Are you fascinated by the grandeur of European palaces and castles? Are you curious to discover their historical past, in addition to what secrets and techniques they might be hiding behind these imposing partitions?
From France’s awe-inspiring Château de Versailles to Germany’s fairytale Neuschwanstein Fortress, Europe is dwelling to a number of the most beautiful architectural wonders. So pack your baggage and embark on a magical journey by means of time as we discover a number of the continent’s most lovely palaces and castles!
Fairytale European Palaces
If there may be one factor Europe has in abundance, it’s unimaginable structure. Whether or not you’re an avid traveler or a passionate structure buff, there are many lavish historic monuments to marvel at all through the continent.
These unimaginable palaces in Europe have totally different architectural kinds however all of them have excellent proportions in frequent. Some are actually museums, whereas others are nonetheless dwelling to heads of state.
Learn on as we discover a few of Europe’s most breathtaking architectural treasures, providing perception into their histories and beautiful aesthetics alongside the best way!
1. Buckingham Palace, UK
The London residence of King Charles III, Buckingham Palace is among the largest mansions on this planet. Situated on the finish of The Mall in Westminster, the palace has 775 rooms and a 39 acre backyard.
There are over 350 clocks and watches, and an enormous assortment of Sevres porcelain. The spotlight of a Buckingham Palace tour is the ornate Throne Room, used for official ceremonies.
Guests can even admire the 19 State Rooms, bronze Grand Staircase and work by Canaletto, Rembrandt and Rubens. Buckingham Palace is open for guests throughout Summertime, when the Queen just isn’t in residence.
This 12 months, Buckingham Palace opening dates are from 10 July to twenty-eight September. It’s finest to ebook your ticket prematurely as they promote out quick.
2. Charlottenburg Palace, Germany
Situated in Berlin, Charlottenburg Palace is a superb instance of Baroque structure. Relationship from the seventeenth century, Charlottenburg was constructed for Queen Sophia Charlotte, therefore the title.
The most important palace in Berlin, Charlottenburg was badly broken in WWII however has been properly restored since. Don’t miss the Nice Oak Gallery with its beautiful carvings, the Golden Gallery and the Amber Room, lined in actual amber.
The palace park encompasses a koi carp pond, Belvedere tea home and mausoleum to Queen Luise.
3. Chateau de Chambord, France
A masterpiece of French Renaissance structure, Chambord Fortress is located within the coronary heart of the Loire Valley. The world is understood for its focus of historic castles due to its strategic location alongside the Loire river.
Chambord is probably essentially the most spectacular of all these medieval castles. A UNESCO World Heritage Website, this well-known French landmark is the most important Loire Valley fort.
There are 426 rooms and over 80 staircases, with the well-known double helix staircase thought to have been designed by Leonardo da Vinci. Constructed as a looking lodge for King Francois I, the fort lay empty for almost 100 years after his passing.
At this time, the Château de Chambord is essentially the most visited fort within the Loire Valley. You’ll be able to simply mix it with a tour of close by Amboise and Chenonceau castles.
4. Drottningholm Palace, Sweden
The elegantly proportioned Drottingholm Palace is the personal dwelling of the Swedish royal household. Situated lower than half an hour away from Stockholm on the island of Lovon, this UNESCO World Heritage Website was constructed within the seventeenth century.
You’ll be able to attain the palace on a cruise alongside Lake Mälaren from Stockholm or by public transport.
Drottningholm was commissioned by Queen Hedvig Eleonora and constructed by the architect Nicodemus Tessin the Elder. One of many highlights of the palace is the Chinese language Pavilion, a birthday current from King Adolf Fredrik to Queen Lovisa Ulrika in 1753.
Drottningholms Palace Theater (Drottningholms Slottsteater) is essentially the most properly preserved eighteenth century theater in Europe. The unique stage equipment continues to be intact and used throughout common performances throughout Summertime.
Exterior, the Baroque backyard was designed by Nicodemus Tessin the Youthful. There’s additionally an English park with tree lined walkways and two ponds.
5. Fontainebleau Palace, France
The Palace and Park of Fontainebleau is among the most spectacular French vacationer sights. From the twelfth to the 14th century, Fontainebleau was dwelling to all of the French monarchs.
34 kings and a couple of emperors resided in Fontainebleau Fortress over time. The UNESCO World Heritage listed constructing combines Renaissance parts with Italian Mannerism and is exceptionally properly preserved.
