You may not have realized this, but the world is still full of stunning castles taken right out of fairy-tales, making me want to remodel my house with a wall and tower. While the odds of me doing that are rather small, I can go out and visit one of these incredible wonders. Needless to say, there are a lot of beautiful castles in the world, but these are my favorites:
Mont Saint Michel, France
This castle was built on an island just off Normandy's shore and served as a military stronghold, a prison, and an abbey over the years. One of France's most recognizable landmarks, Mont Saint-Michel and its bay are part of the UNESCO list of World Heritage Sites. With more than 3 million people visiting each year, it is one of France's most popular attractions.
Neuschwanstein Castle, Germany
This 19th century Castle was built as a personal refuge for the reclusive king Ludwig the Second of Bavaria, and opened to the paying public immediately after his death in 1886. Located in Southwest Germany, the castle sits on top of a cliff ridge with its many towers, ornamental turrets, gables, balconies, pinnacles and sculptures. It's no wonder that this magnificent place was a model for the Sleeping Beauty Castle in Disneyland.
Hohensalzburg Castle, Austria
One of the oldest and best-preserved castles in Europe, Hohensalzburg was built in the 11th century and expanded in the 14th century. With a length of 250 meters (820 ft) and a width of 150 meters (490 ft), it is also one of the largest medieval castles in Europe. The castle's interior is just as beautiful as the exterior, decorated with ancient furniture and paintings of vines and animals.
Conwy Castle, Wales, United Kingdom
Built by Edward the first during his conquest of Wales in the 13th century, this 8 tower castle is the most expensive building made during this English king's days. The castle has a rectangular design and is divided into an Inner and Outer Ward, with four 70-foot (21 m) tall towers on each side. Much of the stone from which the castle is made of was taken from the ridge beneath it, making it look like a natural part of the land
Kilkenny Castle, Ireland
This beautiful Irish castle was built in 1195 to control a fording-point of the River Nore and the junction of several nearby trade routes. Today the castle is a major tourist attraction, thanks to its wonderfully restored walls and surrounding ornamental gardens.
Prague Castle, Czech Republic
This is one of the largest and oldest castles in the world, and if you ask me, it's also the most stunning. The construction began in the ninth century and ended with the last major rebuilding in the second half of the 18th century. It is 570 meters (1870 ft) long, around 130 meters (425 ft) wide, and represents virtually every architectural style of the last millennium. Today it is used as the official residence and office for the President of the Czech Republic
Bodiam Castle, England
Bodiam Castle is a 14th-century moated castle in East Sussex, built in 1385. It has a rare design with no central keep and various chambers that were built around the outer defensive walls and inner courts. The area surrounding Bodiam Castle was adjusted and flattened when the castle was erected to increase its aesthetic appeal and make it stand out even more
Windsor Castle, England
Better known as Windsor Palace, this castle is notable for its long association with the British royal family and its beautiful architecture. Originally designed to protect Norman dominance around London's outskirts, it wasn't until the middle of the 13th century that Henry III built a luxurious royal palace within its grounds. The castle is well known for its picturesque beauty and a great sense of historical importance.
Miranda Castle, Belgium
This castle was built in 1866 by the English architect Milner under commission from the Liedekerke-Beaufort family, which left their previous home during the French Revolution. It has stood empty since 1991, and although the local municipality has offered to take it over, the family has refused. The enormous building is now (as of 2011) in a derelict state, so if you ever wanted to visit an abandoned castle, this is the place to go
Alcazar of Segovia, Spain
Shaped like the bow of a ship, this stone fortification rises out of a rocky crag above the confluence of the rivers Eresma and Clamores. The Alcázar was originally built as a fortress but since served as a royal palace, a state prison, a Royal Artillery College, and, most recently, a military academy. Despite the current use for it, the castle is still open to the many visitors who come each year to see this beautiful place
