Majestic Castles

Explore the architecture, history, and magic of the world's most beautiful fortresses.

Akershus Fortress

Akershus Fortress

📍 Oslo, Norway 📅 1299

A medieval castle and fortress that has protected Oslo for over 700 years. It has served as a royal residence, a prison, and remains a military area and seat of the Norwegian government's representation.

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Alcázar de Toledo

Alcázar de Toledo

📍 Toledo, Spain 📅 1531

A monumental stone fortification located in the highest part of Toledo. It has served as a Roman palace, a Visigothic fortress, and a royal residence for Charles V, symbolizing the military history of Spain.

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Alcázar of Segovia

Alcázar of Segovia

📍 Segovia, Spain 📅 1120

Rising out of a rocky crag like the prow of a ship, the Alcázar of Segovia is one of Spain's most distinctive castles and a key inspiration for Walt Disney's Cinderella Castle.

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Alnwick Castle

Alnwick Castle

📍 Alnwick, Northumberland, England 📅 1096

The second-largest inhabited castle in England, Alnwick is the ancestral home of the Percys and famously doubled as Hogwarts in the Harry Potter films.

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Aragonese Castle

Aragonese Castle

📍 Ischia, Italy 📅 474 BC (First fortress), 1441 (Current form)

Standing on a volcanic islet connected to Ischia by a stone bridge, the Aragonese Castle is a fortified city suspended between the sky and the sea.

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Arundel Castle

Arundel Castle

📍 Arundel, West Sussex, England 📅 1067

A restored medieval castle and stately home, seat of the Duke of Norfolk, featuring magnificent gardens and a rich history of English nobility.

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Ashford Castle

Ashford Castle

📍 Cong, County Mayo, Ireland 📅 1228

Once a medieval fortress, now one of the world's most luxurious hotels, Ashford Castle is a symbol of Irish hospitality and grandeur.

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Bamburgh Castle

Bamburgh Castle

📍 Bamburgh, Northumberland, England 📅 11th Century (Norman core)

The Royal Seat of the Kings of Northumbria, Bamburgh Castle is a massive coastal fortress that has stood guard over the North Sea for 1,400 years.

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Beaumaris Castle

Beaumaris Castle

📍 Anglesey, Wales 📅 1295

The unfinished masterpiece of King Edward I. Often called the 'most technically perfect castle in Britain' due to its 'walls within walls' concentric design.

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Belém Tower

Belém Tower

📍 Lisbon, Portugal 📅 1514-1519

A UNESCO World Heritage site, Belém Tower is an iconic symbol of the Age of Discovery, standing guard over the Tagus River.

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Blarney Castle

Blarney Castle

📍 Blarney, Cork, Ireland 📅 1446

Home of the world-famous Blarney Stone, this medieval stronghold offers visitors the 'gift of the gab' and a chance to explore magical gardens and ancient dungeons.

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Bodiam Castle

Bodiam Castle

📍 Robertsbridge, East Sussex, England 📅 1385

The quintessential picture-perfect moated castle, Bodiam Castle offers a glimpse into 14th-century medieval splendor and defensive ingenuity.

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Bojnice Castle

Bojnice Castle

📍 Bojnice, Slovakia 📅 12th Century (origins)

A romantic 'fairytale' castle with conical towers and a moat, Bojnice Castle is one of the most visited and filmed locations in Slovakia.

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Bran Castle

Bran Castle

📍 Bran, Romania 📅 1388

Perched on a dramatic rock in Transylvania, Bran Castle is famously known as 'Dracula's Castle,' though its real history involves Teutonic Knights and a beloved Queen.

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Buda Castle

Buda Castle

📍 Budapest, Hungary 📅 13th Century

The magnificent Buda Castle, perched on Castle Hill overlooking the Danube. This UNESCO World Heritage Site has been the seat of Hungarian kings for 700 years and offers stunning panoramic views of Budapest.

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Bunratty Castle

Bunratty Castle

📍 Bunratty, County Clare, Ireland 📅 1425

Famous for its medieval banquets, Bunratty Castle is the most complete and authentic medieval castle in Ireland.

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Burg Hohenwerfen

Burg Hohenwerfen

📍 Werfen, Austria 📅 1077

A dramatic rock castle surrounded by the Berchtesgaden Alps and the Tennengebirge mountain range. Famous for its falconry center and as a filming location for 'Where Eagles Dare', it is a quintessential Alpine fortress.

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Caernarfon Castle

Caernarfon Castle

📍 Caernarfon, Gwynedd, Wales 📅 1283

A UNESCO World Heritage site, Caernarfon is a brute of a fortress. Built by Edward I to subdue the Welsh, its polygonal towers and color-banded walls were inspired by the walls of Constantinople.

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Caerphilly Castle

Caerphilly Castle

📍 Caerphilly, Wales 📅 1268

The largest castle in Wales, Caerphilly is a masterpiece of military architecture featuring concentric defenses and a famous leaning tower.