Set in 130 hectares of lovely gardens and parkland, the Chateau de Fontainebleau additionally has luxurious interiors. From the elegant State Residences to the Baroque Trinity Chapel, there’s a lot to admire.
6. Hampton Courtroom Palace, UK
Set in 750 acres of parkland and 60 acres of gardens, Hampton Courtroom Palace has an enviable place overlooking the River Thames. A brief stroll from the city heart of East Moseley, Hampton Courtroom is understood for its Summer time flower present.
The previous dwelling of the notorious King Henry VIII and the Tudors was initially constructed by Cardinal Wolsey. Henry was so impressed with the palace that he took it for himself.
There are stated to be many ghosts haunting Hampton Courtroom, together with Jane Seymour, King Henry’s third spouse who died in childbirth. It’s possible you’ll not see any throughout your go to however hold an eye fixed out for the costumed actors bringing historic scenes to life.
Don’t miss The King’s Staircase, designed by Sir Christopher Wren or The Tudor Kitchens. Youngsters and adults will love the Maze in Hampton Courtroom Palace Royal Gardens.
7. Kadriorg Palace, Estonia
A comparatively small but elegant constructing, Kadriorg Palace is inside strolling distance of the middle of Tallinn, Estonia. The title kadriorg means Catherine’s valley, and the palace was constructed for Catherine I by Peter the Nice.
Relationship from 1718, the palace was designed by Italian architect Nicola Michetti. The principle corridor is among the finest examples of Baroque structure in Europe.
The palace homes the Kadriorg Artwork Museum, a group of Western European and Russian artworks.
8. Ludwigsburg Palace, Germany
One of many largest surviving Baroque buildings in Europe, Ludwigsburg is nicknamed the Versailles of Swabia. Situated on a lake in Ludwigsburg within the state of Baden-Wurttemberg, this palace blends three totally different architectural kinds.
Parts of Baroque, Neoclassicism and Rococo might be discovered all through the constructing. There are 452 rooms and 4 wings within the palace, which is about in 32 hectares of grounds.
One of many highlights of Ludwigsburg for households is Kinderreich, an interactive museum for kids. Youngsters may also love the Märchengarten, a fairy story backyard.
The Modemuseum additionally has an fascinating trend assortment from the 18th to the twentieth century. One other must-see is The Schlosstheater, one of many oldest theaters in Europe.
9. Palace of Versailles, France
The principle royal residence of France from 1682 to 1789, the Palace of Versailles is a masterpiece of Baroque structure. Initially a easy looking lodge for King Louis XIII, Versailles was remodeled by Louis XIV, often called the Solar King.
The frilly gardens have been designed by Andre le Notre, the famend French panorama artist. He created the Grand Canal, which is 1,500 meters lengthy and the Apollo and Latona Fountains.
In the course of the reign of Louis XVI, Marie Antoinette commissioned the architect Richard Mique to design a hamlet within the grounds of Versailles. The Hameau de La Reine or Queen’s Hamlet was a non-public assembly place for her and her shut associates.
After the French Revolution in 1789, a big portion of the palace’s furnishings have been offered to contribute in direction of the Revolutionary Wars. Now a UNESCO World Heritage Website, the Château de Versailles is visited by over 10 million individuals annually.
They arrive to marvel on the Corridor of Mirrors, a Baroque gallery with 357 mirrors! Ebook a skip the road audio tour of the chateau and gardens to profit from your go to.
10. Pena Palace, Portugal
Immediately recognizable for its distinctive architectural fashion, Pena Nationwide Palace is a well-liked vacationer vacation spot in Portugal. Situated within the prosperous city of Sintra near Lisbon, Palacio Nacional da Pena is seen from a protracted distance.
The palace was constructed on the second highest peak of the Serra da Sintra, at 480 meters excessive. Many castles and palaces have been constructed within the space, because the cooler local weather made a welcome refuge for the Portugese the Aristocracy from the Summertime warmth in Lisbon.
Pena Palace is a triumphant mixture of architectural kinds, from Neo-Gothic to Neo-Manueline and Romanesque Revival. In 1838, King Ferdinand II acquired a ruined monastery on this website and set about reworking it right into a palace.
Accomplished in 1854, Pena Palace is now a state museum, and is classed as a UNESCO World Heritage Website. The palace’s vibrant colours have been restored to their former glory, with vibrant hues of yellow and purple.
