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Neuschwanstein Castle, Germany
This beautiful and haunting castle in Germany was commissioned by the eccentric King Ludwig II in 1869, under the direction of a stage designer, not an architect. Surrounded by vast forests, the autumn foliage turns golden-orange, and the winter snow glistens, making Neuschwanstein even more romantic.
Located in a remote area 120 km south of Munich, the castle remained intact after surviving two World Wars. Opened to the public in 1886, it is now one of the world's most popular tourist attractions, drawing 1,300,000 visitors annually.
Walt Disney saw the castle during a trip to Bavaria with his wife and loved it so much that he included it in one of his films. That is the castle ofSleeping BeautySome people believe that the castle is inside.Cinderella, also an icon of Disney Studios, is quite similar to Neuschwanstein Castle.
Livraria Lello, Portugal
Livraria Lello Bookstore, also known simply as Lello, is nestled on a gently sloping street in Porto, Portugal. It is the country's second oldest bookstore and a popular tourist attraction in the city. For many years, Livraria Lello Bookstore has consistently ranked among the world's most beautiful and beloved bookstores.
This bookstore has two floors, and its exterior is a harmonious blend of Neo-Gothic and Art Nouveau architecture, making Livraria Lello stand out among the monotonous cement buildings of the street.
The bookstore began operating in 1881, but was later renovated and modernized in 1906 to its current architectural style. Although the exterior of Livraria Lello is rather modest and not very wide, upon entering, visitors will be overwhelmed by the vast collection of books and the somewhat elaborate interior design.
The ceiling of the Livraria Lello bookstore features eye-catching stained-glass panels, with the bookstore's logo and owner's name prominently displayed in the center. The large windows at the far end of the room are also designed in a similar style, and the warm yellow chandeliers create a surprisingly cozy and familiar atmosphere for visitors.
In the center of the Livraria Lello bookstore is a double staircase leading to the second floor, elaborately decorated in Art Deco style. Due to the large number of customers it receives daily, the staircase is regularly maintained and repainted to ensure visitor safety. However, its original color and design have been preserved to this day.
It is said that J.K. Rowling was inspired by this bookstore when creating the world of Harry Potter. She lived in Porto for two years, but claims she never actually set foot in this bookstore. However, the Flourish and Blotts bookstore in Diagon Alley in the film series...Harry PotterThere are clearly many similarities. Could it just be a coincidence?
Alsace, France
The Alsace region of France is famous for its wine, picturesque vineyards, charming villages, and imposing castles. The Riquewihr, in particular, looks quite like a town from the Alsace region.Beauty and the Beast.
These picturesque towns in Alsace served as inspiration for the 1991 animated film adaptation, as well as the more recent film adaptation starring Emma Watson.
Chillon Castle, Switzerland
ChillonConsidered the most beautiful castle in Switzerland, Chillon is located in the charming city of Montreux. Built on a large island in Lake Leman in the 13th century, it comprises 25 interconnected smaller buildings. Like many other castles, the land-facing side of Chillon features numerous archery holes, traps, and fortifications for defense. The fortifications allowed for observation of all activity from the outside, making it a crucial fortress during the Middle Ages. The lake-facing side, however, is exquisitely and romantically designed, with windows that let in sunlight, like something out of a fairy tale.
More specifically, this architectural structure also served as inspiration for Walt Disney to build the castle in the animated film.The Little MermaidHere, you can lean against the window overlooking the vast lake, gaze at the snow-capped mountains in the distance, or simply linger by the picturesque bridge stretching out over the charming Leman River. Although it sits beside a lake rather than the sea, you can almost imagine Ariel emerging from the water!
Eilean Donan Castle, Scotland
Known as the most beautiful castle in Scotland,Eilean DonanIt appears on numerous postcards, calendars, and travel guidebooks. With its weather-beaten walls, situated at high tide on an island and spanned by a stone bridge, this castle is the perfect symbol of romantic medieval life.
Eilean Donan has been a filming location for several notable works such asHighlander,James Bond: The World Is Not EnoughandQueen Elizabeth: The Golden AgeMost recently, this fairytale location is said to have served as the inspiration for DunBroch Castle in the film.Braveby Pixar.