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Cardiff Castle

Cardiff Castle

📍 Cardiff, Wales 📅 1081

A castle with 2,000 years of history, ranging from a Roman fort to a Norman keep and finally a Victorian Gothic fantasy palace created for the Marquess of Bute.

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Castel del Monte

Castel del Monte

📍 Andria, Apulia, Italy 📅 1240

A unique octagonal fortress built by Emperor Frederick II, Castel del Monte is a masterpiece of medieval architecture and a UNESCO World Heritage site.

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Castel Nuovo

Castel Nuovo

📍 Naples, Italy 📅 1279

Also known as Maschio Angioino, this imposing medieval castle dominates the Naples waterfront. Famous for its massive round towers and the Renaissance triumphal arch at its entrance.

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Castel Sant'Angelo

Castel Sant'Angelo

📍 Rome, Italy 📅 139 AD

Originally built as the Mausoleum of Hadrian, this cylindrical fortress on the banks of the Tiber has served as a prison, a fortress, and a papal residence.

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Castello di Sammezzano

Castello di Sammezzano

📍 Reggello, Italy 📅 1605

A hidden gem in Tuscany featuring incredible Moorish Revival architecture. Its kaleidoscope of colorful tiles, stucco patterns, and exotic interiors makes it one of the most visually stunning buildings in Italy.

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Castello Scaligero

Castello Scaligero

📍 Sirmione, Italy 📅 1360

A stunning water-fortress located at the entrance to the Sirmione peninsula on Lake Garda. Built by the Scaliger family of Verona, it is one of the best-preserved medieval castles in Italy.

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Castello Sforzesco

Castello Sforzesco

📍 Milan, Italy 📅 15th Century

A symbol of Milanese power and art, this massive red-brick fortress once housed the workshops of Leonardo da Vinci and Bramante.

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Castelo de São Jorge

Castelo de São Jorge

📍 Lisbon, Portugal 📅 1050

Perched on the highest hill of Lisbon, this Moorish castle offers the best views of the city. It played a crucial role in the history of Portugal, serving as a royal palace and military barracks.

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Castillo de Coca

Castillo de Coca

📍 Segovia, Spain 📅 1493

Considered one of the finest examples of Mudejar brickwork in Spain. This unique castle combines military strength with flamboyant decoration, featuring pink brick walls and intricate geometric patterns.

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Castle of the Moors

Castle of the Moors

📍 Sintra, Portugal 📅 8th-9th Century

Winding across the peaks of the Sintra Mountains, the Castle of the Moors offers breathtaking views and a glimpse into Portugal's Islamic past.

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Cēsis Castle

Cēsis Castle

📍 Cēsis, Latvia 📅 1209

The most impressive medieval castle ruins in Latvia. Once the headquarters of the Livonian Order, it is known for its romantic park, candlelight tours, and the tragic mass suicide of 1577.

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Český Krumlov Castle

Český Krumlov Castle

📍 Český Krumlov, Czech Republic 📅 1240

The second largest castle complex in the Czech Republic, Český Krumlov Castle is a UNESCO World Heritage site famous for its Baroque theatre and bear moat.

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Chapultepec Castle

Chapultepec Castle

📍 Mexico City, Mexico 📅 1785

The only royal castle in the Americas, Chapultepec Castle offers panoramic views of Mexico City and houses the National Museum of History.

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Château d'Amboise

Château d'Amboise

📍 Amboise, Indre-et-Loire, France 📅 1492

A royal château overlooking the Loire River, famous as the final resting place of Leonardo da Vinci and a cradle of the French Renaissance.

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Château d'Azay-le-Rideau

Château d'Azay-le-Rideau

📍 Azay-le-Rideau, France 📅 1518

A jewel of the French Renaissance, built on an island in the Indre river. Its reflection in the water and its delicate architecture make it one of the most romantic and photographed castles in the Loire Valley.

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Château d'Ussé

Château d'Ussé

📍 Rigny-Ussé, Centre-Val de Loire, France 📅 11th Century (origins), 15th-17th Century

With its forest of white stone turrets and spires, Château d'Ussé is said to have inspired Charles Perrault to write 'Sleeping Beauty'.

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Château de Chambord

Château de Chambord

📍 Loir-et-Cher, France 📅 1519

The largest château in the Loire Valley, a Renaissance masterpiece built for King Francis I. Famous for its double-helix staircase and vast hunting estate.

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Château de Chantilly

Château de Chantilly

📍 Chantilly, Oise, France 📅 19th Century (Rebuilt)

Home to the Musée Condé and the Great Stables, Château de Chantilly is a jewel of French heritage, floating on a vast artificial lake.

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Château de Chenonceau

Château de Chenonceau

📍 Chenonceaux, France 📅 1513

Known as the 'Ladies' Castle', Chenonceau spans the River Cher with its iconic gallery bridge and is famous for its unique architecture shaped by powerful women throughout history.

