Famous Castles From Around the World

Fairytales and fantasy stories in books and movies often feature towering castles and massive medieval structures that became homes to powerful people. At present, you don’t have to be of royal blood or a powerful line to visit these majestic palaces. Here are some famous historical castles across the world that you can visit on your next trip.

Visiting Famous Castles: Tips for Must-See Attractions

Visiting world-famous castles is an interesting highlight during a sightseeing trip. Whether you’re a first time tourist exploring the magical place or a seasoned visitor who can’t get enough of the majestic structure, here are some tips for your awaited castle getaway:

Plan and Research: A single famous castle is equivalent to many tourists. Research the opening hours, ticket prices, possible day conditions, and special events near the site. Proper planning can save you time, money, and prevent unforeseen circumstances.
Be a History Buff: Famous historical castles often have interesting stories behind their formation. Take time to research and learn about the history, significance, and related people associated with them. Opt for a guided tour for more detailed exploration.
Wear Comfort: Wear appropriate and comfortable clothing and footwear. Consider the possible weather, terrain, and size of the castle. Respect the dress code, especially at religious sites.
Enter and Leave with Respect: Most castles are preserved historical sites, so contribute to their preservation with courtesy. Show respect for the castle’s historical and cultural significance by following the given guidelines and restrictions.
Set Enough Time: Allot ample time when touring a castle to avoid rushing the exploration. Plan for breaks, picture-taking, and even pausing to take in the beauty and history of the majestic fortress.

Medieval Majesty: A Tour of Europe's Most Famous Castles

Europe is a melting pot of rich history and majestic structures. It is not surprising that most famous historical castles are located on such a continent. Here are the five most famous European castles where the medieval past meets the present:

Windsor Castle, England

Avid followers of the British monarchy are likely familiar with the famous Windsor Castle in England. As one of the present King’s official residences, this castle has been home to English royalty for over 900 years. William the Conqueror built this famous historical landmark as a defensive fortress in the 11th century. The significant structure witnessed several global states of affairs, weddings of the century, burials of key figures, and prized art collections.

Some key attractions include St. George's Chapel, the State Apartments, and the Queen Mary's Dolls' House.

Château de Chenonceau, France

While the Eiffel Tower has an immediate association with France, the country is also home to several castles renowned for their beauty and architecture, such as the Château de Chenonceau in the Loire Valley. The chateau was built by Thomas Bohier, chamberlain to King Charles VIII of France, as a luxury residence and a symbol of his status and wealth. Its series of graceful arches that spanned River Cher earned its title of “Castle on the Water.” As for the moniker “The Ladies' Château,” it housed the succession of historically powerful women such as Diane de Poitiers and Catherine de' Medici.

The chateau's Gallery over Cher, the Gardens, and the Interior Rooms are some spots that visitors should skip.

Bran Castle, Romania

For those interested in vampires and the infamous Dracula, Romania’s Bran Castle is the perfect castle worth visiting. The tourists’ imagination was further encouraged by the castle’s dramatic Medieval Transylvanian style with Gothic elements and its location at a 200-foot high rock with the Carpathian Mountains as its impressive backdrop. Although closely linked to Vlad the Impaler, who inspired Dracula, it was actually built for strategic purposes and as a royal residence. It became Queen Marie of Romania’s favorite retreat in the early 20th century, with the present museum showcasing her life and the castle’s rich history.

The Dracula Exhibition, the Tower, and the Interior Rooms are must-visit locations within the castle.

Alcázar of Segovia, Spain

If Spain’s rich culture and history are your cup of tea, the Alcazar of Segovia is a famous 12th century fortress-turned-palace landmark. Aside from being a royal residence, it has also transitioned into a state prison, a Royal Artillery College, and a military academy. Located on a rocky hill overlooking where the Eresma and Clamore rivers meet, this castle serves as inspiration for Walt Disney’s Cinderella Castle. Its current architectural style blends Moorish, Gothic, and Renaissance influences, making it a recognizable structure in Spain.

When visiting this fairytale castle, make sure to step into the Hall of Kings (Sala de los Reyes), the Throne Room (Sala del Solio), and the Royal Chapel.

Architectural Wonders: Exploring the Design of Iconic Castles

Many notable castles across the world share similar characteristics in terms of design and structure while blending in their own distinctive appearance. Here are some iconic castle designs based on their exterior, structure, and location:

Fairytale Castle

Examples: Neuschwanstein Castle in Germany and Cinderella Castle at Disney parks

Features: Tall, slender towers with cone-shaped roofs and decorative elements such as pinnacles and spires. Also known as a fantasy castle, this design is famous for its intricate and romantic aesthetics, perfectly suited to the picturesque landscapes where the castle is often situated.

Medieval European Castle

Examples: Dover Castle in England and Château de Chambord in France

Features: Usually built on high ground with towers and battlements for strategic advantage and defense. It utilizes strong, thick stone walls as well as moats and drawbridges. A great highlight of this castle is the great halls that are usually used for gatherings and feasts.

Other Highlights: The Medieval European Castle is an umbrella term for a typical medieval castle design developed during the Middle Ages, which soon evolved into several sophisticated forms, such as Concentric Castles, Motte and Bailey Castles, and Shell Keep Castles.

Japanese Castle (Shiro)

Examples: Himeji Castle and Matsumoto Castle in Japan

Features: Known for its multi-layered, pagoda-like structures with curved roofs and decorative tiles on the edges. Japanese castles use stone foundations and are often built on hills or mountains as the first line of defense against invaders. It also houses a complex layout, multiple defense rings, a wooden interior, and sliding doors, reflecting Japanese culture.

Middle Eastern Desert Fortress

Examples: Krak des Chevaliers in Syria and Alamut Castle in Iran

Features: Heavily influenced by Islamic architecture, and blends both secular and religious designs and decor. These castles feature a defensive layout with rounded towers, small and high windows, and thick walls made of stone and mud. They’re also popular for their internal courtyards and advanced water storage systems and management.

Scottish Highland Castle

Examples: Edinburgh Castle and Eilean Donan Castle in Scotland

Features: Formed by rugged stone construction. The central feature of this design is the tower house, which is the castle’s most distinct feature and often the oldest part. Castles with this design often utilize natural defenses and strategic locations such as hills or cliff edges with lochs to withstand sieges and harsh weather. Although still a massive structure, the castle is comparatively smaller than many continental European castles.

The Histories Behind the World's Most Famous Castles

History shapes every notable castle across the world, whether it still stands or only its ruins remain. Get to know the origin stories of the following castles that are worth knowing about:

Castles Beyond Europe: Unique Fortresses Across the Globe

If you are curious about less famous historical castles, here are some suggestions that could aid your exploration in discovering medieval gems:

If visiting castles is still a far-fetched dream for you and your family, you can start your own by building a castle playground in the comfort of your home. AAA State of Play offers several castle playsets for medieval fun and adventure with a sprinkle of your children’s imagination. Until you can explore a world-famous castle, the most magical place on Earth can just be in your backyard.