Neuschwanstein Castle, Germany
This beautiful and haunting castle in Germany was started by a stage designer, not an architect, in 1869 by the mad King Ludwig II. Surrounded by vast forests, the leaves turn orange in the fall and sparkle with snowflakes in the winter, making Neuschwanstein more romantic than ever.
Located in a remote area, 120 km south of Munich, the castle has survived two World Wars intact. Opened to the public in 1886, the castle is now one of the world's most visited tourist attractions, with 1,300,000 visitors a year.
Walt Disney saw the castle on a trip to Bavaria with his wife and loved it so much that he included it in one of his films. It is the castle's permanent residence.Sleeping BeautySome people believe that the castle inCinderella, also the symbol of Disney studios, quite similar to Neuschwanstein Castle.
Livraria Lello, Portugal
Livraria Lello Bookstore, also known as Lello, is located in a gently sloping street in Porto, Portugal. This is the second oldest bookstore in the country, and is also one of the tourist attractions of Porto. For many years, Livraria Lello Bookstore has always been on the list of the most beautiful and favorite bookstores in the world.
This bookstore has two floors, the exterior is a harmonious blend of neo-Gothic and art nouveau architecture, helping Livraria Lello stand out among the monotonous cement-colored houses of the street.
The bookstore started operating in 1881, but in 1906, it was renovated and completed in its current architecture. Although the exterior of the Livraria Lello bookstore is quite modest and not very spacious, when entering, visitors will be overwhelmed by the massive collection of books and the somewhat elaborate architecture inside.
The ceiling of the Livraria Lello bookstore is made of colorful glass panels, in the middle is the logo of the bookstore with the owner's name. In addition, the large window at the end of the room is also designed like that, along with the yellow chandelier, giving visitors a strangely warm and familiar feeling.
In the middle of the Livraria Lello bookstore is a double staircase leading to the second floor, which is decorated quite elaborately in Art Deco style. Because it has to receive a large number of visitors every day, this staircase is regularly maintained and repainted to ensure the safety of visitors. However, the original color and style are still kept until now.
It is said that JK Rowling was inspired by this bookshop when creating the world of Harry Potter. She lived in Porto for two years, but claims that she never set foot in this bookshop. But Flourish and Blotts is in Diagon Alley in the film series.Harry PotterThere are clearly many similarities. Is it just a coincidence?
Alsace, France
France's Alsace region is famous for its wine, picturesque vineyards, picturesque villages and fortified castles. Riquewihr, in particular, looks quite like a town inBeauty and the Beast.
These picturesque towns in Alsace were the inspiration for the makers of the 1991 animated version, as well as the recent film adaptation starring Emma Watson.
Chillon Castle, Switzerland
ChillonConsidered the most beautiful castle in Switzerland, located in the beautiful city of Montreux. The castle was built on a large island on Lake Leman in the 13th century, consisting of 25 small buildings connected together. Like many other castles, the mainland side of Chillon has many archery holes, traps and fortresses for defense. From the fortress, you can observe all movements from the outside, which is why this place is considered an important fortress in the Middle Ages. The side facing the lake is delicately and romantically built with windows welcoming the sunlight like in a fairy tale.
More specifically, this architectural work was also the inspiration for Walt Disney to build the castle in the animated film.The Little Mermaid. Here, you can lean against the window and look out at the vast lake shore, watch the snow-capped mountains in the distance, or even just stop by the poetic bridge that stretches out to the poetic Leman River. Although it is located next to a lake and not 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 postcards, calendars, and guidebook covers. With its weather-beaten walls, tidal island setting, and stone bridge, this castle is the perfect symbol of romantic medieval life.
Eilean Donan has been the filming location for some impressive productions such asHighlander,James Bond: The World Is Not EnoughandQueen Elizabeth: The Golden Age. Most recently, this fairytale location was said to be the inspiration for DunBroch Castle in the filmBraveby Pixar.
Le Mont-Saint-Michel, France
CastleMont-Saint-MichelLocated on a small island in Saint-Michel, covering an area of about 100 hectares in northwest France, this is a tourist attraction second only to the Eiffel Tower and the Palace of Versailles in France, with about 3 million visitors each year.
At the foot of Mont-Saint-Michel castle are small houses, built close together, above are ancient monastic buildings with bold Gothic architecture, solidly built 73 m above sea level. In 1979, UNESCO recognized Mont-Saint-Michel as a world heritage site for its culture, history and beautiful Gothic architecture.
Mont-Saint-Michel is surrounded by the sea. At low tide, the castle is surrounded by soft sand, but just a few hours later, at high tide, the entire area is submerged in seawater. This magical castle inspired Rapunzel's tower in the movieTangled.
Taj Mahal, India
Taj Mahalis considered a symbol of the land of legend and of eternal love. Reflecting the gentle Yamuna River, this white marble mausoleum was built by the Mughal emperor Shah Jahan (1631-1648) in memory of his wife Mumtaz Mahal. From the Agra Fort, the pure white of the Taj Mahal is like a mirror, always reflecting the most beautiful moments of each day, from the golden glow of dawn to the purple of sunset and shimmering silver on full moon nights, compared by philosopher Rabindranath Tagore as “a teardrop 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 here. The Palace in the MovieAladdinis the animated version of the Taj Mahal.
Bora Bora, French Polynesia
Bora Bora Island, 230 km northwest of Papeete, in central French Polynesia, is surrounded by a large lagoon and a long coral reef. At its center is the remnants of an extinct volcano. Over time and geological activity, the island's two major mountains, Pahia and Otemanu, were formed. It is considered one of the most relaxing and charming resorts on the planet, with brilliant turquoise waters, small thatched-roof huts and lush coconut palms.
The setting for the island of Moto Nui in the filmMoanaDisney's movie is based on this fairy tale location.
Ha Long Bay, Vietnam
The beauty of Ha Long Bay is no longer strange to Vietnamese people but has also become a familiar tourist destination for international visitors, with thousands of rocky islands combined with diverse ecosystems and caves gathered in the magical fog, making visitors think of adventurous and exciting trips.
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 the movie.Kong: Skull Island.
Ashdown Forest, England
British children's author AA Milne found inspiration for his books by observing the adventures his son, Christopher Robin, had in the woods near their home in East Sussex.
He wrote a series of books.Winnie the Poohabout Winnie the Pooh and a boy named Christopher Robin playing in the Hundred Acre Wood with their friends. The books have been adapted into several movies over the years.
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 720,000 square meters.2, more than 90 palaces, courtyards, 980 buildings and more than 8,728 rooms, are decorated meticulously, elaborately down to every detail. Every detail reflects the traditional architecture and rich culture of China, implying prosperity and luck.
Due to its cultural significance and unique beauty, the Forbidden City is a popular tourist destination for Chinese and foreign tourists. In particular, the Emperor's Palace in the movieMulanwas also built on this historic site.
Amboseli National Park, Kenya
Amboseli National Park in Kenya is a large nature reserve that is home to a wide variety of wildlife. It is located next to Mount Kilimanjaro and offers stunning views of the world's highest mountain.
While many African countries are said to have inspired the settingThe Lion King, there is an unmistakable shot of a father and son lion heading towards Mount Kilimanjaro in the film's opening.
Lohr Castle, Germany
The animated film aboutSnow Whitewas inspired by Grimm's Fairy Tales. Research suggests that the story may be true, based on events that occurred around Lohr Castle in Germany.
Lohr Castle is surrounded by Spessart Forest, where Snow White fled from her evil stepmother. It has even been suggested that the dwarfs and glass coffin may have been real. However, the inspiration for the Disney animated film is darker, not as cute as the children's version we hear about.