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Château de Cheverny

Château de Cheverny

📍 Cheverny, France 📅 1630

A masterpiece of classical French architecture in the Loire Valley, Château de Cheverny is renowned for its unchanged 17th-century facade, lavishly furnished interiors, and its legacy as the model for Captain Haddock's Marlinspike Hall in the Adventures of Tintin.

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Château de Fontainebleau

Château de Fontainebleau

📍 Fontainebleau, Île-de-France, France 📅 12th Century (origins), 16th Century (Renaissance)

A residence of French monarchs for eight centuries, Fontainebleau is a masterpiece of Renaissance architecture and Napoleon's favorite home.

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Château de Pierrefonds

Château de Pierrefonds

📍 Pierrefonds, France 📅 1393

A stunning example of defensive military architecture from the Middle Ages, heavily restored and reimagined by Viollet-le-Duc in the 19th century. It famously served as the setting for the BBC series 'Merlin' and showcases a romanticized vision of the medieval past.

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Château de Saumur

Château de Saumur

📍 Saumur, France 📅 962

A fairytale castle overlooking the Loire River. Famous for its octagonal towers and its depiction in the 'Très Riches Heures du Duc de Berry'.

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Château de Vaux-le-Vicomte

Château de Vaux-le-Vicomte

📍 Maincy, France 📅 1656

The Baroque masterpiece that inspired Versailles. Built by Nicolas Fouquet, its opulence was so grand that it provoked the jealousy of King Louis XIV, leading to Fouquet's imprisonment and the hiring of his architects to build the royal palace.

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Château de Villandry

Château de Villandry

📍 Villandry, Centre-Val de Loire, France 📅 1536

Famous worldwide for its magnificent Renaissance gardens, Villandry is the last of the great châteaux built on the banks of the Loire during the Renaissance.

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Château du Haut-Kœnigsbourg

Château du Haut-Kœnigsbourg

📍 Orschwiller, Alsace, France 📅 12th Century (Restored 1900-1908)

Perched 757 meters high on a rocky spur, this massive red sandstone fortress offers panoramic views of the Rhine plain and is a symbol of the German influence in Alsace.

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Château Frontenac

Château Frontenac

📍 Quebec City, Canada 📅 1893

Dominating the Skyline of Quebec City, the Château Frontenac is the most photographed hotel in the world, evoking the grandeur of French castles.

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Chillon Castle

Chillon Castle

📍 Veytaux, Switzerland 📅 12th Century (First written record 1150)

Switzerland's most visited historic monument, Chillon Castle sits on a rocky island on the shores of Lake Geneva, framed by the Alps.

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Cité de Carcassonne

Cité de Carcassonne

📍 Carcassonne, Occitanie, France 📅 1st Century (Roman), 13th Century (Medieval)

A massive fortified medieval city with double walls and 53 towers, Carcassonne is the ultimate storybook fortress brought to life.

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Conwy Castle

Conwy Castle

📍 Conwy, Wales 📅 1283

With its eight massive towers and intact medieval town walls, Conwy Castle is arguably the most impressive of Edward I's Welsh fortresses, offering a complete picture of medieval military might.

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Corvin Castle

Corvin Castle

📍 Hunedoara, Romania 📅 1446

One of the largest castles in Europe, Corvin Castle is a Gothic masterpiece with a drawbridge, high towers, and a reputation for being haunted.

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Culzean Castle

Culzean Castle

📍 Maybole, Scotland 📅 1792

A cliff-top masterpiece designed by Robert Adam. Overlooking the Firth of Clyde, it features a famous oval staircase, vast gardens, and a top-floor apartment given to General Eisenhower for his lifetime use.

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De Haar Castle

De Haar Castle

📍 Utrecht, Netherlands 📅 1892

The largest castle in the Netherlands, De Haar Castle is a neo-Gothic masterpiece built on the ruins of a medieval fortress. Famous for its fairy-tale turrets, lavish interiors, and extensive parklands, it was restored by the Rothschild family in the late 19th century to be a luxurious summer residence.

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Doune Castle

Doune Castle

📍 Doune, Scotland 📅 1390

A magnificent late 14th-century courtyard castle in Scotland, renowned for its striking 100ft gatehouse and its starring roles in Monty Python and the Holy Grail, Outlander, and Game of Thrones.

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Dover Castle

Dover Castle

📍 Dover, Kent, England 📅 11th Century

Known as the 'Key to England', Dover Castle has guarded the country's shores for nine centuries, from medieval knights to WWII commanders.

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Drottningholm Palace

Drottningholm Palace

📍 Drottningholm, Sweden 📅 1662

The private residence of the Swedish Royal Family, Drottningholm Palace is a magnificent 17th-century estate and a UNESCO World Heritage site, often called the 'Versailles of the North'.

