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15 EUROPEAN CITIESWITH WONDERFUL CASTLES

1. PRAGUE CASTLE2. NEUSCHWANSTEIN CASTLE3. VERSAILLES CASTLE4. PELES CASTLE5. PENA PALACE6. HOHENWERFEN CASTLE7. BOJNICE CASTLE8. TRAKOSCAN CASTLE9. HOHENZOLLERN CASTLE10. DE HAAR CASTLE11. EDINBURGH CASTLE12. WARWICK CASTLE13. ROSENBORG CASTLE14. GRAVENSTEEN CASTLE15. CORVIN CASTLE

When it comes to travel destinations, cities with castles will always be a rewarding experience.

Europe doesn’t let us down with its fascinating selection of breathtaking castles which you should not miss, especially if you are fond of time travelling.

Discover bits of history, relive the most intriguing plots and take a deep breath, because you will be needing it when stepping on the same ground as kings and queens did centuries.

1. PRAGUE CASTLE

A UNESCO heritage, the Prague Castle is the largest most ancient one in the world.

Once the seat of the Kings of Bohemia, this enchanted castle reveals a large-scale composition of palaces and ecclesiastical buildings of different architectural styles.

Classical music lovers will be delighted to find out that they can explore this architectural jewelry in a different way, since regular concerts are held in here. For more information about the Prague Castle visit their official website: https://www.hrad.cz/en/prague-castle-for-visitors

The most representative landmark that stands out among these constructions is St. Vitus Cathedral, a Gothic masterpiece whose tower is over 90 meters high. Dating back to the ninth century, the castle is nowadays the official residence of the Czech Republic President.

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2. NEUSCHWANSTEIN CASTLE

A Romanesque-Revival masterpiece, the nineteenth century Neuschwanstein Castle is located in southwest Bavaria, Germany, and it is a highly-visited and famous castle, whose fairy tale touch has been exploited through movies in which it was featured.

The history of this wonderful place is worth discovering with your own eyes through guided tours, actually the only option available for visiting. Therefore, if you are planning a trip to Germany, don’t forget to add on the list this magical destination or otherwise, you might regret it. For more information about the Neuschwanstein Castle visit their official website: http://www.neuschwanstein.de/

Its beauty also inspired the castle in the storybook Sleeping Beauty from Disneyland. No wonder it is among the most popular destinations in Europe. Conceived as a place of retreat for King Ludwig II, the latter one declared the construction of the castle an homage to the composer Richard Wagner, for whom he had a deep appreciation.

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3. VERSAILLES CASTLE

Very close to Paris lies the Palace of Versailles, a landmark of France and of the French civilization.

The seat of Louis XIV, le Château de Versailles has been on UNESCO’s World Heritage List for 30 years and is one of the most outstanding constructions of the 18-century French art.

If you feel like exploring the siege of absolute monarchy, you can come well prepared with the help of useful information gathered from the castle official website: http://en.chateauversailles.fr/homepage

With an impressive interior and exterior, as well as the surrounding gardens, visiting the Palace of Versailles will be a rewarding experience. The wealth and the degree of sophistication will speak for themselves.

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4. PELES CASTLE

A cultural symbol and valuable attraction situated in Sinaia, a small city of tourist interest, the Peles Castle dates back to 1883 and is best known to accommodate King Carol I of Hohenzollern and his wife, Elizabeth.

At the foot of the Carpathian Mountains, the castle and its surroundings will reward you with the delightful scenery and peaceful nature. Although situated at high altitude, the castle is really easy to reach by car or by city bus. As for other information regarding tickets or visiting hours, you can go to Peles official website: http://peles.ro/

The unique appearance is conferred by the extensive use of wood decorations for both the interior and exterior of the castle. The elegance of the castle is embellished by seven surrounding terraces decorated with statues, ornamental vases and Carara marble. The German new-Renaissance architecture is complemented by the exquisite attractions, such as the secret entrance, the Big Armory room, the Concert room or the Imperial Suite.

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5. PENA PALACE

Whether you are in passing or touring Portugal, don’t miss the opportunity to visit the most iconic attraction in the country, namely the Pena Palace.

