Castles have been designed by Kings and queens in ancient times to protect and rule efficiently. Castles helped the kingdoms to withstand attacks as well as accumulate power and wealth. Thus, castles are built with walls all alongside the marvelous palaces. Elaborate chambers, ornamental plates, halls, and throne rooms are the main features of Castles.
Furthermore, these architectural castles were often built around the valley side, near the mountain passes, or around the lakeshores. Castles add in the marvelous historical buildings and set in the breathtaking scenery.
Below is the list of the top 10 most beautiful castles in the world
1. Neuschwanstein Castle, Europe
Neuschwanstein Castle was built by King Ludwig ll in 1886. The castle is one of the most popular castles in Europe. Presently, it has a vast number of visitors ranging from 1.4 to 1.5 million people. This castle is believed to be the castle of the fairy-tale king.
Neuschwanstein Castle is located at the top of a forested mountain with the mesmerizing Bavarian Alps behind it. This beautiful location of the castle gives it the appearance of a building from the book of children’s fairy tales. It has the most delightful design showcasing a romanticism architecture outlook.
You will be allured with the photogenic palace, which counts in the beautiful towers and glorious entrance. Neuschwanstein Castle has a grand collection of incredible artworks and ancient paintings. Visitors can make a memorable tour around the luxurious halls and chambers of this castle.
2. Citadel of Qaitbay in Alexandria, Egypt
The Citadel of Qaitbay was constructed beside the Mediterranean Sea in 1477. It was built to protect Sultan Al-Ashraf Qaitbay’s palace from the Ottoman troops. The castle is laid on the ruins of the fallen Pharos Lighthouse. This space provided the workers to build the structure of red granite columns in the mosque and entrance gate.
Erected on the site of the famous Lighthouse of Alexandria, this Castle is one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World. This fort is an important part of the fortification system of Alexandria in the 15th century AD.
Under the revolution of 1952, this Castle has functioned as a maritime museum with detailed information on victories and losses of Egyptian naval troops.
3. Matsumoto Castle in Matsumoto, Japan
Matsumoto castle is one of the most beautiful of Japan’s premier historic castles. This Castle is also famously known as crow castle due to its black exterior surface. Matsumoto Castle was built around 1504, by the Ogasawara clan with a motive to fend off outside invaders. The powerful warlord Takeda Shingen captured the castle after its completion.
After the capturing, the castle was evolved into a tall, three-towered structure with inky black exterior roofs and walls. Since then, Matsumoto Castle has been nicknamed Crow Castle. Dating to the present time, the Matsumoto Castle has officially been renamed the national treasure of Japan.
4. Nakhal Fort in Nakhal, Oman
Nakhal Fort in Oman lies 120 kilometers to the west of Muscat with its history dating back to the pre-Islamic period. Re-built in the 17th century by Omani Architects, Nakhal Fort is a magnificent fortress. The original structure of the Nakhal Fort was somewhat imperfect as it was built around a large boulder at the foot of Mount Nakhal.
Nakhal Fort was built with a motive to protect the trade routes from foreign invasions or attacks. This Castle includes its mosque, residential spaces, and reception halls. Furthermore, the castle has additional hidden nooks for soldiers to dump hot date juice on invaders.
Visitors can visit the fort on Friday to view the weekly markets within the walls. Other days, the fort operates as a museum with a historic art gallery.
5. Hohenzollern Castle in Bisingen, Germany
Hohenzollern Castle is located between the treetops with the clouds surrounding its walls. It was built around 1867 and supports a fortress on the same amount since the 11th century. The Hohenzollern castle exhibits some astounding architectural halls and chambers with a delightful interior decorated.
Hohenzollern is one of the most visited castles in Germany.
6. Pena Castle, Sintra, Portugal
Pena Castle is one of the brightest and most daringly designed and decorated castles located in Portugal. It is a unique Castle with vivid yellow and red-colored walls. Pena Castle is a shiny prominent hilltop Castle in the Sintra Mountains just outside Lisbon.
This Romanticist-styled Castle was built in 1854 and it is a joyous castle to gaze upon. The fantastic features, exotic interiors, and extravagant architectural styles mark this castle as one of the highlights of any trip to Portugal.
7. Bran Castle, Romania
When talking about the top 10 castles, mentioning Romania is compulsory. Bran Castle lies at the top of a former Teutonic Knights stronghold. This castle had been built back in the early 13th century.
The Bran castle is approximately 2500 feet above sea level. It is seen as a rising monument from between surrounding trees. The top of this castle showcases the village of Bran, several towers, and turrets. These three features add to the mysterious mood of visitors. The tourists can visit the castle and have a wonderful walk through the narrow stairways leading to 60 timbered rooms. All these rooms are interconnected by underground passages.
8. Castel del Monte, Italy
Visitors who wish to see sharp towers rising above treetops can visit Castel del Monte. Castle Del Monte dates back to the 13th-century architectural design. It had been built by Emperor Frederick II. This Castle is a classical antiquity fortress which is an octagon façade featured.
This mesmerizing castle sits on a rocky peak in a secluded forest. Since it had been built, the building has suffered no significant structural changes.
9. Kilkenny Castle, Ireland
Kilkenny Castle in Ireland is a unique Anglo-Norman stone castle. It had been built around the second half of the 12th century. This Castle was originally structured as a wooden fort. The Castle went through many structural changes over the centuries and today it is one of the most beautiful architectural styles of the Gothic Revival Fortress.
Currently, the Kilkenny castle is surrounded by vast gardens and beautiful lawns. Visitors over here can enjoy and observe the natural beauty. Visitors are also availed of the interior tours of the magnificent castle.
10. Red Fort in Delhi, India
The Red Fort in Delhi was built by the Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan. It is famously known as Lal Qila. This red sandstone build structure is included with inlaid-paneled halls and chambers of traditional Mughal style. The Red Fort counts in the elements of Persian, Timurid, and Hindu design.
This Castle remains the official seat of the Mughal empire since 1857. The Castle has countless precious gems and magnificent walls. This Castle serves an important role in Indian independence from British rule. It was the landmark where the First Prime minister of India Jawaharlal Nehru delivered his “Tryst with Destiny” speech.
On every Independence Day, India’s prime minister delivers a speech from the Red Fort witnessing the entire Indian population highlighting its national importance. Guests come to pay a visit to Red Fort every year.
Conclusion :
These are the most Beautiful Castles in the world which you must visit at least once in your life. These castles hold the beauty of Ancient Times and they are still protected well by Different Government Bodies. UNESCO has also taken many steps to preserve these historic monuments.
