Below, the 20 most beautiful castles in the world that will leave you full-heartedly believing in “happily ever after.”Īccording to written records found at the Zobor Abbey, this Romanesque castle might have first been built as a wooden fort as early as 1113. Simply put, castles serve as palatial time machines allowing guests an extravagant glimpse into the past.įrom a Danish palace rebuilt after a devastating fire to a Japanese fortress that echoes the beauty of nature, these enchanting estates hold bountiful tales to fill up volumes of storybooks. And one cannot overlook the eclectic fabrics and furnishings preserved over centuries, which still can be found in many of the palaces' original meeting rooms. The tall turrets give in-depth architectural lessons on the ornate styles that reigned during that time and beyond. Their fabled halls give insight into the triumphs (and tragedies) of their rulers while the intricate frescoes and tiles decorating the grand banquet rooms honor the greatest artists of that time. Even more so, the world's royal residences play a compelling role in telling the rich history of a place, its people, and its craft.

The soaring structures and bountiful gardens of royal dwellings allow us to revisit those worlds of our childhood bedtime stories. Several Andrzej Wajda’s films were screened here.Evoking legends, lore, and full-blown fantasy, castles possess a certain magic that draws in modern travelers. Built in the days of King Casimir the Great, it was home to distinguished Polish families. One of the Eagle’s Nests, Bedzin Castle is now home to Zaglebie Museum.Įmbedded in the rock, the most impressive Eagle's Nest of the Polish Jura. The 13 th-century stone castle was a military outpost on the southwestern border of the Kingdom of Poland. The surviving remains make the castle a fascinating place to explore. Once the home of King Wladysław Lokietek and Casimir the Great, Checiny Castle served as a concentration point before the Battle of Plowce in 1331. Its stunning location atop a hill, gloomy dungeons and ghostly legends attract hundreds of visitors each year. Partly ruined, the castle features a hotel and is host to medieval tournaments and jousts.įor several decades, Niedzica Castle in the Pieniny Mountains has fired the imaginations of film makers. Perched on a basalt hill in the Lower Silesia, Grodziec Castle dates back to 1155. Now a ruin, the mid-14 th-century Bobolice Castle was one of the castles on the trail of the Eagles’ Nests built to defend the southwest border of Poland. The jagged contours rearing over the village of Bobolice are a famous thrill. Featuring the inner court with four square keeps in each corner, it is noted for the largest sanitary tower in Europe. The 14 th-century Kwidzyn Castle served as a chapter house for the Pomesanians. Recognizable for its unique keep, this 13 th-century Bolkow castle, located on the trail of the Eagles’ Nests in Lower Silesia, is now the seat of the Fellowship of the Bolkow Castle Knights and the Castle Party annual dark music festival venue. Famous for outdoor performances and tournaments. Initially the seat of the Teutonic Commanders, Gniew Castle was turned into prison and a granary in the 19 th century. One of the best-preserved forts, built at the turn of the 13 th century.

Malbork castle was the Teutonic Order’s administrative centre. A classic example of the biggest 15 th-century medieval fortress in Europe, covering an area of 21 hectares.

Ancient castles