It’s a protracted hike from the middle of Sintra city to Pena Palace. We advocate taking a small group tour from Lisbon to Sintra and Cascais, so that you gained’t have to fret about parking or driving up the hills.
11. Peterhof Palace, Russia
The Peterhof Palace in St Petersburg is known as after Peter the Nice. Impressed by Versailles, this property is the previous Summer time residence of Russian the Aristocracy.
Round 45 minutes from the middle of St Petersburg, Peterhof overlooks the Gulf of Finland. This magnificent constructing is a primary instance of Petrine Baroque structure.
The Grand Palace was designed by Domenico Trezzini, whereas the ornate palace gardens have been created by Alexandre Le Blond. The Grand Cascade is a rare ensemble of 200 bronze statues and 64 totally different fountains.
Surprisingly, the Peterhof fountains function with out pumps. Water from pure springs is collected in reservoirs within the Higher Gardens.
To profit from this huge palace and gardens, why not ebook a personal tour and information. This 5 hour knowledgeable tour consists of skip-the-line entry and round-trip hydrofoil tickets.
12. Royal Palace of Brussels, Belgium
The principle office of the King of Belgium, the Royal Palace of Belgium might be visited freed from cost from 23 July to 25 August, other than on Mondays. Situated in entrance of Brussels Park, this Neoclassical constructing was designed for King Leopold II.
The Empire Room was the setting for concert events and ceremonies, whereas the Giant Gallery hosted dinners and receptions. The Mirror Room has partitions lined with copper and mirrors, in addition to a ceiling and chandeliers lined with beautiful jewelled beetles.
The Warandepark dates from 1776 and is a pleasing place to stroll, with an octagonal pond, Artwork Deco lamp posts and a bandstand.
13. Royal Palace of Caserta, Italy
The previous residence of the Kings of Naples, Caserta is the world’s largest royal palace by quantity. At greater than 2 million m3 Caserta is a formidable UNESCO World Heritage Website.
Designed by the architect Luigi Vanvitelli within the 18th century, Caserta Palace is an Italian Baroque masterpiece. From the imposing Courtroom Theater to the Palatine Library and Piano Reale, the inside may be very spectacular.
The gardens are unfold over 120 hectares and impressed by the Palace of Versailles. An English backyard designed by Carlo Vanvitelli options flowering vegetation, meadows and the Carolino Aqueduct, which carries water from Mount Taburno to the royal backyard fountains.
A number of motion pictures have been filmed at The Royal Palace of Caserta, together with Mission Not possible 3 and Star Wars 1 and a couple of. Ebook a guided tour to profit from your time at this lovely Italian palace.
14. Royal Palace of Madrid, Spain
Palacio Actual de Madrid is the most important functioning palace in Europe. Though the Spanish Royal household don’t dwell there, the constructing is used for state banquets and ceremonies.
There are 3,418 rooms unfold over 135,000 sq. meters. Situated on Calle de Bailen, the palace occupies the previous website of a ninth century Moorish alcazar.
The Altering The Guard ceremony takes place every Wednesday and Saturday. On the primary Wednesday of every month, the Solemn Altering The Guard ceremony is held.
Inside Palacio Actual, there are some lovely frescoes and work by Goya and Velazquez. Guests can even admire the world’s solely full Stradivarius string quintet within the Royal Chapel.
Thought-about to be one of the best preserved European palace kitchens, the Royal Kitchen has two coal-fired stoves. Take an early entry guided tour to see the palace earlier than public opening hours with an knowledgeable bilingual information.
15. Schonbrunn Palace, Austria
The previous Summer time residence of the Habsburg dynasty, Schönbrunn Palace is a superb instance of Rococo structure. Commissioned by Emperor Leopold I as a looking lodge for his son, Schonbrunn developed over time right into a 1,441 room palace.
The phrase Schonbrunn means lovely spring, and comes from the artesian properly found on the property. When he was simply six years previous, Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart carried out a live performance within the Corridor of Mirrors along with his sister for Empress Maria Theresa in 1762.
Schonbrunn Palace continues to advertise music, with concert events within the Orangery. That is the longest Baroque orangery on this planet, at 189 meters.
It’s a good suggestion to ebook a skip the road Schonbrunn tour to see this UNESCO World Heritage Website in one of the best ways.
16. The Alhambra, Spain
The title Alhambra means Pink Fortress and this former fortress in Granada, Spain takes on a reddish tinge within the early night mild. One of many best examples of Moorish structure in Spain, the Alhambra is a UNESCO World Heritage Website.
