of 855 meters. Over the years of its existence, the castle was destroyed several times.
Some of the most famous relics kept in the museum are the crown of the Prussian kings and the uniform that belonged to Frederick the Great. From 1952 to 1991, the remains of Frederick I and Frederick the Great rested in the castle museum. After the reunification of East and West Germany in 1991, the ashes of the Prussian kings were returned to Potsdam.
Currently, the castle belongs 2/3 to the Brandenburg-Prussian Hohenzollern line and 1/3 to the Swabian-Catholic line. About 300 thousand tourists visit it annually.
Official site
Castle Walsen, Belgium (11th century)
Castles are a symbol of the Middle Ages; they have fascinated not only history and architecture buffs for centuries. On no other continent except Europe can you find so many beautiful monumental castles that are evidence of bygone eras. We have prepared a rating of the ten largest castles in Europe that have been delighting, captivating and surprising for centuries.
1. Castle in Malbork
The castle in Malbork is considered by many to be the largest castle not only in Europe, but also in the world. Built of brick, the Gothic castle is located on the right bank of the Nogat, erected in the 13th - 15th centuries, it was the capital of the Teutonic Order and the residence of its masters. Recognized as a historical monument and included in the UNESCO World Heritage List in 1997.
2. Prague Castle in Prague
The impressive size of the castle complex (about 70,000 m2), which since time immemorial has been the residence of the kings of the Czech Republic, and since 1918 of the President of the Czech Republic. The castle includes many objects, including St. Vitus Cathedral, where the Czech coronation jewels are kept.
3. Burghausen Castle
Burghausen Castle is a powerful castle that lies above the old town of Burghausen and is the longest structure of its type in Europe. Its length is 1043 m. It owes its modern appearance to the Wittelsbach family, who lived on its territory in 1393-1505. In subsequent years, it was the property of the city of Burghausen and was used as a military garrison, which entailed significant reconstruction of the castle's fortifications.
4. Windsor Castle
Windsor Castle has been the residence of English kings since 1100. Currently, along with the Palace in Edinburgh, it is one of the main official residences of Queen Elizabeth II. It is one of the largest castles in Europe, with a length of 800 m, 19 towers and a total area of 45,000 m2. Interestingly, it is the largest permanently inhabited castle in the world. It has very rich collections of paintings and decorative arts.
5. Hohensalzburg Castle
The incredibly majestic Hohensalzburg Castle is located on the Festung hill above the city of Salzburg. The fortress is 150 m wide and 250 m long, making it one of the largest medieval fortresses in Europe. After Viennese landmarks (such as St. Stephen's Cathedral), the castle in Salzburg is the most visited tourist destination in Austria. Built around the 11th-12th centuries. It was used as a residence for aristocratic families, and often as a prison for political opponents.
6. Spis Fortress
Spiš Fortress, located on the territory of the Slovak village of Žegra, is a historical castle complex at the turn of the 11th - 12th centuries. It is one of the largest fortresses in central Europe and the largest in Slovakia. Occupying about 4 hectares, the castle was mostly destroyed; only part of the fortress walls has been restored in our time. There is a small museum on the castle grounds with exhibits related to the history of the castle. In 1993 it was included in the UNESCO list.
7. Pierrefonds Castle
Pierrefonds Castle is a medieval castle-fortress located in the Pierrefonds region of France, built around the 12th century. The building was in a deplorable state for many years, which was caused by religious wars in the 17th century. In later times it was owned, among others, by Napoleon Bonaparte and the House of Bourbon. However, it was only in 1857 that the reconstruction of the castle began, led by Viollet-le-Duc. Unfortunately, the restoration erased the medieval character of the building.
8. Caerphilly Castle
Caerphilly Castle, the largest in Wales and the second largest (after Windsor Castle) in the UK. Built by the English Count Gilbert de Clare in the 13th century over an artificial lake. Famous for its half-destroyed tower, the angle of inclination of which is greater than that of the famous Leaning Tower of Pisa in Pisa. The building fell into disrepair during civil war, and its current appearance is the result of reconstruction carried out in the 19th and 20th centuries.