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Dunnottar Castle

Dunnottar Castle

📍 Stonehaven, Scotland 📅 14th Century (Ruins)

Perched on a dramatic cliff edge overlooking the North Sea, Dunnottar Castle is one of Scotland's most evocative and photogenic ruins.

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Dunrobin Castle

Dunrobin Castle

📍 Golspie, Sutherland, Scotland 📅 1275 (origins), 1845 (remodel)

With its conical spires and perfectly manicured gardens, Dunrobin Castle looks more like a French château than a fortress in the Scottish Highlands.

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Edinburgh Castle

Edinburgh Castle

📍 Edinburgh, Scotland 📅 1103

Dominating the city skyline from atop an extinct volcano, Edinburgh Castle is the historic fortress of Scotland, home to the Crown Jewels and the Stone of Destiny.

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Egeskov Castle

Egeskov Castle

📍 Funen, Denmark 📅 1554

Europe's best-preserved Renaissance water castle. Built on a foundation of thousands of oak piles in the middle of a lake, it is famous for its award-winning gardens and vintage car museum.

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Eilean Donan Castle

Eilean Donan Castle

📍 Dornie, Scotland 📅 1220

Perhaps the most photographed castle in Scotland, Eilean Donan is a tidal island fortress instantly recognizable from films like 'Highlander' and offering stunning Highland scenery.

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Eltz Castle

Eltz Castle

📍 Wierschem, Germany 📅 12th Century

A fairytale medieval castle hidden in a forest, Burg Eltz is famous for having never been destroyed and remaining in the same family for 33 generations.

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Fénis Castle

Fénis Castle

📍 Fénis, Italy 📅 1340

A fairytale medieval castle in the Aosta Valley. Known for its double walls, many towers, and well-preserved frescoes by Giacomo Jaquerio.

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Frederiksborg Castle

Frederiksborg Castle

📍 Hillerød, Denmark 📅 1600-1620

The largest Renaissance castle in Scandinavia, Frederiksborg is situated on three islands in a lake and houses the Museum of National History.

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Glamis Castle

Glamis Castle

📍 Angus, Scotland 📅 14th Century

A legendary setting for Shakespeare's Macbeth and the childhood home of Queen Elizabeth The Queen Mother, Glamis Castle is steeped in history and folklore.

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Grandmaster's Palace

Grandmaster's Palace

📍 Valletta, Malta 📅 1571

The administrative center of Malta for almost 450 years. Originally built by the Knights of St. John, it now houses the Office of the President of Malta and a magnificent armoury.

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Gravensteen

Gravensteen

📍 Ghent, Belgium 📅 1180

The 'Castle of the Counts' is a remarkably well-preserved medieval fortress in the heart of Ghent. With its moat, high walls, and torture museum, it offers a gritty and authentic look at feudal power and justice.

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Gripsholm Castle

Gripsholm Castle

📍 Mariefred, Sweden 📅 1537

Located on the shores of Lake Mälaren, Gripsholm Castle is a Renaissance fortress known for its massive round towers and for housing the Swedish National Portrait Gallery.

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Guimarães Castle

Guimarães Castle

📍 Guimarães, Portugal 📅 10th Century

Regarded as the birthplace of the Portuguese nation, this medieval fortress is associated with the first King of Portugal, Afonso Henriques.

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Häme Castle

Häme Castle

📍 Hämeenlinna, Finland 📅 1260

One of Finland's three major medieval castles. Built of red brick, it has served as a fortress, a granary, and a prison, and is now a beautifully restored museum.

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Hampton Court Palace

Hampton Court Palace

📍 Richmond upon Thames, London, England 📅 1515

The magnificent Tudor palace of King Henry VIII, Hampton Court is a world of royal power, intrigue, and spectacular gardens.

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Harlech Castle

Harlech Castle

📍 Harlech, Wales 📅 1283

A spectacular fortress perched on a sheer rocky crag overlooking the Irish Sea. It played a key role in the wars of Owain Glyndŵr and the Wars of the Roses.

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Hearst Castle

Hearst Castle

📍 San Simeon, California, USA 📅 1919-1947

A hilltop estate of unimaginable opulence, Hearst Castle was the dream home of publishing tycoon William Randolph Hearst, designed by Julia Morgan.

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Heidelberg Castle

Heidelberg Castle

📍 Heidelberg, Germany 📅 13th Century (origins)

The romantic ruins of Heidelberg Castle overlook the old town and the Neckar River, standing as a majestic symbol of the German Romantic era.

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Herrenchiemsee New Palace

Herrenchiemsee New Palace

📍 Chiemsee, Germany 📅 1878

King Ludwig II's final and most expensive project, located on an island in Bavaria's largest lake.Modeled directly after the Palace of Versailles, it was intended as a 'Temple of Fame' for King Louis XIV of France.

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Hever Castle

Hever Castle

📍 Hever, Kent, England 📅 1270

The childhood home of Anne Boleyn, featuring a double-moated castle, award-winning gardens, and a rich Tudor history.

