When you travel, nothing compares to having the impression that you are walking into the pages of an actual storybook. Storybook scenery comes to life with the abundance of stunning medieval castles found throughout Europe, most of which remain immaculate. There are many historic buildings with unique histories and personalities to see around Europe, from island castles in Ireland to Roman ruins concealed behind opulent fortress levels in Italy. There is an old European castle for you, whether your interests lie in exploring ruins that hold mysteries about a nation’s past or scaling pristine turrets for breathtaking vistas of the surrounding countryside.
Some of the most exquisite medieval castles in the world can be found in Europe. These breathtaking medieval castles in Europe, with their soaring fortifications and opulent palaces, are not to be missed. Many of these castles have withstood wars, sieges, and the passage of time for centuries. They provide a window into a bygone era in which knights rode forth to defend their honor and lords and ladies presided over large estates. Let your travel plans take you back to the Middle Ages by including these amazing medieval European castles from the Middle Ages! Prepare to be enchanted at some of Europe’s finest medieval castles.
01. Edinburgh Castle, Scotland
One of the most well-known castles in the world, Edinburgh Castle serves as a royal palace, a crucial fortress, and an iconic building. Edinburgh Castle became an essential element of Scotland’s history and continued to serve as a vital defensive construction during the ensuing centuries.
Through a number of exhibitions and guided tours, guests at Edinburgh Castle may now learn more about the castle’s past. The Scottish National War Memorial, the National War Museum, and the Mons Meg are only a few of its numerous attractions. The Honours of Scotland jewels and Scotland’s crowning stone, the Stone of Destiny, are on display in the castle’s Crown Room as part of royal exhibits.
02. Dublin Castle, Ireland
This significant government structure is a city castle with an Irish flair and has significant political, cultural, and historical value. Explore this medieval site by following in the footsteps of the kings and lords of old.
Admire the Record Tower, the only castle tower that was originally built and one of the oldest structures in Dublin still standing. Visit the castle grounds that are currently the site of official Irish government events. Visit the Viking excavation site, the Gothic Chapel Royal, the Ladies Drawing Room, the Throne Room, St. Patrick’s Hall, and the opulent State Apartments, among other attractions from the older and newer portions.
03. Akershus Castle, Norway
There is a castle appropriate for a Viking dating all the way back to 1299 in the Scandinavian city of Oslo. With breathtaking views of the city and the Oslo Fjord, its harborside location contributes to the picture-perfect atmosphere.
King Christian IV renovated Akershus fortress into a royal home and Renaissance-style fortress in the 16th century, making it one of the most picturesque places to visit in all of Norway. Throughout history, the castle has been subjected to numerous sieges. The castle now serves as a venue for several banquets and celebrations and has a tiny church, government reception rooms, and the Royal Mausoleum.
04. Bran Castle, Romania
Located in Romania’s Transylvania region, Bran Castle is a famous Gothic castle dating back to the fourteenth century. The royal rooms, the armory filled with medieval weaponry and armor, and the torture chamber are among the exhibits that make up the castle complex.
Bram Stoker, the writer of the Dracula novel, drew inspiration from the local mythology and stories, which were connected to vampires and other otherworldly entities in the area. The castle was given the moniker “Dracula’s Castle” because it closely resembles the fortress described in Bram Stoker’s book. The real-life person who served as the model for Stoker’s character, Vlad the Impaler, has yet to be confirmed to have ever resided at or been to Bran Castle.
05. The Castle of Carcassonne, France
One of the most stunning medieval castles in Europe is the 12th-century Castle of Carcassonne, which is situated in the French city of Carcassonne. The enormous stronghold is the ideal representation of medieval fortification design. A moat, drawbridge, two walls — an inner and an outer wall (curtain wall) — and 52 towers, which provide tourists with breathtaking views of the city, were all added by the builders as precautions against invasion.
A UNESCO World Heritage Site, this castle draws thousands of tourists each year who come to explore the fortress’s winding lanes and walkways. Nine towers make up the quadrangular fortress. When it was constructed, many thought it was a clever piece of construction.
06. Conwy Castle, Wales
James of St. George’s Conwy Castle is a medieval military masterpiece. Conwy was one of a ring of castles that the English king Edward I commissioned to maintain his rule over Wales. It was erected between 1283 and 1289. Over the ages, this massive military stronghold would be garrisoned in numerous battles and subsequently come under siege by the Welsh.