Located high on the hilltop, it reigns over the city of Sintra and it is surrounded by a green

Built during the Middle Ages, the palace was destroyed by an earthquake in 1755. The ruins were brought to life into the outstanding castle that we see today in the nineteenth century by King Ferdinand. With its majestic position and pastel colors, as well as its romantic gardens and pavilions, this landmark invites you to discover a profusion of styles and elements and get a better grasp of its exotic appearance. Visit the official website: www.parquesdesintra.pt/en/parks-and-monuments/

beautiful landscape composed of the most unique combination of tree species in Europe, reunited under the name of Pena Park.

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6. HOHENWERFEN CASTLE

Surrounded by mountains, in the heart of the enchanting nature lies the Hohenwerfen Castle, a medieval fortress waiting for its visitors to provide them with an insight of the life at the castle over 900 years ago.

Besides the medieval walls and rooms, tourists will have the opportunity to investigate the weapons, the bell tower, as well as the falconry centre, since the castle hosts the first Austria’s museum of falconry. Therefore, daily demonstrations of the high art of falconry using various birds of prey will delight the visitors and contribute to their list of outstanding travel memories.

Visit the official website: http://www.salzburg-burgen.at/en/werfen/

Here you will discover some of the best preserved medieval defenses and rooms in Europe. Located above the Austrian town of Werfen, around 40 km from Salzburg, this mighty castle used to function for a while as a state prison.

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7. BOJNICE CASTLE

Situated above the Slovakian medieval town with the same name, the Bojnice Castle is a Romantic construction featuring also some Gothic and Renaissance elements.

Among its most renowned inhabitants was King Matthias Corvinus, who used to work here at his royal decrees.

Visit the official website: http://www.bojnicecastle.sk/

The castle has been submitted to several modifications, the most significant one being its complex Romantic reconstruction following the orders of Count János Ferenc Pálffy, who also brought his contribution as an architect and graphic designer in order to achieve an imitation of the beautiful French castles on the Loire Valley. With its fairy tale and mysterious air, the Bojnice Castle is the ideal destination for romantic weddings.

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8. TRAKOSCAN CASTLE

Situated in the Northern Croatia, in the Varazdin County, the Trakoscan Castle dates back to the 13th century.

Ever since, it has suffered several reconstructions and it was declared national museum with permanent exhibition in 1954.

As a result, visitors will be attracted by the collections of weapons, paintings, furniture, books and photographs, all of them belonging to the Draskovic family and revealing a small piece of the Renaissance period.

Another attraction worth visiting lies in the Trakoscan Park, namely the St. Cross chapel, built in the Baroque classicist style. The castle is open daily, including weekends and holidays. Other useful information of tourist interest can also be found on the official website: http://www.trakoscan.hr/index-en.html

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9. HOHENZOLLERN CASTLE

With its numerous towers and fortifications, the Hohenzollern Castle stands out among the architectural masterpieces designed in the neo-Gothic style and due to the breathtaking panorama, it is a unique attraction visited yearly by more than 300,000 tourists.

Visitors can indulge their curiosity and thirst for knowledge in the royal art collection, valuable silver and china, as well as the Prussian King’s crown, concerts, exhibitions, open-air cinema and one of the most iconic and exciting Christmas markets in Germany. Visit the official website: http://www.burg-hohenzollern.com/startpage.html

The picturesque appearance is given by the most beautiful Swabia mountain on which it is seated, while its greatness is inherited from the glorious history of the Hohenzollern dynasty reigning within its walls. In fact, the castle is still inhabited although occasionally by the Prince and Princess of Prussia.

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10. DE HAAR CASTLE

Submerge yourselves in the medieval atmosphere with the biggest and most luxurious castle in the Netherlands. It is here that you can explore the cosmopolitan uniqueness of the country, together with an impeccable artistry and a charming park with romantic gardens.

Situated in Utrecht, De Haar Castle was founded in the 14th century. Between the 18th and the 19th centuries, it was abandoned and fell into ruin. Hopefully, it was completely restored by its inheritor, the baron Etienne van Zuylen van Nijevelt van de Haar, as a result of an enormous project started in 1892.