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Highclere Castle

Highclere Castle

📍 Newbury, Hampshire, England 📅 1842 (Current facade)

World-famous as the setting for 'Downton Abbey,' Highclere Castle is a masterpiece of Victorian architecture and the ancestral home of the Earls of Carnarvon.

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Himeji Castle

Himeji Castle

📍 Himeji, Japan 📅 1333

The 'White Heron Castle' is Japan's most spectacular and best-preserved samurai fortress, famous for its brilliant white exterior and complex defensive maze.

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Hluboká Castle

Hluboká Castle

📍 Hluboká nad Vltavou, Czech Republic 📅 13th Century (Rebuilt 1840-1871)

With its white walls and crenellated towers, Hluboká is often called the 'Czech Windsor' and is considered the most romantic castle in the country.

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Hohensalzburg Fortress

Hohensalzburg Fortress

📍 Salzburg, Austria 📅 1077

Dominating the Salzburg skyline, Hohensalzburg is one of the largest fully preserved medieval castles in Europe, offering panoramic views of the Alps.

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Hohenzollern Castle

Hohenzollern Castle

📍 Bisingen, Germany 📅 1867

The ancestral seat of the imperial House of Hohenzollern, this majestic hilltop castle offers panoramic views of the Swabian Alps and houses priceless Prussian royal treasures.

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Inveraray Castle

Inveraray Castle

📍 Inveraray, Scotland 📅 1743

The ancestral home of the Duke of Argyll, Inveraray Castle is a stunning blend of Baroque, Palladian, and Gothic architecture on the shores of Loch Fyne.

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Kalmar Castle

Kalmar Castle

📍 Kalmar, Sweden 📅 12th Century (Renaissance remodeling 16th C)

Known as the 'Key to the Kingdom,' Kalmar Castle is the best-preserved Renaissance castle in the Nordic region, playing a pivotal role in Scandinavian history.

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Karlsruhe Palace

Karlsruhe Palace

📍 Karlsruhe, Germany 📅 1715

The center of the 'Fan City'. A Baroque palace from which 32 streets radiate like the rays of the sun. Now home to the Badisches Landesmuseum.

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Karlštejn Castle

Karlštejn Castle

📍 Karlštejn, Czech Republic 📅 1348

Built by Emperor Charles IV to safeguard the Imperial Crown Jewels, Karlštejn is a majestic Gothic fortress just outside Prague.

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Kilchurn Castle

Kilchurn Castle

📍 Dalmally, Scotland 📅 1450

One of the most photographed castles in Scotland. A picturesque ruin sitting on a rocky peninsula at the head of Loch Awe, surrounded by mountains.

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Kilkenny Castle

Kilkenny Castle

📍 Kilkenny, County Kilkenny, Ireland 📅 1195

Standing dramatically over the River Nore, Kilkenny Castle has been the heart of the city for over 800 years and the ancestral home of the Butlers of Ormonde.

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Kronborg Castle

Kronborg Castle

📍 Helsingør, Denmark 📅 1574

Immortalized as Elsinore in Shakespeare's Hamlet, Kronborg is a Renaissance masterpiece that commanded the Baltic Sea and holds the sleeping legend of Holger Danske.

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Książ Castle

Książ Castle

📍 Wałbrzych, Poland 📅 1288

Known as the Pearl of Lower Silesia, Książ Castle is the third-largest castle in Poland, perched majestically on a rock cliff surrounded by the Pellincza River gorge.

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Kumamoto Castle

Kumamoto Castle

📍 Kumamoto, Japan 📅 1607

One of Japan's three premier castles. Known for its imposing black exterior and steep, curved stone walls designed to be impossible to climb, even for ninjas.

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Kylemore Abbey

Kylemore Abbey

📍 Connemara, County Galway, Ireland 📅 1868

A stunning neo-Gothic castle reflecting in a lake, Kylemore Abbey is a monument to love, tragedy, and spiritual devotion in the heart of Connemara.

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Läckö Castle

Läckö Castle

📍 Lidköping, Sweden 📅 1298

A fairytale Baroque castle rising from the shores of Lake Vänern. Known for its 248 rooms, its annual opera festival, and the tragic history of Magnus Gabriel De la Gardie.

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Leeds Castle

Leeds Castle

📍 Maidstone, Kent, England 📅 1119

Often called 'the loveliest castle in the world,' Leeds Castle rises majestically from a moat and has been a royal residence for six medieval queens.

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Lichtenstein Castle

Lichtenstein Castle

📍 Lichtenstein, Baden-Württemberg, Germany 📅 1840

Known as the 'Fairytale Castle of Württemberg,' Lichtenstein clings precariously to a cliff edge overlooking the Echaz Valley.

