7 Most Beautiful Castles in the World

Built by kings and queens of years gone by to protect and rule their realms, castles had not only to be able to withstand attack but project power and wealth for all to see. As such, sturdy keeps and imposing walls were erected alongside marvelous palaces, full of ornate and elaborate chambers, halls, and throne rooms. In addition to the astounding architecture on show, these castles were often built at strategic and spectacular settings at the mouths of valleys, at the entrance to mountain passes, or on glittering lakeshores. Add in the weight of history, and these architectural marvels set amongst breathtaking scenery make for some of the most beautiful castles in the world.

Hohenwerfen Castle

Perched upon a rocky mount with the breathtaking Berchtesgaden Alps lying in the background, Hohenwerfen Castle certainly makes for an epic sight. Built between 1075 and 1078, the castle and its sturdy walls are set in the gorgeous valley of Salzach, which lies just to the south of Salzburg in Austria.

Throughout its history, it not only acted as an imposing fort, residence, and hunting retreat for the Archbishops of Salzburg, but also as a state prison. Now a museum, Hohenwerfen Castle is well worth visiting for its fascinating history and stunning setting amidst the mountains.

Trakai Island Castle

As the name indicates, this magnificent castle is set upon a small island with the sparkling waters of Lake Galve surrounding it. Located just outside of Vilnius, the imposing red brick fortification was once of the utmost strategic importance to the Grand Duchy of Lithuania.

First erected in the second half of the 14th century, the castle and its magnificent Ducal palace were restored to their original look and style in the 1960s. The Gothic and Romanesque features of Trakai Island Castle look particularly arresting when viewed from across the shimmering waters of the lake.

Castello di Miramare

Very elegant and refined, the brilliantly white walls of Castello di Miramare stand out delightfully against the glimmering waters of the Gulf of Trieste. Lying a stone’s throw away from Trieste in the northeast of Italy, the castle was built in the 1850s to house Austrian Archduke Ferdinand Maximilian and his wife.

Very befitting of the Hapsburgs, the beautiful setting and design of the castle are perfectly complemented by lavish gardens and a spectacular seashore park. Now a very popular museum, Castello di Miramare attracts visitors from all over the world, who come to see its original furnishings and rooms in all of their splendor.

Predjama Castle

Set directly in the side of a large, craggy cliff face, Predjama is certainly one of the most visually arresting castles on Earth. Nestled in the mouth of a cave, its advantageous position made it very hard to attack, and defenders could replenish their supplies through a hidden network of cave passages.Built and destroyed numerous times over the centuries, Predjama Castle can be found just a short drive away from Slovenia’s capital of Ljubljana. A great time of year to visit is in July, when it hosts a colorful and chaotic medieval festival and jousting competition.

Kylemore Abbey

Originally known as Kylemore Castle, this fantastic fortification in the west of Ireland was turned into a Benedictine monastery by Belgian nuns fleeing the fighting of World War I. Built in 1868 to be the private home of a wealthy doctor, the Victorian-style buildings and Gothic church of the estate are beautifully reflected in the waters of Pollacapall Lough.With delightful mountains, reflective lakes, and gushing rivers all around it, Kylemore Abbey has long been one of County Galway’s most popular attractions, and many people come to stroll around its landscaped gardens.

Conwy Castle

Located in the north of Wales, Conwy Castle was built all the way back in 1283 by Edward I of England, who was attempting to conquer his unruly neighbors. Set at a strategic spot on the banks of the River Conwy, the imposing castle played a crucial role in many battles and wars for centuries to come. Featuring not only two hulking barbicans but eight large and impenetrable towers, the castle is widely considered to be one of the finest examples of military architecture in Europe.

While its massive silvery-grey stone walls and riverside location certainly make for a beautiful sight, its interior is no less impressive due to its well preserved medieval royal apartments.

Bamburgh Castle

Built atop a wind-swept bluff on the northeast coast of England, the large and looming Bamburgh Castle has a long and fascinating history for visitors to delve into. Once the site of a Celtic Brittonic fort, some form of fortification has remarkably stood in the same spot ever since the year 420.

Constructed in the 11th century by the Normans, the current castle long acted as an important outpost for the English monarchs because of its proximity to the Scottish border. Due to its romantic and desolate seaside setting and its majestic turrets and crumbling crenellations, the photogenic Bamburgh Castle has featured in numerous books and films over the years. Source : touropia