Castles can be eerie or romantic and are always enveloped in myths and legends. In the Middle Ages, these stone structures served as fortresses, and later became residences for members of royal families. Today everyone can visit European castles to plunge into the atmosphere of the past centuries.
Spanish Alcazar
In the Spanish city of Segovia, a beautiful castle rises on a cliff. At one time, it was a royal residence, a city prison and a military college. In 1862 the castle was destroyed by fire, but it was rebuilt using sketches from the 15th century.
The Alcazar is a huge number of rooms in which you can see ancient tapestries, stained glass windows, golden ceilings, knightly armor, a rich collection of weapons. You can see the place where King Philip II got married in a small chapel. And gorgeous pictures can be taken if you climb the tower of Juan II.
Austrian Hohenwerfen
One of the most picturesque castles in Austria - Hohenwerfen is located 40 kilometers from Salzburg. The castle is located on a high cliff overlooking the Salzach valley. Its history dates back to the 11th century, over the past centuries, Hohenwerfen has been modified many times, destroyed by fire, rebuilt and reconstructed several times. On the territory of the castle there are museums, a tavern, a beautiful park where you can relax, an exposition of ancient weapons. You can get to the castle by cable car, admiring the views.
German Moritzburg
Today Moritzburg, located in Saxony, is a stately Baroque building, but in the 16th century it was a modest hunting lodge. Moritzburg became luxurious under Augustus the Strong in the 18th century. The decoration of the castle is striking: baroque furniture, rare porcelain, embossed leather wallpaper, sculptures, paintings by European masters, a huge collection of hunting trophies.
Czech Prague Castle
Prague Castle is included in the compulsory program of any tourist route in the capital of the Czech Republic. The current residence of the head of state has been changed for 500 years. Each ruler wanted to improve the Prague Castle, eventually turning it into a focus of architectural and historical monuments. You should definitely see the changing of the guard of honor, accompanied by fanfare and the sounds of the chased step of the guards.