9. Royal Palace in Budapest
Royal Palace in Budapest, the majestic and huge royal castle located at the southern tip of Castle Hill in the center Hungarian capital. Already from the 13th century, royal residences were located on Castle Hill, but only the Habsburgs, who ruled Hungary, created the luxury known today. Its interiors, which were not reconstructed after World War II, house modern public institutions and museums.
10. Chateau de Chambord
Chateau de Chambord, the largest and most famous castle in the Loire Valley. It represents one of the greatest architectural works of the Renaissance, and its silhouette is one of the most recognizable. Built in the 16th century as a royal residence. The size of the building can be evidenced by the fact that it has 440 rooms, 84 staircases and 6 large towers.
in photographsGermany
Neuschwanstein Castle (Schloß Neuschwanstein) - can be translated as “New Swan Cliff”. Built by King Ludwig II. Construction began in 1869. In 1884, the king moved into the castle.
Mespelbrunn Castle (Schloss Mespelbrunn) is a medieval castle in the city of Mespelbrunn. Construction began in 1412. Completed in 1569.
Burghausen Castle (Die Burg zu Burghausen) is the longest castle complex in Europe (1043 m). The fortification was built earlier than 1025. Main buildings: 1392-1503.
Heidelberg Castle (Heidelberger Schloss) in Heidelberg. The first mention dates back to 1225. The main period of action is XIV - XVII centuries. After destruction by the French in 1693, it was only partially restored.
Colditz Castle (Schloss Colditz) - founded in 1014. Rebuilt in the Renaissance style in the 16th century
Schwerin Castle (Schweriner Schloss) in the city of Schwerin on Palace Island. The Slavic fortress was built back in 965, and a modern complex was created in 1845-1857.
Wartburg Castle in the Thuringian Forest, near the city of Eisenach. The first wooden castle was founded in 1067 by Ludwig Skakun. In 1156-1162 a major alteration was made by Ludwig II.
Celle Castle (Schloss Celle) in the city of Celle. Kellu Fort was built back in 980. The castle was described in 1315.
Cochem Castle (Reichsburg Cochem) in the city was first mentioned in 1130. In 1688 it was destroyed by the French. In 1868 it was restored in the neo-Gothic style.
Upper Neuffen (Burg Hohenneuffen) is a large ruined castle in the Swabian Alb mountain range. Built between 1100 and 1120.
Rieneck Castle (Burg Rieneck) in Rieneck, Bavaria. Founded in 1151.
Glücksburg Castle (Schloss Glücksburg) in the city of Glücksburg in northern Germany, near the Danish border. Construction began in 1582.
Falkenstein (Burg Falkenstein). Built from 1120 to 1180, it was often rebuilt afterwards.
Marksburg Castle. First mention 1231
Hohenzollern Castle (Burg Hohenzollern) on the top of Mount Hohenzollern (at an altitude of 855 meters), 50 km south of Stuttgart. The fortress on this site was mentioned in 1267; on May 15, 1423 it was completely destroyed. The second castle was built in 1454-1461.
France
Castle Donjon de Niort in the city of Niort (Deux-Sèvres department). The building has been known since the 13th century.
Castle Château de la Mothe-Chandeniers (commune of Les Trois-Moutiers, Vienne department). The building has been known since the 13th century.
Chateau d'If (Château d'If) on the island of If in the Mediterranean Sea, a mile from the city of Marseille. Construction 1524-1531. Used as a prison from the end of the 16th century to the 19th century.
Castle Château de Grangent (commune of Saint-Just-Saint-Rambert, Loire department). First construction around 800. It is privately owned.
Castle Château de La Roche (commune of Saint-Prieux-la-Roche, Loire department). The first mention dates back to 1260.
Chenonceau Castle (Château de Chenonceau) in the Indre-et-Loire department. Since 1243 it has been known that the estate with the castle (and the adjacent mill) belonged to the de Mark family. After 1512 it was rebuilt in the Renaissance style.
