Castles cannot simply be called ancient defenses. It is a source of memories of the glorious past of countries, historical events, beautiful legends and love stories. Centuries pass, and the majestic buildings continue to amaze people with their harsh beauty and unique architecture. If you make a rating of castles in terms of beauty, then it will look like this.
Mont Saint-Michel, France
The small island of Saint Michel is part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site. This is one of the most famous French landmarks. The most beautiful castle is located high on a cliff. The upper spire of the fortress reaches 155.5 m above sea level.
Neuschwanstein, Germany
It was built for King Ludwig II of Bavaria. It is currently one of the most popular German attractions. The beauty of Neuschwanstein Castle gave him the opportunity to appear in films and cartoons more than once. The most beautiful castles in the world, and in particular, this option, inspired the famous composer Tchaikovsky to create "Swan Lake".
Hohensalzburg, Austria
One of the largest medieval European castles. There is a fortress on Mount Festung (120 m). During its existence, Hohensalzburg was rebuilt and fortified many times, over time it became an impregnable fortress. In the 19th century it was used as a warehouse, a military barracks and a place of confinement.
Conwy, Wales, UK
This beautiful example of 13th century architecture was erected by order of King Edward I of England. It is surrounded by a stone wall with eight round towers. Now you can see only the walls of the building, but even they look impressive. Conwy was heated by several huge fireplaces, the heat from one fireplace is equivalent to the operation of several boilers for a long time.
Prague Castle, Czech Republic
This huge castle complex is located in Prague. It was erected in the middle of the 9th century. Prague Castle is not only beautiful, it is the largest of all ancient castles. Now the Prague Castle is the residence of the Czech President.
Bran, Romania
Built in the 14th century by local peasants. They were exempted from taxes for construction. Belonged to local rulers, was a gift to Queen Mary of Edinburgh. Currently, this building is a national monument and a popular Romanian museum. The castle gained particular fame thanks to the novel by Bram Stoker.
Osaka castle, Japan
5 floors of the samurai palace were built at the end of the 16th century. He became famous for his important role in the history of the country. In 1614, he withstood the offensive of the Tokugawa shogun's troops of 200,000 soldiers. It was destroyed in the 17th century. It was rebuilt in the 20th century.
Peles, Romania
An unusual building in the neo-Renaissance style is located in the picturesque Romanian Carpathians. Built by order of Karol I at the end of the 19th century as a summer residence. Peles is now a national treasure.
Palace of Versailles, France
How can one forget Versailles, mentioning the most beautiful palaces? This former residence of the French kings is located in a wealthy suburb of Paris. The construction of the complex began in 1661, and was completed only in the last century. The architectural monument of world importance symbolizes absolute monarchy.
Chillon Castle, Switzerland
Chillon is on a rock, in the cleanest country in the world at the edge of Lake Geneva. In the 12th century, it was the residence of the Dukes of Savoy and a checkpoint on the strategically important road to the Saint Bernand Pass. For a long time it was the only transport pass from Southern Europe to Northern Europe.