Darryl Wood
Have you ever thought about what stories old stone walls might tell if they could speak? Castles are more than just big houses; they’re pieces of history built from stone. They stand as reminders of the past, telling us about kings and queens, battles, and times when being chivalrous was important. Our trip to some of the world’s most enchanting castles is like stepping into a history book, but we actually get to see these stories come to life right in front of us. Let’s go back in time and discover what these 5 enchanting castles can tell us.
Neuschwanstein Castle
Neuschwanstein Castle, tucked away in the Bavarian Alps, looks like it’s straight out of a fairy tale. King Ludwig II of Bavaria started building it in 1869 because he loved the operas of Richard Wagner so much. The castle’s design shows Ludwig’s dreamy idea of a medieval knight’s fortress but adds a bit of fun and grandness to it.
When you visit this enchanted castle, it feels like stepping into a mix of history and fairy tale stories. Getting there is an adventure too.
From Munich, you can take a train to the cute town of Füssen, then hop on a short bus ride that goes up scenic mountain roads to the base of the castle. From there, you can choose to walk up or take a horse-drawn carriage right to the castle gates.
Inside, the castle is just as impressive, with beautiful murals and fancy decorations. King Ludwig II meant for it to be his own private hideaway, but he only ended up spending 11 nights there.
Now, it’s open for everyone to come and see. Visitors can walk through the rooms and enjoy stunning views of the nature around it.
Château de Chambord Castle
Château de Chambord is a huge and grand castle from the French Renaissance period, located in the Loire Valley of France. King Francis I had it built in the 1500s as a hunting lodge that was meant to impress everyone.
The design of the castle is credited to Domenico da Cortona, and it’s even said that Leonardo da Vinci might have helped plan it.
This château is the biggest in the Loire Valley, with an amazing 440 rooms, each one fancier than the next, and enough fireplaces for every day of the year.
One of the most special things about it is the double-helix staircase, a clever design that lets people go up and down without bumping into each other. The castle is also famous for its many chimneys and turrets that reach up into the sky.
To visit this enchanting castle, you can take a train from Paris to the town of Blois, which takes about an hour and a half.
From there, a short bus ride takes you right to the gates of the château. As you get closer, the huge size and detailed decorations of the castle become more and more impressive.
Edinburgh Castle
The next on our list of enchanting castles is Edinburgh Castle. It is a famous symbol of Scotland’s capital and sits on top of Castle Rock, a place where people have been active for at least 3,000 years.
The castle has been very important in Scottish history since the time of Malcolm III in the 11th century. It has been a home for royals, a military base, and even a prison. Because of its location, it was a great spot for defense, and it has survived many attacks over the years.
The castle looks like a mix of different time periods all woven together. The oldest part, St. Margaret’s Chapel was built in the early 12th century.
Visitors can see the Great Hall, finished in 1511 by James IV, and the Royal Palace, where Mary, Queen of Scots, had her son James VI. The castle also keeps the Honours of Scotland, which are the country’s crown jewels.
To get to Edinburgh Castle, you can stroll up the historic Royal Mile starting from the center of Edinburgh. Walking up this cobbled street is quite an adventure, with old shops and street performers along the way.
When you reach the top, the castle stands tall above, giving you a fantastic view of the city and further. It’s one of those enchanting castles where every stone seems to have a story, making history come alive right before your eyes.
Alhambra Castle
The Alhambra is a stunning example of Islamic architecture located in the heart of Andalusia, Spain. This palace was built in the 13th century by Muhammad I Ibn al-Ahmar, the founder of the Nasrid dynasty. It sits on Sabika hill, a spot that gives a great view over the city of Granada.
This enchanting castle includes a collection of palaces, courtyards, and gardens. It’s famous for its beautiful stucco work, detailed tile mosaics, and water features that symbolize life and wealth.
The biggest improvements and decorations happened in the 14th century under the rule of Yusuf I and Muhammad V, who made the Alhambra even more beautiful and grand.
After the Christian Reconquista, the Alhambra turned into the Royal Court of Ferdinand and Isabella. It was here that Christopher Columbus got the go-ahead for his famous voyage.
Despite suffering damage from wars and earthquakes over time, the Alhambra has been carefully fixed up and is now a UNESCO World Heritage Site, known for its design and history.
To visit this enchanting site, travelers can either fly directly to Granada or take a scenic train or bus from other major cities in Spain. Once in Granada, you can get to Alhambra by bus, taxi, or even by walking through the city’s historic streets.
Himeji Castle
Himeji Castle, also known as the “White Heron Castle” because of its elegant, white appearance, is a great example of traditional Japanese architecture. This enchanting castle was built in the 14th century and is both a National Treasure and a UNESCO World Heritage site.
Its brilliant white exterior and the graceful, complex design make it look like a heron about to take flight.
You can find this castle in the city of Himeji in Hyōgo Prefecture. It’s really well made, surviving many years without damage from wars or natural disasters.
The castle has over 80 buildings, all linked by winding paths that were designed to confuse any attackers. The main tower, or tenshukaku, has six stories and offers amazing views of the city and the countryside around it.
To get to Himeji Castle, you can take a train from big cities like Osaka or Kyoto. When you get off at Himeji Station, the castle is just a kilometer away down Otemae-dori street, leading straight to its grand main gate.
Walking towards the castle is part of the fun, as you see more of the castle as you get closer.
Inside the castle, you’ll find it just as impressive, with historical displays and old living spaces that show what life was like for a samurai lord and his followers.
The castle’s wooden architecture and smart defense features, like small windows for archers and gunners, are especially interesting.
Bottom Line
These 5 enchanting castles are more than just stone and mortar; they are gateways to stories of old, inviting us to learn and dream. They stand as proud reminders of our world’s rich and varied history, waiting for us to visit and discover their magic.
