Travel & Tourism : Most Awesome Castles and Mansions Around the World

Spooky Castle

The Chillingham Adventure in Britain is popular for being the most haunted fortress in the country. Visitors have revealed seeing quick flashes of red light and listening to noisy wailing appears to be at night. Both castles and estates represent prosperity and power; however, there is one essential distinction in the characteristics of the two components. The main operate of a structure is to provide comfort. Due to this, a structure usually holds huge and breezy bedrooms, big verandas, magnificently designed landscapes, and huge hallways intended for the master to meet his topics. Generally, design is the key element in structure structure, and a lot of money is invested on design. So, simply speaking, a structure appears for prosperity and royals of its population. On the other hand, the main operate of a fortress is protection.

Like castles, estates may also act as personal mansions; nevertheless, their objective as a army stronghold is more popular. A fortress will usually have a powerful ft, designed for protection in case of aggressive circumstances. The safety of the master and his men is of main significance. The fortress will have, apart from personal areas, special bedrooms intended for saving hands and armament. A fortress is hence, a icon of energy and army might of the leader. Thus, the essential distinction between a structure and a fortress is that the former is high-end in characteristics, while the latter is ideal.

 

Palaces

  • Château de Versailles
  • Winter Palace
  • Palacio Real de Madrid
  • Palácio Nacional da Pena
  • Dolmabahçe Palace
  • Bahia Palace
  • Potala Palace
  • Alhambra
  • Baron Empain Palace
  • Umaid Bhavan

Castles

  • Ashford Castle
  • Bran Castle
  • Löwenburg Castle
  • Matsumoto Castle
  • Mont Saint-Michel
  • Krak des Chevaliers
  • Malbork Castle
  • Swallow’s Nest
  • Elmina Castle
  • Predjama Castle

Wonderful Castles Around the World

Palaces have always been well-known sightseeing opportunities. Their spectacular dimension and magnificence are so frustrating that we simply cannot neglect these spectacular edifices, regardless of what. Some of these palaces still provide as personal elegant residences; however, most of them are now start for the community. Here’s a list of some of the most breathtaking palaces all over the globe.

Château de Versailles

Location: Versailles, FranceStyle of Architecture: Baroque

Also known as the Framework of Versailles or basically Versailles, this spectacular developing was the France elegant property from 1682 until the starting of the France Trend in 1789. The fundamentals of the dwelling, however, were set in 1624, when Master Louis XIII of Italy requested the development of a tracking villa on the website. Since then, several new components have been included to the complicated over the hundreds of years. The most wonderful components of the palace are its awe-inspiring landscapes distribute across some 800 hectares of area. In 1979, the Framework and Recreation area of Versailles was engraved in the UNESCO Globe Culture Record. Currently, the palace homes a Art gallery of the Record of Italy, which is also a significant vacationer fascination, together with the lawn and the palace itself. However, the developing still provides governmental reasons.

Winter Palace

Location: St. Petersburg, RussiaStyle of Architecture: Baroque

The winter months season framework was requested in 1754, by Empress Age Petrovna, the little girl of Chris the Great, the Tsar of European federation from 1672 to 1725. The framework was intended to be the elegant property of the Empress; however, she passed away before its achievement in 1762. From 1762 to 1917, the framework had been the European elegant property. It is a three-storied building designed in the Baroque style, with awesome attractive elements embellishing its windows and façades. Today, the framework homes the world-renowned Hermitage art gallery, which, along with the framework, draws an incredible number of guests every year.

Palacio Real de Madrid

Location: Madrid, SpainStyle of Architecture: Baroque

The Elegant Framework of The city is the formal property of the Language royal family; although, it is only used for having condition events. The development of the palace started in 1738, and took 17 decades to finish. The palace is yet another Baroque structure that homes a royal collection, a royal drugstore, and a royal arsenal. With about 2,800 bedrooms, the Palacio Actual de The city is one of the biggest castles on the globe.