The new building was built in neo-Gothic style according to the trends of the 19th century: inspired by the Middle Ages but with modern luxuries, such as an elevator, electrical lighting, hot and cold running water and a central heating system. Visit the official website: http://www.kasteeldehaar.nl/english-version/

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11. EDINBURGH CASTLE

One of the most iconic symbols of Scotland, as well as Scotland’s top paid-for tourist attraction, the Edinburgh Castle has a complex building history, the oldest part dating from the 12th century.

Visitors might be interested in knowing that the castle houses the Crown Jewels (the Honours) of Scotland, the Stone of Destiny, on which kings were enthroned for centuries, the famous gun Mons Meg, the One O’Clock Gun, as well as the National War Museum of Scotland. Visit the official website: http://www.edinburghcastle.gov.uk/

Situated at the west of Edinburgh’s old town, the castle is naturally protected by the volcanic Castle Rock, the only easy approach being from the town to the east. The oldest building in the castle is St. Margaret’ Chapel, which dates from the reign of King David I, who dedicated it to his mother, Saint Margaret of Scotland. Nowadays, the chapel continues to be used for religious ceremonies, such as weddings.

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12. WARWICK CASTLE

Of medieval origin, the Warwick Castle was built by William the Conqueror in 1068 and later on rebuilt in stone.

Then, during the Hundred Years War, it was refortified, leaving us a testimony of the most iconic example of 14th century military architecture.

Finally, the Tussauds Group bought it from its owners, the earls of Warwick, and transformed it in the leading attraction it is today. Tussauds performed extensive restorations to make it more than a simple tourist attraction. It is also an entertaining hub which will turn any visitor into a medieval hero and fulfill the dreams of those in love with the Middle Ages.

Visit the official website: https://www.warwick-castle.com/

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13. ROSENBORG CASTLE

Copenhagen Rosenborg Castle is a Danish Renaissance castle very easy to access by tourists visiting the country, being located in the capital.

Built in 1606 by King Christian IV, it quickly became a venue for the most important events, although it was initially intended to be only a summer residence.

Here you will encounter the symbols of the Danish royal power, as well as the Renaissance architecture and precious artifacts. Moreover, you can enjoy a pleasant walk along the peaceful King’s Garden, also embellished according to the Renaissance style. It is a great retreat and favorite picnic area of Copenhagen inhabitants. Visit the official website: http://www.kongernessamling.dk/en/

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14. GRAVENSTEEN CASTLE

Originating in the Middle Ages, the Gravensteen Castle in Ghent is the most visited monument in this delightful Belgian city. Since its creation in the 12th century by count Philip of Alsace, the castle has undergone several restoration phases and it even served as a factory.

Gravensteen, meaning “the castle of the counts” in Dutch, is reputed for its collection of weapons, including various torture devices, such as a guillotine, used in the Flanders back in those days. The Medieval air of the castle makes it an ideal venue for couples, this is why it is often used as a setting for their wedding day.

All in all, it fits perfectly well with the entire setting of the city of Ghent, a destination appreciated for its intact medieval architecture and its center which is the largest car-free area in Belgium. Visit the official website: gravensteen.stad.gent/en

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15. CORVIN CASTLE

The Corvin Castle is located in the west of Romania, in the city of Hunedoara, Transylvania, and it proudly displays an iconic example of Gothic-Renaissance architecture from the 15th century.

Among the most popular attractions of the castle are the Dungeon and Torture chamber, the Knight’s Hall, or the “bear pit”, where it is said that two hungry bears were kept and those who were damned to disappear used to serve as food to the bears. Visit the official website: http://www.corvincastle.com/

Also known under the name of Hunyadi Castle or Hunedoara Castle, it is among the largest ones in Europe. A real wonder of Romania, this magnificent castle was built at the demand of John Hunyadi, a descendant of a Romanian noble family, as well as a political figure in Central and Southeastern Europe during the 15th century. Later on, the castle was inherited by his son, Matthias Corvinus, one of the greatest kings of Hungary.

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15 EUROPEAN CITIESWITH WONDERFUL CASTLES

Presentation by Samdam Retailhttp://samdamretail.be

Samdam Retail was founded in 2015 through the union of the leather goods specialist Arijs with the existing retail

stores of Samdam.

It is a leading provider of bags, travel luggage, leather goods and accessories, with stores in Aalst, Dinant and Nivelles.

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