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Five of the Best: Castles
There are thousands of castles all over the world, some of which are open to the public at certain times, and some of which you can actually stay over in. These are five of our favorites, visit these places and if you concentrate hard enough, you will be carried off into an enchanted fairytale land. Malbork Castle, Poland
Malbork, the largest castle in the world. Photo Courtesy of Flickr: Arian Zwegers Located on what is now a World Heritage Site, Malbork Castle (in Malbork, Poland) has its origins in the Teutonic Order of Prussia, a Germany military order founded during the Third Crusade in the 12th century. Said to be the largest castle in the world and the biggest brick building in Europe, it was completed in 1406, and is a wonderful example of a medieval fortress. The castle walls enclose an area that is 52 acres, which is four times the area of Windsor Castle in Britain – in turn the largest inhabited castle, according to the Guinness Book of Records. Malbork Castle is open from 10 am until 4 pm from Monday to Sunday and a visit to the museum is also very worthwhile.
Prague Castle, Czech Republic
Prague Castle, the largest ancient castle in the world. Photo Courtesy of Flickr: Brad Hammonds Located in the Castle Quarter of Hradcany in Prague, this gorgeous castle, built in the 9th century, is the seat of the Czech president and the most important tourist attraction in Prague. It has been identified by the Guinness Book of Records as the largest ancient castle in the world. Its immense surface area is 18 acres. In addition to the old royal palace itself, you will find the incredible St. Vitus Cathedral at the centre of the castle, as well as St. George’s Basilica, a lovely old church with a colorful Baroque façade. Opening hours vary depending on the season and the part of the castle you want to visit. Osaka Castle, Japan
The 16th century Osaka Castle in Chuo-ku, Photo Courtesy of Flickr: Ethan Prater The Japanese Osaka Castle is built on two raised platforms and is surrounded by a beautiful moat that would befit any fairytale. The 15 area site that the Castle covers includes 13 structures that have been identified as “important cultural assets” by the Japanese government. They include several turrets and gates, a well, a storehouse and a gunpowder magazine. Eight stories high inside, and five on the outside, the castle has been attacked many times over the centuries – and badly damaged from time to time. In 1868 it was virtually destroyed by anti-imperial loyalists, but has subsequently been totally reconstructed and restored. The castle is open to visitors from 9 am until 4.30 pm every day. Sleeping Beauty Castle, Disneyland
The smallest of all the Sleeping Beauty Castles in Disneyland California, Photo by Loren Javier Disneyland’s Sleeping Beauty Castles were inspired largely by Neuschwanstein Castle near Füssen in southwest Bavaria, Germany, built by Ludwig II as a personal refuge in the early 19th century. Constructed at all the Disneyland sites – in California, Florida, Hong Kong and Paris – the Sleeping Beauty Castles are all considerably smaller than the original German version, but all are to scale. What little girl wouldn’t love to have this as their home? Alnwick Castle, Northumberland, United Kingdom
Alnwick Castle in Northumberland, Photo Courtesy of Flickr: Elizabeth Pottinger One of Britain’s most iconic castles, Alnwick Castle in Northumberland is still a family home, but you can visit it and you will be sure to feel a part of its history. This amazing castle was used for the Hogwarts scenes in the Harry Potter movies and it is open for contemporary experiences. The State Rooms are home to some fantastic private art collections, and you can dress up in medieval finery and play traditional games or even practice your skills as a knight. You might even get the opportunity to take your place on the Alnwick throne! Related links:
