The 13th-century citadel in Apulia region was built by Emperor Frederick II. However, not all fit this description, and Castel del Monte in Southern Italy certainly stands out. Not surprisingly, most people expect to see sharp towers rising above treetops when thinking of medieval castles. Castel del Monte, Italy Source: canadastock / shutterstock Castel Del Monte Visitors can expect to visit State Apartments as well as the St George’s Chapel and witness changing of the Guard. These days the castle features a Georgian and Victorian design based on a medieval structure, with Gothic features.Īs you would expect in any home of a monarch, impressive and renowned art pieces feature within the castle.īeing one of the three official residences of the Queen, it is still fully operational and attracting tourists is not its main purpose. The castle is surrounded by 13 acres of land and features a fortification, a palace, and a small town. Ever since Henry I ruled over England in the 12th century, this Berkshire palace has been used by the reigning monarch and therefore has had the longest occupancy for a palace in Europe. Possibly one of the most famous castles in Europe is Windsor Castle in England, which has been the home of British royalty for centuries. Windsor Castle, England Source: Mistervlad / shutterstock Windsor Castle Museums, parish church, and the abbey are open for visitors.ħ. During the low tide, the island can be reached on foot, and hundreds of tourists visit each day. The scenery surrounding the island is everchanging as the tides of the bay can recede quickly, revealing a completely different view. Construction of a Benedictine abbey begun in the late 10th century. The legend tells that bishop Aubert from a nearby town was ordered by Archangel Michael himself to build a church on top of the island. What sits on top of the island is a medieval monastery attracting pilgrims for centuries. Even though not technically a castle, it would be difficult for anyone to deny its magnificence. The awe-inspiring island located where Normandy and Brittany meet is otherworldly and unique. Mont-Saint-Michel, France Source: Gaspar Janos / shutterstock Mont-Saint-Michelįew places in the world are as magical as the Mont-Saint-Michel Bay in France. Visitors can also tour the castle interiors and immerse themselves in historic magnificence. These days, the castle is surrounded by vast gardens with manicured lawns, where visitors can slowly enjoy and observe the castle. Its location historically was a strategic point controlling the crossing of River Nore. Over the centuries the castle has gone through several changes and to this day bears elements of various architectural styles, mainly Gothic Revival. Kilkenny Castle in Ireland is a signature Anglo-Norman stone castle which actually started out as a wooden fort in the second half of the 12th century. Kilkenny Castle, Ireland Source: Madrugada Verde / shutterstock Kilkenny Castle Interestingly, Eltz Family has possession of the castle to this day.ĥ. Just like many medieval castles, Eltz Castle has seen its fair share of conflict but was never destroyed over the centuries. Located in Rheinland-Palatine, known as the Moselle wine region famous for Riesling wine, due to its secluded position, it feels worlds away. The castle sits on top of a hill surrounded by a thick forest, adding to the mysterious feel. Eltz Castle, Germany Source: leoks / shutterstock Eltz Castle, GermanyĮltz Castle has steadily become one of the most-photographed castles on Instagram with many landscape photographers choosing to capture it during the eerie hours of the day. Here is my pick of the 25 most beautiful medieval castles in the world. Many of Europe’s medieval castles are iconic and easily recognized, while others are off the beaten path. Some perched on top of a mountain, others seemingly floating above water, and some nearly hidden by the leafy cover of trees, medieval castles had to be both functional, durable, and easy on the eyes, considering that many were an escape to the royalty and aristocrats. Despite the Middle Ages also being referred to as the Dark Ages, a period associated with an overall decline after the fall of the Roman Empire, certain beautiful relics, like medieval castles, have survived through the centuries.Īll over Europe, you can find these strongholds, each with its unique features.
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