VI
EN
1. Prague Castle
This castle once served as the workplace of Bohemian kings, Roman emperors, the President of Czechoslovakia, and the Czech Republic. The jeweled crowns of the Bohemian kings are kept in a secret room within the castle. Spanning the area of seven football fields, Prague Castle is the largest ancient castle in the world.
2. Alcázarde Segovia - Spain
The Alcázar is one of Spain's most famous castles. Originally built as an Arab fortress, the Alcázar later became a royal palace, a prison, the Royal College, and finally a military academy. The castle was completed during the Middle Ages.
3. Hluboká - Czech Republic
Considered one of the most charming castles in the Czech Republic, Hluboká Castle was built in the 1200s and has undergone numerous renovations. In the 19th century, Johann Adolf II von Schwarzenberg rebuilt Hluboká in the style of Windsor Castle in England. The castle belonged to his family until 1931 when it was occupied by the Nazi army. Today, the castle is a historical monument of the Czech Republic and is open to tourists.
4. Vajdahunyad - Hungary
Built starting in 1896 to welcome the new millennium, this castle is an exact replica of some of Hungary's most magnificent and oldest buildings.
5. Schloss Drachenburg - Germany
Schloss Drachenburg was built from the late 19th century. It was completed in just two years (1882-1884) on the Drachenfels hill in Königswinter, a German town located on the Rhine River and near Bonn.
6. Bird's nest - Ukraine
The Bird's Nest is a castle built by a German nobleman and used as a sanatorium for high-ranking military officers during the Soviet era. Today, it has been transformed into a reasonably priced Italian restaurant.
7. Neuschwanstein - Germany
Neuschwanstein is known worldwide as a symbol of romantic architecture and for the tragic life of its owner. After losing his sovereignty in his own kingdom, Ludwig II retreated into his own world, surrounded by mysteries and legends.
8. Liechtenstein - Germany
Lichtenstein Castle is located on a cliff near Honau, Baden-Württemberg, Germany. According to historical evidence, the castle has existed since the 1200s.
9. Peles Castle - Romania
The fairytale castle of Peles was built as a summer retreat for King Carol I, who died and was buried there in 1914 a few months after its completion. Peles was the first castle in Europe to have central heating and electricity. It comprises 160 rooms and is decorated in the style of many European countries.
10. Duurstede - Netherlands
The ancient Duurstede Castle, located in the town of Wijk bij Duurstede, Utrecht province, was built in the 13th century. During the wars of the 17th century, the local people took stones from the castle to repair their houses and the city. As a result, most parts of the castle were damaged. Today, the watchtowers and fortifications remain intact, having been repaired in the last century. The former castle gardens have been transformed into a park and are open to the public. The towers are not open to visitors, but weddings or parties can be held there.
11. Malbork - Poland
Deciding to make Malbork (later known as Marienburg) their capital in 1309, the Teutonic Knights expanded the territory and built a vast castle with numerous watchtowers and moats. However, the Teutonic Knights still fell to the Poles and later to the Prussians. The castle was almost completely destroyed during World War II. Today, it has been restored and houses major museums.
12. Mont St. Michel- France
This castle is perfectly suited as the setting for a fairy tale. Mont St-Michel is surrounded by the sea, and there is a significant difference between high and low tide. At low tide, the area around the castle is covered in fine sand, but just a few hours later, when the tide rises, the entire area is submerged in seawater.
