The most beautiful castles in Europe to visit at least once in your life

Published on February 27, 2024 at 9:30 am

Over the centuries, sovereigns have built ever more breathtaking castles and palaces. Some of them are architectural feats, as in Portugal, where the National Palace of Pena leaves us dreaming. No two are alike, no two have the same history. These are monuments that absolutely must be preserved if we are to preserve a trace of Europe's history. Let yourself be conquered by these extraordinary buildings.

Palais national de Pena

Trakai Castle, Lithuania

This castle is a brilliant example of Gothic architecture. It is actually two castles: one on an island (the only castle in Eastern Europe to do so) and the other on the shore of Lake Galve. It was very important and was even one of the main centres of the Grand Duchy of Lithuania.

Château de Trakai, Lituanie

Manzanares el Real Castle, Spain

This impressive 15th-century building is one of the best preserved in the Madrid region. The castle was restored in 2005. During your visit, you'll find an art collection and a museum on Spanish castles. It also boasts magnificent views of Santillana and the Sierra de Guadarrama.

Château Manzanares El Real, Espagne

Hohenwerfen Castle, Austria

Hohenwerfen Castle, 900 years old, stands 155 metres above the Salzach valley in Austria. It is one of the best-preserved medieval fortifications in Europe. Over the years, the castle has seen many sieges, sovereigns and princes.

Château d'Hohenwerfen, Autriche

The Alhambra, Spain

The Alhambra takes its name from the red colour of its walls, which comes from the red clay mixed with the stones. Located in Granada in Andalusia, this palace is a major monument of Islamic architecture. It certainly boasts the most majestic medieval acropolis in the Mediterranean world. The fortress includes Nasrid Arab palaces, medieval towers and numerous gardens.

L'Alhambra, Espagne

Prague Castle, Czech Republic

Prague can be proud of its castle, which dates back to the 9th century. It has a rich history and today is a symbol of the battles fought to defend the city. It is also where the jewels of the Bohemian crown are kept. It is located on Opyš hill, overlooking Prague's old town, and can be seen from the lower part of the city, particularly the Charles Bridge over the Vltava.

Château de Prague, République Tchèque

Predjama Castle, Slovenia

Hidden in the hollow of a natural cave known as the Erasmus Cave lies the 900-year-old Predjama Castle. The castle was rebuilt twice after being destroyed first by war and then by a natural disaster. Today, it is a museum retracing the lives of medieval princes.

Château de Predjama

Pena National Palace, Portugal

King Ferdinand II commissioned the construction of the Pena Palace and Park in Sintra in 1840. The palace was built in such a way as to be visible throughout the park. Enjoy the forests around this magnificent palace and the beautiful gardens, home to over 500 different species of tree from all over the world.

Palais national de Pena

Kronborg Castle, Denmark

Not far from the Danish capital Copenhagen, in the coastal town of Elsinore, lies Kronborg Castle, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It is world-famous for Shakespeare's play Hamlet, for which it served as the inspiration. The play is performed here every summer. For many years, it was the largest Renaissance castle in Europe, and today it is still used as a royal residence.

Château de Kronborg

by Editorial Team