Conwy Castle is a very scenic and spectacular landmark today, with its massive towers and turrets and its location above the Conwy estuary. Listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, it is one of four Welsh castles constructed by Edward. Even after seven centuries, the town is dominated by a magnificent medieval fortification.
07. Castel Nuovo, Italy
Built in the 13th century, Castel Nuovo (also known as Maschio Angioino) is located in Naples, Italy. The castle, which means “New Castle,” is located in front of the Piazza Municipio, next to Naples City Hall. One of Italy’s most magnificent castles is Castel Nuovo. Roman remains in the Armoury Hall, original Giotto frescoes, the Palatine Chapel, and two museums housing a collection of 17th-century Neapolitan art are among the highlights of a visit to this architectural marvel.
Admire the magnificent Watch Tower and the exquisite features of the well-known Triumphal Arch, which was constructed out of marble to commemorate Alfonso I of Aragon’s arrival in the city in the middle of the fourteenth century.
08. Schwerin Castle, Germany
A charming building that appears to float over Schwerin Lake is called Schwerin Castle. Although a fort is believed to have existed here as early as the tenth century, Schwerin’s origins may be traced to Henry the Lion, who erected a fortress there in 1160. The current form of Schwerin Castle did not start to emerge until approximately 1843. Only a few of the building’s older features remain after extensive renovations.
The municipal government’s headquarters and an art museum featuring works from antiquity to the twentieth century are now located in Schwerin. The 17th-century Dutch and Flemish paintings at Schwerin’s museum are among its most significant exhibits.
09. Prague Castle, Czech Republic
The Czech Republic’s capital city, Prague, is home to the medieval castle complex known as Prague Castle. It is one of the world’s largest castle complexes. The castle, which was initially constructed in the ninth century, has stood as a representation of Czech power and dominance for more than a millennium. Gothic, Renaissance, and Baroque features coexist in its spectacular architecture.
The castle offers breathtaking views of the surrounding area because it is perched on a hill above the city. Prague, the capital of the Czech Republic, is renowned for its spectacular Gothic architecture and is one of the most beautiful and historic towns in all of Europe. If you’re seeking a really medieval experience, Prague has some bars with a medieval theme.
10. Windsor Castle, England
With more than a thousand years of royal history, Windsor Castle is the world’s largest and oldest continuously inhabited castle. It has a total area of about 13 acres and a variety of intriguing features. These include the State Apartments, the exquisite St. George’s Chapel, and Queen Mary’s little home. Ten monarchs were buried there as well.
The public can visit Windsor Castle five days a week; however, it is closed on Tuesdays and Wednesdays. No journey to Windsor would be complete without a visit to the magnificent Windsor Castle, the family home of British kings and queens for almost 1,000 years and today one of His Majesty the King’s official residences.
11. Kalmar Castle, Sweden
Around 1180, a defense tower was erected where Kalmar Castle presently stands. The Union of Kalmar was signed in 1397 at Kalmar Castle, which went on to be significant in Swedish history. Kalmar Castle was rebuilt and expanded in the sixteenth century. However, the castle lost its advantageous location following the Treaty of Roskilde in 1658 since it was no longer necessary to guard the old border.
Today, Kalmar Castle is a well-liked tourist destination and even serves as a wedding location after being completely restored to its former splendor. A number of exhibits are on display at the castle, including both temporary exhibitions with various themes and permanent exhibits that recount the eventful history of the building.
12. Bled Castle, Slovenia
Situated amidst Slovenia’s breathtaking Julian Alps, Lake Bled boasts some of the most magnificent views of medieval castles across Europe. One of Europe’s best lakes, a small town, and a well-known island church can all be seen from the renowned Bled Castle (Blejski Grad). Both the building and the 99 steps leading up to the historic cliffside landmark are impressive, as this is the oldest castle in the nation.
The castle structures are connected by two courtyards, one of which houses a chapel from the sixteenth century. The castle also has a restaurant, wine cellar, and museum that are all well-liked. Onsite, there’s an antique printing shop that provides a glimpse into the age-old craft of wood printing through demonstrations.
No two castles in Europe are exactly the same, from the stout stone strongholds of Britain to the opulent architectural palaces of Germany. However, there is one common goal across Europe’s numerous medieval castles: they were constructed to endure attacks, bombardments, and invasions. They were made to endure. Many European castles still survive today, towering over the landscapes and regions they were once designed to guard, a testament to the significance and resilience of these buildings. We chose a castle from a single European nation for this tutorial. All around Europe, there are numerous notorious castles. About those, we’ll write another article. We hope you cherished this one up until then.
