Europe’s most magical castles, which are not as famous as Neuschwanstein, but will definitely take your breath
Whether you are a history fanatic or not, these places are guaranteed to amaze you. Welcome to the fairy tale!
“Mirror, Mirror, on the wall, who is the fairest of them all?”
Every girl remembers dreaming in her childhood about becoming a princess, whom everyone would adore, and who would have a handsome prince and a giant enchanted castle. And as adults, some of us dreamed of big weddings in such places to have at least for a moment the feeling of royal splendors.
But in addition to endless beauty, they also hide stories of the past. Stories about losses, and victories. Stories of love, betrayal, and different time periods. They are magical doors to the world of legends, treasures, and fantasy or human creativity and the effort that created it. Also, the sacrifices that people had to make for their demanding construction.
Let yourself be guided by the uniqueness of these places:
Europe
1. Le Mont-Saint-Michel, France- “Bastille of the seas”
Let’s start with a “castle” which is actually an abbey, located on an island in Normandy. It is home to 44 people, monks and nuns. They even offer accommodation for tourists. There is a beach, a museum, and a small romantic village. It is an exemplary of Romanesque and Gothic style architecture and a pilgrimage site for Christian civilization. Kings of France and England were visiting it very often so it has its historical significance. It is over 1300 years old and really resembles medieval cities, so you will be transported back in time.
Some believe that on this mount St. Michael won his mighty victory over the dragon. It is said that the island was a link to another world. I understand why!
2. Bojnice Castle, Slovakia
He has a very special place in my heart. Not because it is located in the country I come from, but because I went to admire it at least once every single year of my life. For me, it is a sign of endless love. Almost no castles offer as many mysterious legends as Slovak ones.
It is located in the Trenčín region and is built above the town of Bojnice. The first written mention of the probable existence of a castle is from the year 1113. It was originally made of wood, but after a strong fire, it had to be rebuilt. Various important noble families and personalities took turns as its owners, such as Matthias Corvinus, Matthew III Csák, Thurzó family…Pálffy who decided to rebuild the castle into a romantic and used French Gothic castles to make his love feel like at home — in France, the papal palace in Avignon, and early Renaissance Italian architecture as models. In 1939, the castle and the land belonging to it were bought by the company Baťa. After the war and until today, it belonged to the state.
In addition to many legends about his heirs, it also hides a cave that is open for tourists. Around the castle is a park and a legendary linden tree, which is more than 700 years old. Various exhibitions, events, a night in the castle, and markets are organized here, and there is also a beautiful zoo. (I recommend visiting this instead of the one in Bratislava.) There is even a thermal spa and the “Seagull in the Clouds” lookout nearby and is a short distance from the city Prievidza.
If you find yourself in Slovakia, I recommend visiting the other beautiful castles: Orava Castle or Spiš Castle (both in the picture), Red Stone Castle, Trenčín Castle, Beautiful Hill Castle, Ľupča Castle, Smolenice Castle, Budmerice Mansion or Čachtice castle with a legend of bloody Bathory countess…
3. Eltz Castle, Germany- “Fairy tale in the stone”
It is another medieval castle, but this one remained owned by the noble family Eltz who have lived there since the 12th century. It has never been scathed by wars, never destroyed! This beauty is built in Romanesque and Baroque styles and stands above the river and serene nature reserve. There are treasures and private collections with over 500 exhibits from 9 centuries.
An old legend describes the story of a girl Agnes and a Knight of Braunsberg whom her parents wanted her to marry by force, but she refused. He then attacked the castle and the princess dressed in her brother’s armor went to defend the castle heroically. The prince stabbed and killed her and only then discovered that his “unrequited” love was hiding under the armor. Since then, a horserider and the ghost of the princess appeared in front of the castle gates.
4. Vianden Castle, Luxembourg
One of the most important Gothic monuments is this castle located in the north of Luxembourg in Ardennes Forest in the small town. The castle was built somewhere between the 11th and 14th centuries. Legend says that the Well of the Vianden Castle hides a secret passage, which leads directly to the town center!
A French poet Victor Hugo lived here for a while and called it a place for recovery. You can find your peace and enjoy a spectacular view of the countryside and they annually organize a Medieval Festival here.