Castle Château de La Bâtie-Seyssel (Barbie commune, Savoie department). Known as the domain of the Seyssel family since the 13th century.
Castle Château de Menthon (commune of Menthon-Saint-Bernard, Haute-Savoie department) on a 200-meter cliff near Lake Annecy. The first wooden fortification on this site dates back to the 10th century. The modern appearance was acquired from the 13th to the 19th centuries.
Castle Château de Gisors (Eure department). Key fortress of the Dukes of Normandy in the 11th-12th centuries.
Château d'Olhain castle of the 15th century (Frenicourt-les-Dolmans commune, Pas-de-Calais department).
Culan Castle (le château de Culan) in the commune of Culan (Cher department) on a rocky ledge overlooking the Arnon River. The wooden fortress was known even before the 10th century. Modern fortress XII-XIII centuries.
Castle Château de Sercy (commune of Sercy, Saone-et-Loire department). The first mention dates back to 1067.
Castle Château de Trécesson (commune of Campeneac, Morbihan department). Mentioned since the 8th century, the modern castle dates back to approximately the 15th century.
Castle Château de Landskron in the Alsace region (Liemen commune) on the very border with Switzerland. Built before 1297.
Castle Château de Morlanne (Morlande commune, Pyrenees-Atlantiques department). Built around 1370 by the architect Sicard de Lordat.
Italy
Graines Castle on a rocky mountain. Built presumably in the 11th century by the monks of the Abbey of St. Maurice. In the Middle Ages, communication was established through flags and mirrors with neighboring castles and towers.
Fenis Castle (Castello di Fenis) in the town of Fénis, Valle d'Aosta region (borders France and Switzerland). The first written mention dates back to 1242. Apparently it was a donjon ( main tower) surrounded by walls.
Castle of Castel del Monte (Castel del Monte - “castle on the mountain”) 16 km from the city of Andria (Apulia region). Erected from 1240 to 1250. The castle is octagonal, each tower is also octagonal.
Aragonese Castle (Castello Aragonese) on the volcanic island of Ischia. Construction on the island began in 474 BC. Hieron I. In 1441 a bridge was built connecting the rock and the island.
Castle of Torrechiara (commune of Langirano). Built between 1448 and 1460. Four rectangular towers connected by double lines of walls.
Melfi Castle (Castello di Melfi) in the Basilicata region. The structure dates back to the 11th century, the castle was built by the Normans.
Castle of Orsini-Cesi-Borghese in San Polo del Cavalieri. The first mentions of the castle date back to the 2nd half of the 10th century.
Castle Orsini in Soriano nel Cimino. Built in the 13th century.
Castle Brown (Castello Brown) above the harbor of the fishing town of Portofino. Known since the 15th century.
Porto Venere Castle in the city of Portovenere (Liguria region). A fortress on a cliff overlooking a fishing village. The first mention dates back to 1139.
Sarzanello in the commune of Sarzana (Liguria region). The first mention of a fortress on this site dates back to 1076.
Castle of San Leo in the city of San Leo (province of Rimini). The first fort on the top of the mountain was built by the Romans. In the Middle Ages, the Byzantines, Goths, Franks and Lombards fought for the fortress.
Runkelstein Castle (Castel Roncolo) Renon commune. In 1237, the Prince-Bishop of Trent gave the brothers Friedrich and Beral (Lords of Wangen) permission to build a castle on the Runchenstayn rock.
Prösels Castle (Castello di Presule) at the foot of Mount Schlern, province of Bolzano. The first mention dates back to 1279. The structure belongs to the Gothic style.
Castle of the Holy Angel (Castel Sant "Angelo) in Rome. Construction began in 135 by Emperor Hadrian.
Interesting Facts:
Castles in Germany:
- Heidelberg Castle: in 1415, Antipope John XXIII was imprisoned in the castle for some time.
- Colditz Castle: During the Second World War, it served as a detention center for especially important prisoners, it was the most impregnable fortress 3 Reichs. Officers and those who tried to escape from other camps were imprisoned there. Escape from the castle was considered impossible.