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Linderhof Palace

Linderhof Palace

📍 Ettal, Germany 📅 1886

The smallest of the three palaces built by King Ludwig II of Bavaria and the only one he lived to see completed. A rococo jewel box nestled in the Alps, it reflects the King's fascination with the 'Sun King' Louis XIV.

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Lindisfarne Castle

Lindisfarne Castle

📍 Holy Island, England 📅 1550

A 16th-century fortress perched on a volcanic mound on Holy Island. Accessible only at low tide, it was transformed into a holiday home by architect Edwin Lutyens in the early 1900s.

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Malbork Castle

Malbork Castle

📍 Malbork, Poland 📅 1274

The largest castle in the world by land area, Malbork Castle is a colossal brick Gothic fortress built by the Teutonic Knights.

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Marksburg Castle

Marksburg Castle

📍 Braubach, Germany 📅 1100

The only hill castle on the Middle Rhine that has never been destroyed. A UNESCO World Heritage site, it offers a rare and authentic glimpse into medieval fortification and daily life.

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Matsumoto Castle

Matsumoto Castle

📍 Nagano, Japan 📅 1594

Known as the 'Crow Castle' for its dramatic black exterior, Matsumoto is one of Japan's premier historic castles, featuring an original wooden keep and a unique moon-viewing wing.

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Mir Castle Complex

Mir Castle Complex

📍 Mir, Belarus 📅 1520

A UNESCO World Heritage site and an outstanding example of Central European castle architecture. Its blend of Gothic, Baroque, and Renaissance styles reflects the turbulent history of the region.

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Mirabell Palace

Mirabell Palace

📍 Salzburg, Austria 📅 1606

A Baroque masterpiece built by a Prince-Archbishop for his mistress. Famous for its pristine gardens, the Marble Hall, and its role in 'The Sound of Music'.

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Miramare Castle

Miramare Castle

📍 Trieste, Italy 📅 1860

A 19th-century castle on the Gulf of Trieste, built for Austrian Archduke Ferdinand Maximilian and his wife, Charlotte of Belgium, offering stunning sea views.

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Mont Saint-Michel

Mont Saint-Michel

📍 Normandy, France 📅 708

A gravity-defying medieval abbey perched on a rocky islet amidst powerful tides, Mont Saint-Michel is the 'Wonder of the Western World' and a UNESCO World Heritage site.

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Moritzburg Castle

Moritzburg Castle

📍 Moritzburg, Germany 📅 1542

A stunning Baroque water castle near Dresden. Famous for its four round towers, its vast collection of red deer antlers, and as a filming location for 'Three Wishes for Cinderella'.

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Moszna Castle

Moszna Castle

📍 Moszna, Poland 📅 17th Century (Current form 1896-1914)

With its 99 towers and spires, Moszna Castle is a whimsical blend of Baroque, Neo-Gothic, and Neo-Renaissance styles that looks like a movie set.

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Muiderslot

Muiderslot

📍 Muiden, Netherlands 📅 1280

The most famous medieval castle in the Netherlands. Built by Count Floris V, it later became the home of the 'Dutch Shakespeare', P.C. Hooft, and a center of the Golden Age.

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Neuschwanstein Castle

Neuschwanstein Castle

📍 Bavaria, Germany 📅 1869

Discover the ultimate fairytale fortress. Neuschwanstein Castle, King Ludwig II's masterpiece in Bavaria, inspired Disney's Sleeping Beauty castle.

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Niedzica Castle

Niedzica Castle

📍 Niedzica, Poland 📅 1325

Also known as Dunajec Castle, this gothic fortress stands on a limestone cliff above the Dunajec River. It is famous for its picturesque setting and the legend of a lost Inca treasure hidden within its walls.

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Nijō Castle

Nijō Castle

📍 Kyoto, Japan 📅 1603

A UNESCO World Heritage site built by the first Tokugawa Shogun. Famous for its 'nightingale floors' that chirp when walked upon to warn of intruders, and its stunning Kano school wall paintings.

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Olavinlinna

Olavinlinna

📍 Savonlinna, Finland 📅 1475

The northernmost medieval stone fortress still standing. Built on an island in the Kyrönsalmi strait, it is famous for hosting the annual Savonlinna Opera Festival.

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Orava Castle

Orava Castle

📍 Oravský Podzámok, Slovakia 📅 1241

Perched on a high rock overlooking the Orava River, this dramatic medieval castle is one of Slovakia's most beautiful fortresses and was a filming location for 'Nosferatu'.

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Örebro Castle

Örebro Castle

📍 Örebro, Sweden 📅 1260

An imposing stone castle on an island in the Svartån river, right in the city center. With its massive round towers and solid walls, it is the textbook definition of a stronghold.

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Osaka Castle

Osaka Castle

📍 Osaka, Japan 📅 1583

One of Japan's most famous landmarks, Osaka Castle played a major role in the unification of Japan during the sixteenth century.

