
Surrounded by manicured formal gardens, Château de Chenonceau appears as though it’s elegantly floating over the reflective Cher River. Eventually, it made its way on to the UNESCO World Heritage List in 1979 and was restored to the prominent attraction it is today. After damage from British air raids during World War II and conflicts with Somalia and Sudan, the castle complex fell into disrepair for many years. Each ruler after Fasilides continued to enlarge the medieval-style fortress, but it was Fasilides’s grandson Emperor Iyasu the Great who filled the palace with the ivory sculptures and gem-encrusted ceilings often referenced in archival documents.įasil Ghebbi saw much damage throughout the centuries because of an earthquake and attacks by foreign troops.
#Many of the castles are no longer home to lords and ladies series
Situated on top of a high plateau, the castle complex consisted of living quarters for the royal family and a series of gardens, temples, libraries, and even a swimming pool. From its inception, Fasil Ghebbi stood as a symbol of change in Ethiopia. Previously, Ethiopian emperors would travel through the territories of the country, living off the food offered by locals and staying in tents. With its enchanting appearance, Bojnice Castle has become one of the most visited castles in central Europe, with thousands of guests exploring its hallowed halls each year.Įmperor Fasilides commanded the construction of the imposing fortress-city in 1636 after he broke from tradition and founded the new capital city of Gondar. Taken by the romantic castles of France's Loire Valley, the aristocrat sought to create his own fairy-tale castle filled with his impeccable collection of antiques, tapestries, and artwork. It seems construction never ceased, as owner after owner continued to renovate the exteriors or add rooms until the castle ultimately landed in the hands of Count Ján Pálfi. The ruler would often come to the small city to work on his decrees and dictate them under a linden tree on the grounds that now bears his name. While he might not have been the first owner of the fortress, King Matthias Corvinus of Hungary might have been one of the first to invest in its future. Stone slowly began to replace the wood, and by the 16th century, the Gothic castle boasted Renaissance elements. Below, the 20 most beautiful castles in the world that will leave you full-heartedly believing in “happily ever after.”Īccording to written records found at the Zobor Abbey, this Romanesque castle might have first been built as a wooden fort as early as 1113.

Simply put, castles serve as palatial time machines allowing guests an extravagant glimpse into the past.įrom a Danish palace rebuilt after a devastating fire to a Japanese fortress that echoes the beauty of nature, these enchanting estates hold bountiful tales to fill up volumes of storybooks. And one cannot overlook the eclectic fabrics and furnishings preserved over centuries, which still can be found in many of the palaces' original meeting rooms. The tall turrets give in-depth architectural lessons on the ornate styles that reigned during that time and beyond. Their fabled halls give insight into the triumphs (and tragedies) of their rulers while the intricate frescoes and tiles decorating the grand banquet rooms honor the greatest artists of that time. Even more so, the world's royal residences play a compelling role in telling the rich history of a place, its people, and its craft. The soaring structures and bountiful gardens of royal dwellings allow us to revisit those worlds of our childhood bedtime stories.

Evoking legends, lore, and full-blown fantasy, castles possess a certain magic that draws in modern travelers.