Palácio Nacional da Pena

Location: São Pedro de Penaferrim, PortugalStyle of Architecture: Neo-Gothic, Neo-Manueline, Neo-Islamic, Neo-Renaissance

Requested by Master Fernando II in 1842, the Pena Nationwide Structure was designed on the website of a damaged monastery. This national monument of People from france is one of the nation’s seven amazing things, and has also discovered a place on the UNESCO Globe Culture Record. In the Center Age groups, the palace provided as a summer time property for the Colonial elegant family members. Now, it is used for condition events by the Chief executive of the Colonial Republic and other govt authorities. The wooded area growing across some 200 hectares of area, known as the Pena Recreation area, encompasses the building. The palace is one of the most frequented typical monuments in People from france.

Dolmabahçe Palace

Location: Istanbul, TurkeyStyle of Architecture: Baroque, Neo-Baroque, Rococo, Neo-Classical, traditional Ottoman

The Dolmabahçe Structure was the primary management middle of the Ottoman Kingdom from 1856 to 1922. Favored by Sultan Abdülmecid I, it was designed in 1844, and was finished over a period of nine decades. 14 plenty of silver was used to gild the palace’s roof. The developing has some 300 bedrooms and hallways, and six conventional Turkish bathrooms. While the palace is start for the community, the decorations can only be utilized through a trip.

Bahia Palace

Location: Marrakech, MoroccoStyle of Architecture: A blend of Islamic and Moroccan styles

This delayed Nineteenth millennium building requested by Si Moussa, the huge vizier of the sultan, for his individual use, has a big main lawn, enclosed by bedrooms on three factors. The framework was actually intended to be the biggest framework of all-time, but finished up instead, representing the “uninspired” flavor of the nouveau-riche. Nevertheless, it is one of the significant vacationer websites in The other agents.

Potala Palace

Location: Lhasa, Tibet Autonomous Region, ChinaStyle of Architecture: An amalgam of Indian and Chinese styles of Buddhist architecture

The Potala Structure has been known as after Install Potala, the property of Bodhisattva Avalokiteśvara. Designed over the formerly constructed palace of Songtsän Gampo, the Potala Structure was the winter season season property of the Dalai Lama from 7th millennium to the center of the Twentieth millennium, when the Fourteenth Dalai Lama left to Indian following the China intrusion of Tibet in 1959. The palace complicated is created on the Red Hill that looks over the Lhasa area, and is popular for its incredibly vivid Buddhist paintings and wood made furniture. In 1994, the monument was detailed on the UNESCO World Culture Record.

Alhambra

Location: Granada, Andalusia, SpainStyle of Architecture: A blend of Moorish vernacular architecture and traditional Andalusian architecture

Designed in the 9th millennium, initially as a castle, the Calat Alhambra was turned into a elegant structure in the Fourteenth millennium by the then Sultan of Granada, Yusuf I. Situated on a level that looks over the town of Granada, the structure was used by both Islamic and Religious kings. These days, it is one of the significant sightseeing opportunities of The country, and in 1870, it was announced as a residence of social interest by the Language regulators. Moreover, twenty six years ago, the structure and the lawn around it were also engraved on the UNESCO World Culture List.

Baron Empain Palace

Location: Heliopolis, Cairo, EgyptStyle of Architecture: Inspired by Khmer temple architecture and the Orissan temple architecture

This is a very interesting monument that resembles a Hindu temple. Built between 1907 and 1911, it was designed by the French architect Alexandre Marcel, taking elements from Hindu architecture. In September 2012, Mail Online reported about certain disturbing phenomena and satanic rituals taking place in the palace in the dead of the night. Owing to this, the building lies deserted and has been closed for the general public.

Umaid Bhavan

Location: Jodhpur, IndiaStyle of Architecture: Indo-Saracenic

One of the biggest private residences in the world, the Umaid Bhavan has been named after Maharaja Umaid Singh (1903-1947) of Jodhpur. It is located on the highest point in Jodhpur, the Chittar hill, due to which, it was formerly known as the Chittar Palace. The main aim behind constructing the palace was to provide employment to the people during famine. It took 14 years to complete, from 1929 to 1943. Today, a large portion of the palace has been converted into a 5-star hotel, however, the royal family continues to stay in their private quarters. The palace also houses a museum displaying the history of the royal family of Jodhpur.

