Many castles with unique architecture have been ranked among the most beautiful castles in the world.
Alhambra Castle in Spain, featuring interconnected architecture with beautiful gardens.
Alnwick Castle in the United Kingdom.
Amber Fort in India, built in a fortress style.
Blarney Castle in Ireland.
Citadel Castle in Cairo, Egypt, built 700 years ago.
Castello di Sammezzano in Italy, built in the 17th century.
Chateau de Chambord in France, with unique Renaissance architecture.
Edinburgh Castle in Scotland, located atop Castle Rock.
Himeji Castle in Japan: This intricately built castle during the feudal era resembles a bird in flight. Initially built in 1346 as a fortress, the complex includes 83 buildings. In 1931, the Japanese government recognized this site as a “national treasure.”
Hohensalzburg Castle in Austria, also regarded as a fortress on a mountain, built in 1077.
Mont Saint Michel in France.
Prague Castle in the Czech Republic, holding the title of the largest ancient castle in the world, built on an area of 17 acres atop a hill overlooking the city of Bohemia.
Schloss Neuschwanstein in Germany.
Schloss Schwerin in Germany: The origins of Schwerin Castle date back to 942. It wasn’t until 1847, when Grand Duke Friedrich Franz II renovated the castle, that it took on its present beauty. This historic palace is now one of the most famous castles in Germany, featuring 653 rooms, including a throne room adorned with Carrara marble and gilded iron doors. The castle is built on a lake.
Windsor Castle in England, built in 1121.
Frederiksborg Castle, Denmark: Set on three small islands in Castle Lake, Frederiksborg Castle was built as a symbol of the power of King Christian IV, who ruled Denmark and Norway. This Renaissance castle served as a royal residence. Today, Frederiksborg is a National History Museum, preserving many paintings and historical documents of the Nordic kingdom.
Segovia Castle, Spain: The architecture of Segovia Castle looks like it stepped out of a Disney movie. King Alfonso VIII transformed it into a stone structure around the year 1200, and John II (1406-1454) added features such as the towers, while King Philip II adorned the castle with tall spires in the 16th century.
Château de Chambord, France: A stunning showcase of French Renaissance architecture, Château de Chambord has over 400 rooms, 280 fireplaces, and 80 staircases, making it one of the most enchanting architectural works constructed by the French monarchy. King François I began building this grand castle in the Loire Valley as a hunting lodge in 1519. Captivated by Leonardo da Vinci’s work, the details of the castle, such as the double spiral staircase, were directly inspired by the genius’s creations.
Peleș Castle, Romania: Surrounded by the stunning Bucegi Mountains, this Neo-Renaissance castle in the ancient village of Sinaia was built in the 1860s. The royal summer residence features 160 rooms, each with a special theme. For instance, the theater on the premises feels like a storybook with exquisite murals by Austrian artists Gustav Klimt and Franz von Matsch adorning the walls and ceilings.
Chapultepec Castle, Mexico: Chapultepec Castle in Mexico City is the only castle in North America that has served as a residence for actual monarchs. Viceroy Bernardo de Gálvez ordered the construction of the fortress in 1785 to serve as the residence for the Spanish colonial commander. Today, the castle is home to the National Museum of History, which educates locals about the culture and history of the country.
Matsumoto Castle, Japan: The origins of Matsumoto Castle date back to 1504 when the Ogasawara clan began constructing a fortress to defend against invaders. As the castle changed hands throughout history, its design evolved into a towering three-story structure with walls and roofs as black as ink, earning it the nickname “Crow Castle.” Today, Matsumoto Castle is officially designated as a national treasure of Japan.
Bojnice Castle, Slovakia: According to written records found at Zobor Monastery, this Romanesque-style castle may have been originally built as a wooden fortress in 1113. Gradually, stone replaced wood, and by the 16th century, the castle had adopted a Gothic Renaissance style. With its enchanting appearance, Bojnice Castle has become one of the most visited castles in Central Europe.
Château de Chenonceau, France: Surrounded by meticulously trimmed formal gardens, Château de Chenonceau appears as if it is floating on the Cher River. The original structure may date back to the 11th century, but the castle’s standout features, such as the arched bridge, were only added in the 16th century.
Pena National Palace, Portugal: Influenced by Middle Eastern and European Baroque styles, Pena National Palace represents the colorful and whimsical sophistication of 19th-century Romanticism in Portugal. It is currently listed as a UNESCO World Heritage site.