Le Mont-Saint-Michel, France
CastleMont-Saint-MichelLocated on a small island in Saint-Michel, covering approximately 100 hectares in northwestern France, this is a tourist attraction second only to the Eiffel Tower and the Palace of Versailles, drawing around 3 million visitors annually.
At the foot of Mont-Saint-Michel castle are small, closely packed houses, while above them stand ancient, sturdy Gothic-style monastery buildings situated 73 meters above sea level. In 1979, UNESCO recognized Mont-Saint-Michel as a World Heritage site for its stunning Gothic culture, history, and architecture.
Mont-Saint-Michel is surrounded by the sea. 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. This magical castle inspired Rapunzel's tower in the movie.Rapunzel.
Taj Mahal, India
T.B.B.Considered a symbol of a mythical land and eternal love, the Taj Mahal, reflected in the tranquil Yamuna River, was built by Shah Jahan of the Mughal dynasty (1631-1648) to commemorate his queen, Mumtaz Mahal. Viewed from Agra Fort, the pristine white of the Taj Mahal is like a mirror, always reflecting the most beautiful moments of each day, from the brilliant golden light of dawn to the purple hues of sunset and the shimmering silver of full moon nights, which philosopher Rabindranath Tagore compared to "a tear on the cheek of time."
The Taj Mahal is one of the world's most famous architectural masterpieces. It's no surprise that Walt Disney found inspiration there. The palace in the film.AladdinIt is the animated version of the Taj Mahal.
Bora Bora, French Polynesia
Bora Bora Island, located 230 km northwest of Papeete, in central French Polynesia, is surrounded by a large lagoon and a long coral reef. At the center of the island are the remnants of an extinct volcano. Over time and through geological activity, the island's two main mountains, Pahia and Otemanu, have formed. It is considered one of the most relaxing and charming resorts on the planet, with its brilliant turquoise waters, charming thatched-roof huts, and lush green coconut groves.
The setting for Moto Nui island in the film.MoanaDisney's creations are based on this fairytale location.
Ha Long Bay, Vietnam
The beauty of Ha Long Bay is no longer unfamiliar to Vietnamese people, but it has also become a popular tourist destination for international visitors. With thousands of rocky islands, a diverse ecosystem, and caves shrouded in mystical mist, it evokes images of adventurous and fascinating journeys for tourists.
Along with Trang An (Ninh Binh) and Phong Nha Cave (Quang Binh), Ha Long Bay, with its undulating islands, is the perfect setting for filming a movie.Kong: Skull Island.
Ashdown Forest, England
British children's author AA Milne found inspiration for his books by observing the adventures of his son, Christopher Robin, in the woods near their home in East Sussex.
He wrote a series of books.Winnie the PoohThe books are about Winnie the Pooh and Christopher Robin playing in the Hundred Acre Wood with their friends. These books have been adapted into numerous films over the years.
The Forbidden City, China
The Forbidden City, built in Beijing, China in 1420, is the largest and best-preserved imperial palace in the world. The Forbidden City covers an area of 720,000 square meters.2With over 90 palace complexes and courtyards, 980 buildings, and more than 8,728 rooms, the complex is meticulously and elaborately decorated down to the smallest detail. Each detail reflects the rich traditional architecture and culture of China, symbolizing prosperity and good fortune.
Thanks to its cultural significance and unique beauty, the Forbidden City is a popular tourist attraction for both Chinese and foreign visitors. In particular, the Emperor's Palace, featured in the film, is a highlight.MulanIt was also built on this historical site.
Amboseli National Park, Kenya
Amboseli National Park in Kenya is a vast nature reserve, home to diverse wildlife. It sits alongside Mount Kilimanjaro and offers stunning views of the world's highest mountain.
While many African countries are believed to have inspired the landscape.The Lion KingThere's an unmistakable shot of the lion father and cub heading towards Mount Kilimanjaro in the opening sequence of the film.
Lohr Castle, Germany
An animated film aboutSnow WhiteIt is inspired by Grimm's fairy tales. Research suggests that this story may be true, based on events that took place around Lohr Castle in Germany.
Lohr Castle is surrounded by Spessart Forest, where Snow White fled from her wicked stepmother. It's even been suggested that the dwarves and the glass sarcophagus might be real. In any case, the inspiration for the Disney animated film is darker, not as sweet as the children's version we hear about.