- Wartburg Castle: In 1521-1522, the reformer Martin Luther hid in the castle under the name “Junker Jörg”. Here he translated the New Testament into German.
- Marksburg Castle: The only castle of the upper middle Rhine not conquered by French troops in the 17th century.
Castles of France:
Chateau d'If: Alexandre Dumas in 1844-1845 in the work "The Count of Monte Cristo" he described the castle in which the main character was imprisoned for many years. Since the castle opened to the public in 1890, tourists have been constantly visiting it.
Chenonceau Castle: The castle is engraved with the motto "Whoever comes here, let him remember me." The castle is privately owned and open to visitors.
Castles of Italy:
- Graines Castle: according to legend, huge treasures are hidden under the castle.
- Castel del Monte Castle: for researchers, the purpose of the building is a mystery; the structure is not a castle in the exact meaning of the word (there is no moat, rooms for supplies, stables, kitchen). Thanks to the penetration of sunlight into the windows, in a certain sequence, the building can be considered as an astronomical instrument.
- Castel Sant'Angelo: Legend has it that during the plague in 590, Pope Gregory the Great saw the Archangel Michael on top of the castle, this meant the end of the disaster - this is how the name Castel Sant'Angelo came to be.
The origin of castle building in Europe dates back to the end of the 10th century and reached its peak by the 14th century. The castle was initially defined as a fortified dwelling of a feudal lord, containing a complex of all necessary services for defense. Over the decades, the structure of such fortified castles has changed. Around the beginning of the 10th century, during the era of feudalism, the most characteristic Western Europe type of castle - donjon (from the Latin domineon - home of the owner of the estate). The donjon included phased lines of defense. Inside the lower courtyard of the castle there were many religious and utility buildings. Higher up on the embankment there was a residential tower of the feudal lord. The seigneurial and economic parts were connected by a wooden drawbridge, which could be easily removed and, if necessary, turned the feudal lord’s dwelling into an independent defensive site. All these castle structures were surrounded by a powerful oak palisade with a drawbridge system. Such a feudal castle was very impregnable and could defend itself for a long time when attacked by enemies. The oldest surviving castle is located in the Loire Valley, in France. This donjon was built in 950.
With the end of the Middle Ages at the end of the 15th and beginning of the 16th centuries, the ideas of the Renaissance gradually covered all of Europe. From now on, European monarchs understand that power can be determined not only by the power of arms, but also by the development of culture, lifestyle, wealth and grace. The castles also begin to change. Powerful and harsh castles of feudal lords no longer serve only defensive purposes. They are rebuilt, descend from the hills into the valleys and begin to harmonize with the natural landscape. Now the greatest attention is paid to the palace part of the castle. The interior is filled with new furniture and art. Ascetic feudal dwellings transformed into luxurious royal residences. The origin of castle building in Europe dates back to the end of the 10th century and reached its peak by the 14th century. The castle was initially defined as a fortified dwelling of a feudal lord, containing a complex of all necessary services for defense. Over the decades, the structure of such fortified castles has changed. Around the beginning of the 10th century, during the era of feudalism, the most characteristic type of castle for Western Europe was formed - the donjon (from the Latin domineon - the dwelling of the owner of the estate). The donjon included phased lines of defense. Inside the lower courtyard of the castle there were many religious and utility buildings. Higher up on the embankment there was a residential tower of the feudal lord. The seigneurial and economic parts were connected by a wooden drawbridge, which could be easily removed and, if necessary, turned the feudal lord’s dwelling into an independent defensive site. All these castle structures were surrounded by a powerful oak palisade with a drawbridge system. Such a feudal castle was very impregnable and could defend itself for a long time when attacked by enemies. The oldest surviving castle is located in the Loire Valley, in France. This donjon was built in 950.