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Palace of Versailles

Palace of Versailles

📍 Versailles, Île-de-France, France 📅 1631 (Hunting Lodge), 1660s (Palace)

The ultimate symbol of royal opulence, the Palace of Versailles is a massive complex of gilded halls, sprawling gardens, and historical grandeur.

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Palácio Nacional de Mafra

Palácio Nacional de Mafra

📍 Mafra, Portugal 📅 1717

A monumental Baroque complex comprising a palace, basilica, convent, and library. Built by King João V with gold from Brazil, it is a UNESCO World Heritage site.

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Palais des Papes

Palais des Papes

📍 Avignon, France 📅 1335

One of the largest and most important medieval Gothic buildings in Europe. This fortress-palace was the seat of Western Christianity during the 14th century and is a UNESCO World Heritage site representing the power of the Papacy.

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Peleș Castle

Peleș Castle

📍 Sinaia, Romania 📅 1873 (Started)

A masterpiece of German Neo-Renaissance architecture nestled in the Carpathian Mountains, Peleș Castle is often cited as one of the most stunning castles in Europe.

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Pembroke Castle

Pembroke Castle

📍 Pembroke, Wales 📅 1093

One of the most impressive Norman castles in South Wales. It is famous as the birthplace of King Henry VII, the founder of the Tudor dynasty, and for its massive cylindrical keep.

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Pena Palace

Pena Palace

📍 Sintra, Portugal 📅 1854

A kaleidoscope of colors rising from the misty Sintra mountains, Pena Palace is the ultimate expression of 19th-century Romanticism, blending fantasy, history, and nature.

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Pidhirtsi Castle

Pidhirtsi Castle

📍 Pidhirtsi, Ukraine 📅 1635

A Renaissance-Baroque fortress-palace, once considered one of the finest in Europe. Known as the 'Polish Versailles', it has a rich history of royalty, war, and ghosts.

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Prague Castle

Prague Castle

📍 Prague, Czechia 📅 880

The largest ancient castle complex in the world, Prague Castle is a city within a city, housing the Bohemian Crown Jewels and centuries of history.

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Predjama Castle

Predjama Castle

📍 Predjama, Slovenia 📅 1274

Listed in the Guinness Book of Records as the largest cave castle in the world, Predjama Castle is a dramatic fortress built directly into a 123-meter high cliff.

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Rasnov Citadel

Rasnov Citadel

📍 Rasnov, Romania 📅 1211

A massive peasant fortress built by the Teutonic Knights and expanded by the local Saxon community. Unlike noble castles, it was designed as a refuge for the entire village during invasions, containing houses, a school, and a chapel.

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Reichsburg Cochem

Reichsburg Cochem

📍 Cochem, Rhineland-Palatinate, Germany 📅 11th Century (Rebuilt 1868)

Standing sentinel over the Moselle River, Reichsburg Cochem is a stunning Imperial castle surrounded by vineyards.

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Rock of Cashel

Rock of Cashel

📍 Cashel, County Tipperary, Ireland 📅 12th Century

A spectacular group of medieval buildings set on an outcrop of limestone, the Rock of Cashel is one of Ireland's most iconic historic sites.

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Rosenborg Castle

Rosenborg Castle

📍 Copenhagen, Denmark 📅 1606

A Dutch Renaissance castle in the heart of Copenhagen, Rosenborg was built by Christian IV and houses the Danish Crown Jewels and Royal Regalia.

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Royal Château de Blois

Royal Château de Blois

📍 Blois, France 📅 1214

The Royal Château de Blois is a unique architectural panorama of the Loire Valley, combining Gothic, Flamboyant, Renaissance, and Classical styles around a single courtyard. Home to 7 kings and 10 queens, it is a site of immense historical drama.

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Royal Palace of Madrid

Royal Palace of Madrid

📍 Madrid, Spain 📅 1735-1764

The official residence of the Spanish royal family, the Royal Palace is the largest functioning royal palace in Europe by floor area.

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Rundāle Palace

Rundāle Palace

📍 Pilsrundāle, Latvia 📅 1736

The 'Versailles of the Baltics'. A magnificent Baroque and Rococo masterpiece built by Francesco Rastrelli for the Duke of Courland.

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Schloss Drachenburg

Schloss Drachenburg

📍 Königswinter, Germany 📅 1882

Perched halfway up the legendary Drachenfels hill overlooking the Rhine, Schloss Drachenburg is a romantic masterpiece of late 19th-century historicism. Often mistaken for a medieval fortress, it was actually built as a private villa, embodying the 'Rhine Romanticism' era.

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Schloss Mespelbrunn

Schloss Mespelbrunn

📍 Mespelbrunn, Germany 📅 1412

A hidden gem in the Spessart forest. This romantic moated castle survived the wars of history by being tucked away in a quiet valley. Famous for the film 'The Inn in the Spessart'.

