Castles have this magical feel thanks to our bedtime stories. The soaring structures and bountiful gardens of royal dwellings are some of the things that draw tourists from all over the world.
Here are some of the enchanted castles from around the world.
Bojnice Castle in Bojnice, Slovakia
According to written records found at the Zobor Abbey, this Romanesque castle may have first been built as a wooden fort as early as 1113. Stone slowly began to replace the wood, and by the 12th century, the castle boasted Gothic and Renaissance elements.
While he may not be the first owner of the fortress, King Matthias Corvinus of Hungary and Croatia may have been one of the first to invest in its future. The ruler would often come to the small city to work on his decrees and dictate them under a linden tree on the grounds now bearing his name.
Construction never ceased, as owner after owner continued to renovate its exteriors or add rooms until the castle ultimately landed in the hands of Count János Ferenc Pálffy.
Taken by the romantic castles of the Loire Valley, the ruler sought to re-create his own fairytale castle filled with his impeccable collection of antiques, tapestries, and artwork.
With its enchanting appearance, Bojnice Castle has become one of the most visited castles in the world, with hundreds of thousands of guests exploring its hallowed halls each year.
Nakhal Fort in Nakhal, Oman
Upon first glance at the magnificent fortress above Oman’s Batinah Plain, you may notice its rather irregular shape. The original structure of the Nakhal Fort, which predates the Islamic era, was built around a large boulder at the foot of Mount Nakhal, causing it to look a bit imperfect.
The fort was built as a way to protect nearby trade routes from any looters or attacks and grew to include its own mosque, residential spaces, and reception halls. Not to be overlooked are the odder additions like the hidden nooks where soldiers would dump hot date juice on invaders.
Most days the fort operates as a museum with historic artifacts, but if you happen to visit on a Friday, you’ll be greeted by friendly goats at the weekly market held within its walls.
Frederiksborg Castle in Hillerød, Denmark
Located on three small isles on the Castle Lake, the distinguished Frederiksborg Castle was built as a symbol of King Christian IV’s power as ruler of Denmark and Norway. The Renaissance castle was the official royal residence for more than 100 years before its original structure was destroyed in a fire in 1859.
With only the chapel and the audience chamber surviving the flames, a nationwide lottery and collection were held to raise funds to rebuild the palace. After the royal family decided that they would no longer stay at the castle, Frederiksborg reopened in 1878 as the Museum of National History.
Today, the world-renowned museum illustrates the history of Denmark through its impressive collection of portraits, historic paintings, and the interiors of the castle.
Edinburgh Castle in Edinburgh, Scotland
Standing tall on the crags of Castle Rock, Edinburgh Castle exudes a sense of authority and nobility throughout Scotland’s capital. Archaeologists believe that humans have occupied the castle’s site since the Iron Age, but its royal ties can only be traced back to the 12th century when King David I built St. Margaret’s Chapel in honor of his mother.
Throughout the centuries, members of the monarchy reimagined the Royal Palace as a residence and military fortress. A notable decorative element remains above the door of the palace—the gilded initials, “MAH,” for Mary Queen of Scots and her second husband Henry Stewart, Lord Darnley.
After the Union of the Crowns in 1603, Edinburgh Castle was reserved as a military base. Today, guests are welcome to explore the various buildings and ancient artifacts of the Scottish monarchy like the Stone of Destiny.
Himeji Castle in Himeji, Japan
The elegant white façade and jaw-dropping 17th-century Japanese architecture earned Himeji Castle the nickname “White Heron Castle” for its resemblance to a bird taking flight.
Built in 1346 as a fortress against local shotguns, the complex above the Inland Seas comprises 83 buildings with specialized systems of defense and protection devices. However, Himeji Castle was never used in battle but instead repurposed as a more residential castle.
In 1931, the Japanese government designated the site a national treasure and a monumental example of medieval castle architecture. Guided tours are offered in both Japanese and English of Himeji and its cherry blossom garden.
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