With the end of the Middle Ages at the end of the 15th and beginning of the 16th centuries, the ideas of the Renaissance gradually covered all of Europe. From now on, European monarchs understand that power can be determined not only by the power of arms, but also by the development of culture, lifestyle, wealth and grace. The castles also begin to change. Powerful and harsh castles of feudal lords no longer serve only defensive purposes. They are rebuilt, descend from the hills into the valleys and begin to harmonize with the natural landscape. Now the greatest attention is paid to the palace part of the castle. The interior is filled with new furniture and art. Ascetic feudal dwellings are transformed into luxurious royal residences.
Warwick Castle is a wonderful living example of a medieval castle. It is located in the city of the same name on the high bank of the Avon River, which goes around the castle on the east side. The castle ranks first on the list of cultural, historical places and monuments in Great Britain. The first Norman castle was built here on the site of a former Anglo-Saxon fortification (burgh), by order of William the Conqueror. In 1088 the castle and the title of 1st Earl of Warwick were granted to Henry de Beaumont. For several centuries the castle became the main residence of several generations of the Earls of Warwick.
The magnificent Windsor Castle located in Berkshire is the oldest and most active castle in the world. For over 900 years, it has towered over the surrounding landscape, embodying a symbol of royal power. Today, the castle is one of the Queen's three official residences, along with Buckingham Palace and the Palace of Holyrood House.
Dover Castle is one of the most powerful historical fortresses Western Europe. For many centuries it has stood guard over the shortest sea route from England to the continent. Its location on the shores of the Pas de Calais, called the Straits of Dover in England, gave Dover Castle enormous strategic importance, resulting in the castle playing an important role in English history.
The current buildings of Amboise were built from 1492 on the orders of Charles VIII, son of Louis XI, born here on June 30, 1470. Inspired by his expedition to Italy, from where he brought back many jewels, his entire reign was marked by Italian influence. Arriving together with architects and sculptors, the king decorated the castle. With the help of the gardener, Pacello arranged the decorative garden in a special way.
The Royal Castle of Blois is perhaps one of the most famous castles of the Loire, whose biography is oversaturated with significant events that left a bright mark on the history of not only France, but also Europe. As the home of seven kings and ten queens of France, today's Château Blois is a place that provides a clear insight into the life of the royal court during the Renaissance.
Burghausen Castle is a classic fairytale castle. This castle, the longest in Europe (1043 meters) and one of the largest in Germany, towers over the town of Burghausen in Upper Bavaria on the border with Austria. The elongated structure of the castle is divided into six separate courtyards. Each of them had its own important functions, and each of them was an independent fortified bastion with its own gate, moat and drawbridge. The towers were living quarters for all the inhabitants of the castle, from the foresters, barn keepers, court employees and ending with the chief treasurer.
Neuschwanstein Castle is one of the most visited castles in Germany, and one of the most popular tourist places Europe. It is located in Bavaria near the city of Füssen. This monumental piece of architecture was erected by King Ludwig II of Bavaria, also known as the “fairytale king”.
Today's Reichenstein Castle is a typical example of a castle revived from oblivion during the dawn of the passion for Rhineland Romanticism. The rich collection of the castle museum invariably attracts many tourists traveling along the Rhine. Guests of the castle will find many interesting and attractive exhibitions.
Built in the city of Landshut, Trausnitz Castle received its present name in the 16th century. It originally bore the same name as the city, as it was built to protect the city and surrounding lands.
The Aragonese Castle rises above the island, fortified on the top of the rock. A 15th century stone bridge, 220 meters long, links it to the eastern side of Ischia. The rocky base of the island on which the castle is located is a magma bubble that formed here during prolonged volcanic activity.
For over six hundred years, the Vienna Hofburg was the main home of the royal court of the rulers of Austria. Over the centuries, he played many important roles during European history. Starting from the 13th century, the Habsburgs controlled their possessions from here. First as large feudal landowners, then from 1452 as Holy Roman Emperors, and finally from 1806 to 1918 as Emperors of the Austrian Empire.
The Imperial Palace of Schönbrunn can rightfully be considered one of the significant cultural and historical monuments, not only in Austria, but throughout Europe. Since the 1960s it has been a magnet tourist center for guests of Vienna.