5. Moszna Castle, Poland
The baroque palace located in southwestern Poland in the Opole province, only 200 km from Krakow. It was reconstructed several times however no one knows how the monastery was destroyed. The castle has 99 towers and 365 rooms a garden with oak and lime trees that are several hundred years old and stud farms with Arabian thoroughbreds. It used to be a neurosis therapy facility. I highly recommend visiting Poland also because of its historical towns.
6. Bodiam Castle, England
A “water castle” (already been partially demolished) in the county of East Sussex. It was built to protect the area in the Hundred Years’ War against France. Moreover, it remembers the periods of the Black Death, the War of the Roses, stormy protests, and was inhabited by various important people. So if you are interested in English history, definitely visit it. This castle is said to be surrounded by spirits, for example, a ghost of a woman in a red dress who looks out the window into the distance and the ghost of a boy who drowned when he jumped from the bridge.
If you find the right time, there are also markets where they sell handmade products such as candles, crafted wooden things… Or they organize knightly shows, you can borrow a kayak and sail a river, or take an archery lesson.
7. Alcázar of Segovia, Spain
It is a UNESCO-listed fortress and royal palace, spread over a cliff above two rivers and one of the castles that inspired the design of Cinderella’s Castle at Walt Disney World. Today, part of the building serves as a military museum. Previously, it was a royal palace, the seat of parliament, a state prison, and the Armed Forces Academy. Legend says that during King Alfonso X’s meeting with the Court huge storm came and destroyed the room and a part of the building collapsed because the King was boasting of his wisdom, hence he was known as “The Wise”. It is one of the most sought-after tourist attractions, so you will not be disappointed.
8. Kylemore Abbey, Ireland
Benedictine monastery built for nuns who fled during the First World War. You would be particularly interested in the colorful flower garden behind the castle. There is also a neo-Gothic church, which was built as a memorial for the dead wife of the previous owner. There is a tale which tells the story of a beautiful white horse that rises from the lake in front of the Abbey every 7 years on a windy day. Ireland is a country of greenery and countless tales, and myths so do not hesitate to visit!
9. Castello di Miramare, Italy
This white beauty is situated on the Gulf of Trieste. It was built on the order of Franz Joseph’s brother, based on the idea of building a home on the sea from where he returned from his travels to learn about the world. He arranged a park “worthy of his name” full of exotic plants that he brought from various expeditions. Legend says that after he went to Mexico, where he became emperor and was executed, his loving wife still wanders through the park calling his name because the mansion was the place for their happy life together.
10. Conwy Castle, Wales
Medieval fortification on the north coast, part of UNESCO. He and his 8 towers served as fortifications of the city during the conquest of Wales and other important wars. Fun fact, the castle was sold to Edward Conway for £100!
It is said that a mermaid(half human half fish siren) swims around here. The fishermen pulled her out of the water and she subsequently suffocated and with her last words cursed the castle that they would live forever in destruction, misery, and war. Many people believe the mermaid’s curse struck when Conwy Civic Hall was engulfed in flames and destroyed because they heard her laugh.
Conclusion: These castles that I presented to you are only a small part of what Europe offers. Although I tried to choose from not the most famous ones I still think that you won’t be able to completely avoid people on those places I presented, and you won’t have the castle only to yourself, like in the ones I will summarize in the second part, but they are still worth a visit. Europe is literally the cradle of history and its roots reach everywhere else in the world and have sown the seeds of other cultures and countries. Sometimes past was dark and full of blood, and other times it hid romantic stories. You will find all the traces of legends and people who lived there hundreds of years ago in these stunning places. In addition, Europe is a safe and peaceful place so you don’t have to worry about traveling here. But still:
!!My advice:!! For frequent travelers, I’ve included a great helpful guide. On this page, you will find basic information about the current situation, health care, or rights of the country you are going to travel to and what you should avoid. I strongly recommend opening it before your trip because it is always better to be prepared than to be unpleasantly surprised.
So here: https://www.smartraveller.gov.au/
Stay safe! :)
As always, do not hesitate to contact me for more information, questions, or traveling tips♡ I will especially appreciate any questions, because it is a topic that I really admire. Thank you for reading my loved ones.