When traveling through Europe, it is inevitable to come across some magnificent castles! There are so many that it is nearly impossible to list them all, but here is our listing of 10 castles you must see when you travel through Europe. Visiting these castles is like diving into our history. Discover the history of kings, of alliances and vendettas, the history of European territories, of wars, regions and nations, the history of those families who have made and unmade Europe.
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Chambord Castle is the symbol of the power of King François the first, who made this hunting estate one of the most beautiful castles of the Renaissance. The castle is built on the model of the fortified castles of the Middle Ages, with a central square building, the keep, with four towers at each of its angles. This castle is the largest of the Loire castles. It is built in the center of a huge game reserve, which is today the largest closed forest park in Europe. While traveling in France, the Chambord Castle is definitely a must-see in the Loire Valley!
An exceptional site by its original design on the Cher river, Chenonceau Castle is an essential stopover on your tour of the Loire Castles. This jewel of French historical monuments is marked by an almost uninterrupted succession of women who built, embellished, protected, restored and saved it such as Diane de Poitiers and Catherine de Médicis. The very first castle is a medieval castle in the 12th and 13th centuries, of which only the keep remains: The Tour des Marques.
The Domaine de Chantilly is one of the most beautiful in France: composed of the Château de Chantilly, the Condé Museum, and magnificent French-style gardens, it is one of the jewels of history and French architecture. The Chantilly Castle has survived the ages without losing its presence and its former glory within the Picardy region. Having belonged to the line of the Princes of Condé, it is only natural that the Museum houses their collection of ancient paintings.
Majestic on the shores of Lake Geneva, the Chillon Castle promises a journey into history and a wonderful wine tour. Near Montreux, this castle has stood since the 12th century on a rocky islet, as if floating on Lake Geneva. Regularly animated by exhibitions and cultural events, it is the most visited historical monument in Switzerland.
Few places on Earth look more like storybook illustrations, it is the case of the Neuschwanstein Castle. It is one of the most popular of all the palaces and castles in Europe. The setting of Neuschwanstein could not be more idyllic. A 19th-century romantic eclecticism palace on a rugged hill above the village of Hohenschwangau in southwest Bavaria, Germany. No matter the season, the weather conditions, there will always be something magical about this castle.
The Eltz Castle is a medieval castle nestled in the hills above the Moselle River between Koblenz and Trier, Germany. Exactly located on a 70-metre (230 ft) rock spur, on an important Roman trade route between rich farmlands and their markets. The castle is still owned by a branch of the Eltz family that lived there in the 12th century, 33 generations ago! The family still let tourists to visit seasonally. Visitors can view the treasury, with gold, silver and porcelain artifacts, but also the armory of weapons and suits of armor.
De Haar Castle is the largest castle of the Netherlands and is located just outside Utrecht and a half an hour drive from Amsterdam. De Haar has everything you expect from a castle: towers, turrets, moats, gates and suspension bridges. The castle is also home to many art objects. Next to the castle you can find a romantic chapel and beautiful parks and gardens. Without a doubt De Haar Castle is one of the most luxurious castles of Europe. In the last century, the castle also frequently hosted members of the international jet-set with their lavish lifestyle; from Coco Chanel to Roger Moore, they too left their mark on the sumptuous rooms of the most opulent spot in Utrecht.
The Palace of Pena is one of the most beautiful tourist attractions in all of Portugal and an absolutely typical example of the architectural style of 19th century Romanticism. This palace is a combination of brightly colored terraces, decorative ramparts and mythological statues that contrast beautifully with the green of the forest setting of Parque de Pena. Equally fascinating is the interior of Pena Palace, as it was restored to be true to its appearance in the 1910s, when the Portuguese nobility fled to Brazil in order to escape the revolution. The surroundings of the Palace da Pena are a large, wooded area which represents what was considered to be perfection during the time of Romanticism: there are secret paths, mystical decorations and breathtaking views.
The fairytale good-looks of the Alcazar Castle have made it Spain’s most famous castle. The name “Alcazar” indicates that the history of this castle dates back to the beginning of Moorish rule on the Iberian Peninsula. The Moors constructed their ‘Alcazars’ (strongholds) in a number of places in today’s Spain and Portugal. The legend says that this castle was the inspiration behind Cinderella’s Castle in Walt Disney World: whether or not this urban legend is true, the Alcazar is undeniably breathtaking. This magnificent castle has been used as filming locations in several films. Do not hesitate to climb the keep for some great views!
If you ever visit Italy, this castle should definitely be on your bucket list. The Scaliger Castle, with a real drawbridge, moat, and more make it feel like a complete fairytale. Although it was originally used as a port, it was modified into a castle to serve a dual purpose and to defend the Southern lands of Lake Garda from invading forces. Its nickname is: ‘The Sinking Castle’, due to the rising waters of Lake Garda, but it is truly an example of medieval port fortification. The castle itself was used by the fleet of the Scaliger family and was strategically placed in a location that provided great protection from their enemies and of course, the locals.
I hope this blog on the 10 castles you must see when you travel through Europe has given you a bit of magic with the wish of traveling to these beautiful and full of history places!
If you enjoyed this post, I recommend you read Joël’s blog on his family getaway at the Chateau des Grotteaux (France). A haven of peace and slow life like in a fairytale, in the heart of the Loire Valley.