North of the mouth of the Vistula, on the right bank of the Nogat River, the Crusaders of the Teutonic Order began the construction of Marienburg Castle in 1274, and in 1276 they granted city rights to the settlement formed near the castle. In connection with the transfer in 1309 of the main residence of the Grand Masters of the Order from Venice to Marienburg (Malbork), the castle was significantly expanded.
This most famous of Scottish castles has a long and varied history of construction. Its oldest part, the Chapel of St. Margaret, dates back to the 12th century. The Great Hall was founded by James IV around 1510. The Crescent Battery was founded by Regent Morton in the late 16th century, and the Scottish National War Memorial after the First World War.
Original message by Vitaly_KalashnikovThe origin of castle building in Europe dates back to the end of the 10th century and reached its peak by the 14th century. The castle was initially defined as a fortified dwelling of a feudal lord, containing a complex of all necessary services for defense. Over the decades, the structure of such fortified castles has changed. Around the beginning of the 10th century, during the era of feudalism, the most characteristic type of castle for Western Europe was formed - the donjon (from the Latin domineon - the dwelling of the owner of the estate). The donjon included phased lines of defense. Inside the lower courtyard of the castle there were many religious and utility buildings. Higher up on the embankment there was a residential tower of the feudal lord. The seigneurial and economic parts were connected by a wooden drawbridge, which could be easily removed and, if necessary, turned the feudal lord’s dwelling into an independent defensive site. All these castle structures were surrounded by a powerful oak palisade with a drawbridge system. Such a feudal castle was very impregnable and could defend itself for a long time when attacked by enemies. The oldest surviving castle is located in the Loire Valley, in France. This donjon was built in 950.
With the end of the Middle Ages at the end of the 15th and beginning of the 16th centuries, the ideas of the Renaissance gradually spread throughout Europe. From now on, European monarchs understand that power can be determined not only by the power of arms, but also by the development of culture, lifestyle, wealth and grace. The castles also begin to change. Powerful and harsh castles of feudal lords no longer serve only defensive purposes. They are rebuilt, descend from the hills into the valleys and begin to harmonize with the natural landscape. Now the greatest attention is paid to the palace part of the castle. The interior is filled with new furniture and art. Ascetic feudal dwellings are transformed into luxurious royal residences. The origin of castle building in Europe dates back to the end of the 10th century and reached its peak by the 14th century. The castle was initially defined as a fortified dwelling of a feudal lord, containing a complex of all necessary services for defense. Over the decades, the structure of such fortified castles has changed. Around the beginning of the 10th century, during the era of feudalism, the most characteristic type of castle for Western Europe was formed - the donjon (from the Latin domineon - the dwelling of the owner of the estate). The donjon included phased lines of defense. Inside the lower courtyard of the castle there were many religious and utility buildings. Higher up on the embankment there was a residential tower of the feudal lord. The seigneurial and economic parts were connected by a wooden drawbridge, which could be easily removed and, if necessary, turn the feudal lord’s dwelling into an independent defensive site. All these castle structures were surrounded by a powerful oak palisade with a drawbridge system. Such a feudal castle was very impregnable and could defend itself for a long time when attacked by enemies. The oldest surviving castle is located in the Loire Valley, in France. This donjon was built in 950.
With the end of the Middle Ages at the end of the 15th and beginning of the 16th centuries, the ideas of the Renaissance gradually spread throughout Europe. From now on, European monarchs understand that power can be determined not only by the power of arms, but also by the development of culture, lifestyle, wealth and grace. The castles also begin to change. Powerful and harsh castles of feudal lords no longer serve only defensive purposes. They are rebuilt, descend from the hills into the valleys and begin to harmonize with the natural landscape. Now the greatest attention is paid to the palace part of the castle. The interior is filled with new furniture and art. Ascetic feudal dwellings are transformed into luxurious royal residences.