Hearst Castle – A Special Mention

Location: Central Coast of California, United StatesStyle of Architecture: Mediterranean Revival

Neither a palace, nor a castle, but a beautiful admixture of both, the Hearst Castle is the Historical Landmark of California and the National Landmark of the United States of America. The Hearst Castle, located on the Central Coast of California is a 20th century mansion, designed by architect Julia Morgan, to serve as a personal residence for the American newspaper magnate William Randolph Hearst. The design of this huge palatial mansion has elements of castle architecture, such as huge arches and towers on its exterior, whereas the interior exquisitely features 56 bedrooms, 61 bathrooms, 19 sitting rooms, gardens, indoor and outdoor swimming pools, tennis courts, a movie theater, an airfield, and the largest private zoo in the world. Plus, antique decorative items embellish the interior.

Today, the structure is owned by the state of California, which maintains it as a state historic park. Owing to this, the Hearst Castle and some part of its immense collection of art and antiques is open for public viewing. It is one of the most popular tourist attractions in California.

Beautiful Castles Around the World

Like palaces, castles, despite their location, are also subjects of great fascination among the people. These mighty edifices are in fact, structural manifestations of the might and bravery of the rulers and the people of a particular region. They are important symbols of regional and national identity. Here’s a list of some of the most amazing castles around the world.

Ashford Castle

Location: Mayo/Galway border, IrelandStyle of Architecture: Anglo-Norman, French, Victorian, Neo-Gothic

This medieval castle was built in 1228, by an Anglo-Norman clan known as the House of Burke. From then on, the castle’s ownership passed through the hands of numerous rulers and dynasties, who made some significant additions and alterations to the structure, each bearing its own peculiar feature. Thus, it is an amazing blend of varied architectural styles. Today, the castle has been turned into a hotel with 83 bedrooms, a golf course, and beautiful gardens.

Bran Castle

Location: Bran, Braşov County, RomaniaStyle of Architecture: Transylvanian Gothic

Also known as Dracula’s Castle, this fortress was first mentioned in an act issued by Louis I of Hungary, permitting the Saxons to construct their own citadel in Kronstadt (present day Braşov). The castle stands on the boundary between Wallachia and Transylvania, and is marketed as the home of the famous Dracula. Up to the middle of the 18th century, the castle played a strategic role in Romanian history; however, after 1920, it was made the Kingdom of Romania’s royal residence. Today, the castle is a national monument and landmark in Romania, and is promoted in the tourism circuit as the first ever private museum of the country.

Löwenburg Castle

Location: Kassel, GermanyStyle of Architecture: Gothic Revival

Built between 1793 and 1801, the Löwenburg Castle, a.k.a. the Lion’s Castle, was built as a private residence for William IX and his mistress―Caroline of Schlotheim. William IX was even buried in the castle’s chapel after he died. Though the castle resembles the classic defensive structure from the Middle Ages, it is actually just a replica of the same, and not a real castle. However, the edifice is very valuable in the history of art and architecture, as it was with the construction of this structure that the Gothic Revival phase began in Germany. Today, it one of the most visited monuments in Germany.

Matsumoto Castle

Location: Matsumoto, Nagano Prefecture, JapanStyle of Architecture: Shoin-zukuri (Japanese residential architecture)

The Matsumoto is one of the important flatland castles of Japan, which is also known as Crow Castle, owing to its black exteriors. Built on a plain in 1504, by daimyo Shimadachi Sadanaga, the castle was surrounded by numerous interconnecting walls and a number of moats as its main defense mechanism. In 2011, the interior of the castle was damaged due to a high magnitude earthquake; however, the original structure and some of the inner walls still survive. The castle has been listed as a National Treasure of Japan, and houses a gun museum, which is one of the major tourist attractions.