Constructed on a hilltop overlooking Granada, the Alhambra Palace was commissioned by King Mohammed ibn Yusuf Ben Nasr. He established the Nasrid kingdom within the thirteenth century.
The king and subsequently his son Muhammed V, created an ornate palace with a sequence of intricate rooms and courtyards. You enter by means of the sixteenth century Gate of Pomegranates, passing into the Nasrid Palaces.
The Courtroom of the Myrtles has a shocking pond on the centre. The inexperienced water is matched by the inexperienced myrtle bushes bordering the courtyard.
One other spotlight is the Alameda de la Alhambra park, planted with oranges, roses and English elm timber.
17. The Belvedere, Austria
There will not be one however two palaces at The Belvedere in Vienna, Austria. These baroque palaces date from the 18th century and have been constructed for Prince Eugene.
The Higher Belvedere has a shocking ceremonial staircase and marble corridor, whereas the Decrease Belvedere has an uncommon Corridor of Grotesques or Groteskensaal.
The 2 palaces share an beautiful panorama backyard, designed by Dominique Girard. The palace backyard is free to go to, nonetheless you’ll want a ticket to go to the inside of The Belvedere Palace.
18. The Prince’s Palace, Monaco
The seat of the Prince of Monaco, this former Genoese fortress was in-built 1191. Located on the Prime of the Rock in Monte-Carlo, the palace State Residences are open to the general public from April 2021.
The Princes Palace boasts a thirteenth century Carrera marble staircase, impressed by an identical one on the Chateau of Fontainebleau. The Hercule Gallery options frescoes of mythological figures and dates from the sixteenth century.
Exterior the palace, the altering of the guard takes place day by day at 11.55 am. Take a minute to admire the views of Monte Carlo harbour from the encircling terraces.
19. Warsaw Fortress, Poland
Though it’s formally known as the Royal Fortress. this imposing Warsaw constructing was the previous dwelling of many Polish the Aristocracy. It was destroyed in World Struggle II and has been fastidiously reconstructed between 1971 and 1984.
Inside Warsaw Fortress, highlights embody the Throne Room, Nice Meeting Corridor and the King’s Residences. Within the East Wing, you’ll discover the Gallery of Work, Sculpture and the Ornamental Arts, with two portraits by Rembrandt, in addition to the Canaletto Room.
The Royal Gardens have additionally been restored and boast engaging fountains and mazes. In the event you can, keep till evening falls to admire the fort illuminated after darkish.
20. Winter Palace, Russia
The previous residence of the Russian emperors, the Winter Palace is an impressive Elizabethan Baroque constructing. From 1732 to 1917, Russian tsars lived on the positioning of this palace.
The Winter Palace that you simply see at the moment in Saint Petersburg is the 4th model and homes the world well-known Hermitage Museum. There are over 1500 rooms and 1886 doorways within the palace.
Among the many architectural highlights are the opulent State Gala staircase with its baroque wooden carvings and the Nice Throne Room. As for the Hermitage museum collections, they embody over 3 million displays!
There are work by Leonardo da Vinci and Van Gogh and uncommon jewellery within the Gold Rooms. Don’t miss the Malachite Room, adorned with the beautiful inexperienced gemstone.
A skip the road tour is a should, there’s a lot to see that you simply don’t need to waste time queuing. The Hermitage additionally has a digital artwork tour on-line.
21. Windsor Fortress, UK
A royal residence of the Queen, this is among the finest locations to go to in Windsor. Relationship from the eleventh century, this medieval fort has been extensively transformed because the Center Ages. It’s now one in every of the most important castles on this planet.
Windsor Fortress is definitely the longest occupied palace in Europe, with royals residing there since Henry I. This was the popular dwelling of Queen Victoria and Prince Albert. There’s a commemmorative statue of Queen Victoria outdoors the fort.
22. Neuschwanstein Fortress, Germany
One of the well-known palaces in Europe, Neuschwanstein was commissioned by King Ludwig II of Bavaria within the nineteenth century. Supposed as a homage to the composer Richard Wagner, Neuschwanstein Palace stands on high of a hill above Hohenschwangau village.
Neuschwanstein has featured in lots of motion pictures, together with The Nice Escape, Chitty Chitty Bang Bang and The Monuments Males. It’s also the inspiration for Walt Disney’s Cinderella and Sleeping Magnificence castles.
