Have you ever wondered what it's like to visit some of the prettiest castles in the world?
Castles are known to be a popular unique destination in recent years, especially with the rise of medieval shows such as Game Of Thrones. With enchanting stories to be told within well-preserved walls, these magical structures will captivate any wandering traveler to travel back in time. From the majestic Windsor Castle to the legendary Alcazar of Seville, read on as explore our top picks for the 7 prettiest castles in the world:
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Many may not know that Windsor Castle is where the late Queen resides and is the oldest and largest royal castle that is still in use today. It is where real-life fairy tales come true as this is where royal weddings are held including Prince Harry and Meghan Markle's wedding!
You can get the best view of the castle from the Long Walk section (pictured above). If you think the exterior looks magnificent, the interior is just as fascinating. Take a step into the Grand Reception room glistening in real gold or admire some of the greatest paintings in the world with portraits of the monarchy.
P.S. If you want to book a stay in an English castle, we recommend checking out Warwick Castle!
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Pay a visit to one of the Seven Wonders of Romania and you will be in awe by its gigantic circular towers. Also known as Hunyadi Castle or Hunedoara Castle, it was featured in several movies, including the horror blockbuster "The Nun".
Some parts of the castle are pretty chilly (and creepy). It is said that the Bear Pit was where non-useful prisoners became a source of food for the animals. The Gothic-Renaissance castle has plenty of hidden rooms to explore, three hours may not be enough to cover them all!
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As Scotland's most popular attraction, Edinburgh Castle is a sight not to be missed. The castle has survived many historical wars, protecting the royalty during the Wars of Scottish Independence. It now serves as a national war museum and a military base.
Standing on the volcanic rock known as Castle Rock, it has a beautiful vantage point of the Scottish city and is one of the most romantic destinations to get married. Look out for the One O'Clock Gun that was used to set the ship's maritime clocks. It can be pretty loud but at least you know what time it is!
Fun fact: Mary, Queen of Scots, lived here for a short period and gave birth to her son James VI, King of Scotland.
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A castle perched on high land with a foggy backdrop, Vianden Castle is Europe's hidden gem. Every summer a medieval festival is held in the castle for all to come and interact. Formerly, a Roman outpost, it was rebuilt in Gothic style in the 13th century, creating a gorgeous Gothic-Romanesque castle that will take you back in time.
Take the chairlift up to get a bird's eye view of Vianden town (it's closed during the winter season so check their schedule before you go). You can even rent the banquet hall for any event with a seating space of up to 220 people!
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8th-century Alhambra is a must-visit for Muslim travelers. It is one of the final remaining structures of the Islamic golden age in Spain. This hilltop palace is a Muslim citadel known for its Islamic architecture and as the home of the Nasrid dynasty.
Inside this UNESCO World Heritage Site is a paradise waiting for you: a large array of gardens, fountains, and pools. You can find poetic Arabic inscriptions around the walls with elements of Christian and Jewish craftsmanship stemming from the era of Catholic Monarchs who took over the palace. Today, it remains one of the most popular historical sites in Spain serving thousands of visitors a day.
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If you are wondering why Neuschwanstein Castle looks familiar, that's because it has been used as Walt Disney's official logo and in Disney's Sleeping Beauty movie! If you head to Disneyland in California, you will find a replica of this beautiful castle as well.
In reality, the 19th-century castle is far from a fairy tale. It was King Ludwig II of Bavaria who wanted this magical castle built as his private residence, however, he passed away before he could see the castle's completion 6 years after his death.
Ironically, just weeks after his passing, the cliffside castle that was once a king's hideout became the country's most popular attraction. (Yes, the castle opened before it was completed! Talk about an invasion of privacy.)
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We can't miss this one especially if you are a fan of the Game of Thrones series! Also known as al-Qasr al-Muriq, it was featured in the show as the Water Gardens of Dorne. Currently, it is the oldest functioning royal palace in Europe and a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
The story of this palace is an interesting one: Alcazar of Seville was built to protect the Muslim authorities and royal residences in the 11th century. In the 15th century, it was later converted to a Christian residence for the King of Castille. Despite major reconstructions of the building, some parts of Islamic patterns and ornamentation remain.
Hence, it is one of the pretties castles with a unique combination of Muslim, Renaissance, Baroque, and Gothic infrastructure.
We hope you are already making plans to visit these castles on your next trip! Do check on their opening hours, entrance fees, and transportation routes before heading there as some of these locations are not easily accessible. Most importantly, have fun exploring and share this article with your friends!
Want to discover more castles around the world? Check out our 10 Must-See Castles to put on your bucket list!
