These top 20 most magnificent castles worldwide will take your breath away

Many people have dreamed of living in a castle, with servants to tend to their every desire. While some castles are still being lived in yet today, most stand vacant; allowing tourists the opportunity to visit them, and perhaps live out those dreams for a day.

Here are the top most magnificent castles worldwide:

1. Alhambra, Spain

   

It is believed that the Moorish architecture is what brings tourists to flock to the beautiful castle in Granada. However, people will argue that the most magnificent thing about the castle is the gardens that surround it.

2. Alnwick Castle, England

   

This castle is still being lived in by the Duke of Northumberland. What gains the attention of many visitors is the fact that the property has appeared in several movies; most notably as Hogwarts in two Harry Potter movies as well as Brancaster Castle in the TV show Downton Abbey.

3. Amber Fort, India

   

Visitors to the fort will be surprised to know that they can walk right next to the elephants that live within its grounds. The most magnificent parts of this castle are the beautiful the mirrored ceilings and gorgeous sandstone carvings in the walls.

4. Arg-é Bam, Iran

   

This castle if constructed from “adobe”, an ancient building material made from earth and often organic material, and is the largest such structure in the word. Sadly, a large earthquake in 2003 destroyed more that 80% of the castle. However, it is protected by UNESCO and is slowly being restored to its original state.

5. Blarney Castle, Ireland

   

This castle has been in many myths and legends. Apparently, if one kisses the Blarney Stone (blarney meaning “clever, flattering, or coaxing talk” in Irish), the kisser will be endowed with great eloquence of speech.

6. Bran Castle, Romania

   

This hilltop castle is hidden deep in the Transylvanian countryside. The 12^th century castle gained popularity as Dracula’s home in Bram Stoker’s novel of the same name.

7. Cairo Citadel, Egypt

   

This Islamic castle housed rulers for over 700 years. Now, the three mosques and several of the palaces are open for tours.

8. Castello di Sammezzano, Italy

   

This castle was originally built in the 12^th century by Moorish architects. It underwent a very colorful remodel in the late 1800s; it now has intricately carved features in the walls and the tiled floors. Sadly, it’s been abandoned for more than two decades.

9. Chateau de Chambord, France

   

This castle mirrors French Renaissance architecture and is one of the world’s most noticeable chateaux. The Loire Valley estate used to serve as a hunting lodge for the French kings starting in the 16^th century.

10. Edinburgh Castle, Scotland

    

This castle was built on Castle Rock and has withstood over 26 sieges throughout its 1,100-year history.

11. Himeji Castle, Japan

    

This was built in the feudal-era. It is also known as Shirasagijo, which translates into White Heron Castle. That is because many people believe it resembles a white bird in flight.

12. Hohensalzburg Castle, Austria

    

The Austrian prince-bishops lived in this castle starting in 1077. The castle stands in a thick, forested area on a mountaintop. The prince-bishops ended up expanding the castle’s walls for the next 500 years. Tourists can either brave the steep hike to get to the top or they can take a funicular to view it.

13. Kronborg Castle, Denmark

    

To honor Shakespeare’s death, the King’s Tower was rented out for the first time in over a century. The setting of the castle was known for Shakespeare’s play, Hamlet.

14. Moscow Kremlin, Russia

    

Kremlin literally translates as “fortress within a city”. In fact, the Russian capital is the perfect example for this name. The stone walls of the castle encircle five palaces, four cathedrals, and even the presidential compounds.

15. Matsumoto Castle, Japan

    

This castle was built on flat land in Japan. The castle was previously used as an elaborate system for building walls and moats for defense. However, the unusual paint job is the most famous feature – it is painted all-black and has been dubbed the Crow Castle.

16. Mont Saint Michel, France

    

It is believed that divine intervention had led people to build this castle on top of a rocky islet. The pilgrims who built this could only walk in and out from the monastery when it was low tide, although, modern tourists can access the castle via a newly-built bridge.

17. Prague Castle, Czech Republic

    

This castle holds the title of being the largest in the world, occupying more than 17 hilltop acres that overlook the Bohemian city.

18. Schloss Neuschwanstein, Germany

    

Bavaria’s Ludwing II had commissioned this retreat after he lost sovereignty to Germany. This earned him the nickname “Fairytale King.” It was the architecture of this castle that inspired the Disneyland version of Sleeping Beauty’s castle.

19. Schloss Schwerin, Germany

    

This castle was built out onto a lake. In fact, the man-made island has famous gardens that are almost as breathtaking as the views. To locals, the castle is also known as Neuschwanstein of the North.

20. Windsor Castle, England

    

This is the world’s oldest and largest inhabited castle, having hosted the first British monarch since in 1121. Today it is Queen Elizabeth II’s favorite weekend home.