23. Prague Fortress, Czech Republic
The most important historic fort advanced on this planet, Prague Fortress dominates the skyline of the Czech capital with its spectacular Gothic spires and Baroque facades. Relationship again to the ninth century, this UNESCO World Heritage Website spans almost 70,000 sq. meters and has served because the seat of Czech rulers for over a millennium.
Situated within the Hradčany district overlooking the Vltava River, Prague Fortress is definitely a posh of palaces, church buildings, courtyards and gardens. The centerpiece is the magnificent St. Vitus Cathedral, a Gothic masterpiece that took almost 600 years to finish.
The cathedral homes the Czech Crown Jewels and the tomb of St. Wenceslas, the patron saint of Bohemia. Throughout the fort grounds, guests can discover the Outdated Royal Palace with its spectacular Vladislav Corridor, that includes intricate late Gothic vaulting.
Don’t miss the charming Golden Lane, a row of tiny colourful homes constructed into the fort partitions the place fort guards as soon as lived. Franz Kafka famously labored in home quantity 22 between 1916 and 1917.
Prague Fortress stays the official residence of the President of the Czech Republic and welcomes over 2 million guests yearly, making it one of the visited castles on this planet.
24. Château de Chenonceau, France
Often called the “Girls’ Fortress” for the influential ladies who formed its future, Château de Chenonceau is among the most elegant and romantic castles in France’s Loire Valley. This Renaissance masterpiece is exclusive amongst European palaces because it spans the Cher River on a sequence of arches, creating the enchanting impact of a fort floating on water.
Inbuilt 1514 on the positioning of an previous mill, Chenonceau was gifted by King Henri II to his mistress Diane de Poitiers. After the king’s dying, his widow Catherine de Medici compelled Diane to trade it for Château Chaumont. Catherine expanded the fort by including the well-known gallery that extends throughout the river, creating the architectural marvel we see at the moment.
The fort’s most putting characteristic is the Grande Galerie, a 60-meter ballroom with checkered black and white marble flooring and 18 home windows providing views of the river on either side. Throughout World Struggle I, this magnificent gallery served as a hospital.
Diane de Poitiers created the geometric backyard on the east facet, whereas Catherine de Medici designed the extra elaborate backyard on the west. The fort additionally encompasses a distinctive wine cellar constructed into the foundations of the bridge.
At this time, Château de Chenonceau is essentially the most visited fort in France after Versailles, welcoming over 800,000 guests yearly. Its timeless magnificence and dramatic historical past make it a necessary cease on any Loire Valley fort tour.
25. Alcázar of Seville, Spain
A shocking instance of Mudéjar structure, the Alcázar of Seville is a royal palace advanced that superbly blends Islamic, Christian, and Renaissance inventive traditions. This UNESCO World Heritage Website is the oldest royal palace nonetheless in use in Europe, serving because the Seville residence of the Spanish Royal Household.
Initially constructed as a fort by the Almohads within the twelfth century, the Alcázar was extensively renovated by King Peter I of Castile within the 14th century. The palace showcases the distinctive Mudéjar architectural fashion, created by Muslim craftsmen working below Christian rule, leading to a rare fusion of Islamic geometric patterns, Christian symbolism, and later Renaissance parts.
The jewel of the Alcázar is the Patio de las Doncellas (Courtyard of the Maidens), surrounded by intricately carved arches and that includes a shocking rectangular reflecting pool. The Ambassador’s Corridor (Salón de Embajadores) boasts one of the spectacular domed ceilings in Spain, with golden star patterns and Arabic inscriptions making a mesmerizing show.
The palace gardens are equally magnificent, protecting 7 hectares with a labyrinth of pathways, fountains, and pavilions. Current years have introduced renewed consideration to the Alcázar due to its starring function because the Water Gardens of Dorne in HBO’s Recreation of Thrones sequence.
In Conclusion: Most Gorgeous European Palaces and Castles
These are a number of the most lovely European palaces and castles that may take your breath away. Seeing them in individual is an much more magical expertise. In the event you loved this text, remember to try our different European articles for extra journey inspiration.
Do you might have a favourite palace from this checklist? Are there any others that you’ve visited?
You may additionally get pleasure from:
Like these European palaces? Pin for later or share with associates.
On the lookout for extra journey hacks and ideas? From hidden gems to distinctive experiences, we’ve received you lined.
Be part of us on Fb, Instagram, Pinterest and Twitter.
