Destination 5: EUROPEAN CASTLES

When talking about the fairy-tale princesses and chivalrous knights

What is in your mind???

That must be the European Castles!!!

Castles were first built for defence against attacking armies of war torn feudal Europe and were necessary to help protect the villages and their lords.   Other than just built as protective fortresses, the castles also as the homes of feudal lords and kings that showed their wealth and status.

There is something about castles that inspires awe and at the same time touches a gentler, more romantic side in each of us. And if you want to visit some of the best castles in the world, then Europe should be your destination as this continent certainly has more than its share. Here are some castles in Europe, in no particular order.

ܤ Picture 1: Castle Neuschwanstein in Germany~ Christmas time ܤ

✾Castle Neuschwanstein in Germany✾

For those that see this castle for the first time, they will get a feeling that Castle Neuschwanstein looks so familiar. This is because the castle looks so much like the Disney castle in Florida! Castle Neuschwanstein has appeared prominently in several movies and was the inspiration for Disneyland's Sleeping Beauty Castle.

ܤ Picture 2: Night view of Mont Saint-Michel ܤ

✾Mont Saint-Michel in France✾

Mont Saint-Michel is one of the most popular tourist attractions in France that surrounded by water. It was originally designed as an abbey for pilgrims. It is even considered to be a medieval wonder, because of the fact that it is built on a rocky peak.

ܤ Picture 3: Peles Castle in Romania ܤ

✾ Peles Castle in Romania✾

Peles Castle can be discovered in the majestic Carpathian Mountains, near the town of Sinaia, Romania, between 1873 and 1914. Peles is known as one of the most beautiful castles in Europe. The 300 people that worked to its construction needed two years in order to finish all the arrangements. The castle has 168 rooms out of which only 35 are accessible to the public. 

ܤ Picture 4: Bojnice Castle in Slovakia ܤ

✾Bojnice Castle in Slovakia ✾

Bojnice Castle indeed one of the most impressive and romantic castles in Europe. It was built in the 12th century and it hosts one of the most beautiful and famous museums in Slovakia. The castle also offers other interesting attractions and hosts many festivals. If you wish to have a fairy-tale wedding like a princess in castle, now it is available for wedding and other ceremonies at Bojnice Castle.

ܤ Picture 5: Hohensalzburg Castle in Austria ܤ

✾Hohensalzburg Castle in Austria ✾

Hohensalzburg Castle was constructed in 1077 by Archbishop Gebhard. The castles interior was richly decorated and intricate Gothic wood-carvings and ornamental paintings used to decorate the Golden Hall and the Golden Chamber.

ܤ Picture 6: Castle of Coco in Spain ܤ

✾Castle of Coco in Spain✾

Built in the 15th century by the Archbishop of Seville, the incredible Castle of Coca or Castillo de Coca is considered to be one of the best castles in Spain

ܤ Picture 7: Predjama Castle in Slovenia ܤ

✾Predjama Castle in Slovenia✾

Predjama Castle is a castle in a cave mouth. It is a popular destination in Slovenia. It was built into a natural rock formation. Predjama Castle has been rebuilt twice, after experiencing war and natural disaster.