Warwick Castle is a wonderful living example of a medieval castle. It is located in the city of the same name on the high bank of the Avon River, which goes around the castle on the east side. The castle ranks first on the list of cultural, historical places and monuments in Great Britain. The first Norman castle was built here on the site of a former Anglo-Saxon fortification (burgh), by order of William the Conqueror. In 1088 the castle and title of 1st Earl of Warwick was granted to Henry de Beaumont. For several centuries the castle became the main residence of several generations of the Earls of Warwick.
The magnificent Windsor Castle located in Berkshire is the oldest and most active castle in the world. For over 900 years, it has towered over the surrounding landscape, embodying a symbol of royal power. Today, the castle is one of the Queen's three official residences, along with Buckingham Palace and the Palace of Holyrood House.
Dover Castle is one of the most powerful historical fortresses in Western Europe. For many centuries it has stood guard over the shortest sea route from England to the continent. Its location on the shores of the Pas de Calais, called the Straits of Dover in England, gave Dover Castle enormous strategic importance, resulting in the castle playing an important role in English history.
The current buildings of Amboise were built from 1492 on the orders of Charles VIII, son of Louis XI, born here on June 30, 1470. Inspired by his expedition to Italy, from where he brought back many jewels, his entire reign was marked by Italian influence. Arriving together with architects and sculptors, the king decorated the castle. With the help of the gardener, Pacello arranged the decorative garden in a special way.
The Royal Castle of Blois is perhaps one of the most famous castles of the Loire, whose biography is oversaturated with significant events that left a bright mark on the history of not only France, but also Europe. As the home of seven kings and ten queens of France, today's Château Blois is a place that provides a clear insight into the life of the royal court during the Renaissance.
Burghausen Castle is a classic fairytale castle. This castle, the longest in Europe (1043 meters) and one of the largest in Germany, towers over the town of Burghausen in Upper Bavaria on the border with Austria. The elongated structure of the castle is divided into six separate courtyards. Each of them had its own important functions, and each of them was an independent fortified bastion with its own gate, moat and drawbridge. The towers were living quarters for all the inhabitants of the castle, from the foresters, barn keepers, court employees and ending with the chief treasurer.
Neuschwanstein Castle is one of the most visited castles in Germany, and one of the most popular tourist destinations in Europe. It is located in Bavaria near the city of Füssen. This monumental piece of architecture was erected by King Ludwig II of Bavaria, also known as the “fairytale king”.
Today's Reichenstein Castle is a typical example of a castle revived from oblivion during the dawn of the passion for Rhineland Romanticism. The rich collection of the castle museum invariably attracts many tourists traveling along the Rhine. Guests of the castle will find many interesting and attractive exhibitions.
Built in the city of Landshut, Trausnitz Castle received its present name in the 16th century. It originally bore the same name as the city, as it was built to protect the city and surrounding lands.
The Aragonese Castle rises above the island, fortified on the top of the rock. A 15th century stone bridge, 220 meters long, links it to the eastern side of Ischia. The rocky base of the island on which the castle is located is a magma bubble that formed here during prolonged volcanic activity.
For over six hundred years, the Vienna Hofburg was the main home of the royal court of the rulers of Austria. Over the centuries it has played many important roles in the course of European history. Starting from the 13th century, the Habsburgs controlled their possessions from here. First as large feudal landowners, then from 1452 as Holy Roman Emperors, and finally from 1806 to 1918 as Emperors of the Austrian Empire.
The Imperial Palace of Schönbrunn can rightfully be considered one of the significant cultural and historical monuments, not only in Austria, but throughout Europe. Since the 1960s it has been an attractive tourist destination for visitors to Vienna.
North of the mouth of the Vistula, on the right bank of the Nogat River, the Crusaders of the Teutonic Order began the construction of Marienburg Castle in 1274, and in 1276 they granted city rights to the settlement formed near the castle. In connection with the transfer in 1309 of the main residence of the Grand Masters of the Order from Venice to Marienburg (Malbork), the castle was significantly expanded.
This most famous of Scottish castles has a long and varied history of construction. Its oldest part, the Chapel of St. Margaret, dates back to the 12th century. The Great Hall was founded by James IV around 1510. The Crescent Battery was founded by Regent Morton in the late 16th century, and the Scottish National War Memorial after the First World War.