Mont Saint-Michel

Location: Normandy, FranceStyle of Architecture: Romanesque

Mont Saint-Michel, meaning Saint Michael’s Mount, is a fortified citadel, located on an island since the 8th century A.D. Owing to its strategic location near the mouth of the Couesnon river, the citadel has been strongly fortified right since its inception. A classic example of a feudal citadel, the structure contains an abbey, a monastery, huge assembly halls, storehouses, and housing quarters. In 1979, Mont-Saint-Michel and its Bay were enlisted in the UNESCO World Heritage List; it has always been one of the most popular landmarks of France.

Krak des Chevaliers

Location: Tartus, SyriaStyle of Architecture: Gothic

The Krak des Chevaliers, a.k.a. Crac des Chevaliers, is an 11th century Crusader castle in Syria. First occupied by the Kurds and then by the Knights of St John, the castle served as a military base, as well as an administrative center. At the pinnacle of its glory, Krak des Chevaliers was equipped with a garrison of about 2,000. Owing to its history, its location, and its architecture, Krak des Chevaliers, though partially ruined now, is one of the most important medieval castles in the world. In 2006, it was included on the UNESCO World Heritage List.

Malbork Castle

Location: Malbork, PolandStyle of Architecture: Gothic

The Castle of the Teutonic Order, commonly known as the Malbork Castle, is by far, the largest brick structure in the whole of Europe, and also the largest castle in the world by surface area. It was built in the 15th century in Prussia, by the Teutonic Knights, after they conquered Prussia. From 1466 to 1772, the castle served as the official residence of the Polish kings. The castle suffered heavily during WWII; however, it was later restored to a good state. In 1997, it was added to the World Heritage List of the UNESCO.

Swallow’s Nest

Location: Crimean peninsula, UkraineStyle of Architecture: Neo-Gothic

The Swallow’s Nest is a decorative castle overlooking the Cape of Ai-Todor of the Black Sea, built in 1911, by a Russian architect named Leonid Sherwood. One of the most visited tourist structures in Crimea, the interior of the castle is decorated with wooden panels and paintings. Though compact in size, owing to its non-strategic purpose, the castle’s architecture is inspired largely by various medieval castles of Germany and Italy. Since 1975, the castle has been housing an Italian restaurant.

Elmina Castle

Location: Elmina, GhanaStyle of Architecture: Colonial (Portuguese, Dutch, British)

In 1482, the Portuguese built the Elmina, a.k.a. St. George of the Mine Castle on the Gold Coast. The castle was the first ever trading post constructed on the Gulf of Guinea. Later, the castle transformed from being a trading settlement to an important station in the course of the Atlantic slave trade. In 1637, the castle was conquered by the Dutch, and then in 1872, by the British. Additions and modifications to the structure were made by all the occupants throughout the castle’s history, thus making it a repository of the various styles of colonial architecture. Today, Elmina Castle is a popular tourist destination in Ghana, and has been a part of the UNESCO World Heritage List since 1979.

Predjama Castle

Location: Inner Carniola, SloveniaStyle of Architecture: Gothic, Renaissance

Designed within the oral cavity of a collapse south-central Slovenia, the very first referrals of this adventure comes from a Thirteenth millennium In german source, which says that the Patriarchate of Aquileia built the framework. The very idea behind selecting a natural stone development to build a adventure may have been to limit its access in case of a aggressive situation. Compared with most other mansions on the globe, which are by and huge, free-standing components, this is an important example of rock-cut framework of the Rebirth period. One of the most frequented sites in Slovenia, the adventure was also examined in the 2008 show of Phantom Predators Worldwide, for records of supernatural action.

It is really lucky enough to know that a huge number of mansions and castles all over the globe are now available to the individuals, and many of them have now been turned into resorts, where individuals can actually stay and experience the actual joy of living where the royalty once resided. Plus, transforming such traditional components into resorts, museums, etc., also helps produce resources for their servicing.

This entry was posted in Travel News and tagged , , , , , , , . Bookmark the permalink.

Leave a Reply