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Schönbrunn Palace

Schönbrunn Palace

📍 Vienna, Austria 📅 1700s (Current Baroque form)

The former imperial summer residence of the Habsburgs, Schönbrunn is a baroque masterpiece with 1,441 rooms and stunning gardens.

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Schwerin Castle

Schwerin Castle

📍 Schwerin, Mecklenburg-Vorpommern, Germany 📅 1857 (Current form)

Set on an island in Lake Schwerin, this romantic palace with 653 rooms is known as the 'Neuschwanstein of the North.'

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Slane Castle

Slane Castle

📍 Slane, Ireland 📅 1785

A striking castle in the Boyne Valley, famous for its rock concerts. It has hosted legends like U2, The Rolling Stones, and Queen on its natural amphitheater grounds.

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Spiš Castle

Spiš Castle

📍 Žehra, Slovakia 📅 12th Century

One of the largest castle complexes in Central Europe, the sprawling white ruins of Spiš Castle dominate the surrounding countryside.

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St Michael's Mount

St Michael's Mount

📍 Marazion, Cornwall, England 📅 12th Century

A tidal island castle that mirrors its French counterpart, St Michael's Mount is a picturesque blend of medieval church, fortress, and family home.

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Stirling Castle

Stirling Castle

📍 Stirling, Scotland 📅 1110

Perched on a volcanic crag, Stirling Castle is one of Scotland's grandest and most important fortresses, a favored residence of the Stuart monarchs and the site of Mary, Queen of Scots' coronation.

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Swallow's Nest

Swallow's Nest

📍 Gaspra, Crimea 📅 1912

A decorative Neo-Gothic castle perched precariously on the edge of the Aurora Cliff. It is the iconic symbol of the Crimean coastline.

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The Alhambra

The Alhambra

📍 Granada, Spain 📅 1238

The pearl of Al-Andalus, the Alhambra is a breathtaking palace-city that blends Islamic geometric perfection with lush gardens and flowing water, standing as a testament to the sophistication of Moorish Spain.

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Tintagel Castle

Tintagel Castle

📍 Tintagel, Cornwall, England 📅 1233 (Current ruins)

Perched on the rugged Cornish cliffs, Tintagel Castle is inextricably linked to the legend of King Arthur and the Knights of the Round Table.

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Topkapi Palace

Topkapi Palace

📍 Istanbul, Turkey 📅 1459

The opulent residence of the Ottoman Sultans for nearly 400 years. A sprawling complex of courtyards, pavilions, and holy relics that offers a glimpse into the heart of the Ottoman Empire.

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Tower of London

Tower of London

📍 London, England 📅 1078

Her Majesty's Royal Palace and Fortress, the Tower of London is a historic castle on the north bank of the River Thames. It has served as a royal palace, a notorious prison, an armory, and the home of the Crown Jewels.

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Trakai Island Castle

Trakai Island Castle

📍 Trakai, Lithuania 📅 14th Century

A unique red brick castle built on an island in Lake Galvė, Trakai is a symbol of Lithuanian statehood and medieval power.

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Trim Castle

Trim Castle

📍 Trim, County Meath, Ireland 📅 1172

The largest Anglo-Norman castle in Ireland, Trim Castle gained worldwide fame as a primary filming location for the movie 'Braveheart'.

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Turku Castle

Turku Castle

📍 Turku, Finland 📅 1280

One of the oldest buildings in Finland. This massive medieval castle has stood guard over the mouth of the Aura River for over 700 years, evolving from a military fortress into a lavish renaissance palace.

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Urquhart Castle

Urquhart Castle

📍 Drumnadrochit, Inverness, Scotland 📅 1230

One of Scotland's most iconic ruins, perched on the banks of Loch Ness, offering over 1,000 years of dramatic history and monster legends.

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Vianden Castle

Vianden Castle

📍 Vianden, Luxembourg 📅 1000

One of the largest and most beautiful feudal residences of the Romanesque and Gothic periods in Europe. It sits majestically on a rocky promontory overlooking the Our River.

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Wartburg Castle

Wartburg Castle

📍 Eisenach, Thuringia, Germany 📅 1067

A UNESCO World Heritage site of immense cultural significance, Wartburg Castle is where Martin Luther translated the New Testament into German.

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Warwick Castle

Warwick Castle

📍 Warwick, Warwickshire, England 📅 1068

One of the most famous medieval castles in England, Warwick Castle offers a thousand years of history, from William the Conqueror to the Earls of Warwick.

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Wawel Royal Castle

Wawel Royal Castle

📍 Kraków, Poland 📅 14th Century

A symbol of Polish statehood, this architectural complex atop Wawel Hill comprises a royal castle and a cathedral, showcasing a blend of Romanesque, Gothic, Renaissance, and Baroque styles.

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Windsor Castle

Windsor Castle

📍 Windsor, England 📅 1070

The oldest and largest occupied castle in the world, Windsor Castle has been the family home of British Kings and Queens for almost 1,000 years.

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