Alhambra Palace(Arabic Al Hamra - literally "Red Castle") is an ancient mosque, palace and fortress of the Moorish rulers of the province Granada on South Spain. The castle occupies the top of a rocky plateau on the southeastern border of Granada. Moorish poets described the Alhambra as a “pearl in emeralds,” highlighting the bright colors of the buildings against the backdrop of the green forest that once grew at its feet. Despite many years of decline, vandalism and sometimes unwise restoration, the Alhambra is currently one of the best examples of Moorish architecture in Europe, freed from the cultural influence of Byzantium. During its history, the castle was the residence of both Muslim and Christian rulers, and is now turned into a museum and one of the most famous landmarks in Spain.
Story
In any case, the first mention of the Alhambra dates back to the 9th century. Savwar ben Hamdoun ( Sawwar ben Hamdun) in 889 sought refuge in the Alcazaba ( Alcazaba), the citadel of the present Alhambra from the constant wars that tore apart the Cordoba Caliphate.
His activities in Granada were limited only to strengthening the walls of the citadel. The Alhambra truly flourished with the arrival of the first king of the Nasrid dynasty ( Nasrid) Mohammed bin Al-Ahmar ( Mohammed Al-Ahmar, Mohammed I, 1238-1273) . In the 13th century The Alhambra becomes a royal residence and its “golden age” begins.
The first step was to fortify the old part of the castle, the Alcazaba: observation tower
(Torre de la Vela) And donjon
(Torre del Homenaje).
Under Muhammad II (1273-1302) and Mohammed III (1302-1309), part of the Darro River was diverted and numerous warehouses and additional ramparts were built. Under Mohammed III, public baths were also built on the site where St. Mary's Church would later be built.
The most significant contribution to the formation of the Alhambra as we see it now was made by the following rulers of the Nasrid Dynasty: Yusuf I ( Yusuf I, 1333-1353) and Muhammad V (1353-1391). It is with them that the creation is associated Palace of Lions (
Patio de los Leone s
) and neighboring rooms, Gate of Justice
(Puerta de la Justicia), decoration of towers, construction of baths ( Baños), Cuarto de Comares And Sala de la Barca(Sala de la Barca). Very little remains of the previous kings of the Nasrid dynasty in the Alhambra.
In subsequent years, traces of Moorish architecture were gradually destroyed. In 1812, the French blew up one of the towers of the Alhambra, but the entire castle, fortunately, avoided a similar fate. The following story is connected with this. The explosion of the castle was planned by Napoleon Bonaparte himself, but one of the commanders, who was tasked with carrying out all the work, neutralized the explosives and thereby saved the castle for posterity.
In 1821 the castle was partially destroyed by an earthquake. Restoration work began in 1828 by the architect José Contreras ( Jose Contreras) and continued until 1830. After Contreras' death, his son Rafael and grandson Mariano continued his work. Currently, the Alhambra has become a museum that attracts thousands of tourists from all over the world.
Architecture
The main decorative elements are stylized plant forms, their interlacing and networks of rhombuses. There are also many poems on the walls that belong to three poets Ibn al-Yayyab (1274-1349), Ibn al-Jatib(1313-1375) and Ibn Zamrak(1333-1393), who were secretaries of the royal office and first ministers. It is believed that al-Zamrak is the most gifted among them. Examples of their poems can be found Here .
And oddly enough, at the same time, on the facade of the tower there is a niche in which sculptures of the Virgin Mary and the baby Jesus Christ are located.
Area of the ponds (Plaza de los aljibes) The square got its name from the ponds that were built in 1494 by the Count of Tendilla ( Tendilla) in the moat between Alcazaba and the Palaces.
Wine Gate
(Puerto del Vino) -
some of the most ancient. Their construction dates back to the reign of Muhammad II. Now they stand alone in the middle Pond area. Since 1556, the inhabitants of the Alhambra left wine here, which was not subject to taxes.
