The 17 Most Beautiful Castles in the World

The most beautiful castles in the world have a romantic and magical air about them. They’re prominent features in fairytales and the backdrop for many movies. It’s hard not to imagine Prince Charmings and knights in shining armor while looking upon a castle.

They also represent a long history of the country they are in, often acting as elegant time machines with traditional architecture and furniture. Castles were interesting pieces of architecture, towering above the treeline and making themselves known, while also acting as a comfortable and elegant home and a strong defense.

Some castles haven’t stood up well to time, crumbling or losing a lot of their elegance. However, there are some castles worldwide that people have fixed up and protected with care. The 17 below will leave you breathless when you see them, whether you’re looking at them in a picture or in person.

Keep going through this article to see the 17 most magnificent castles in the world.

1. Novgorod Detinets, Russia

This castle was originally a pagan burial ground before a Cathedral was built on top.

2. Château de Chambord, France

This castle, first built in 1519, has more than 400 rooms and 80 staircases within it.

3. Castello Aragonese, Italy

It was captured several times by the Romans and Parthenopeans.

4. Edinburgh Castle, Scotland

Royalty seemingly has only used Edinburgh Castle since the 12th century.

5. Peleș Castle, Romania

It was first commissioned in the 1860s by King Carol I.

6. Schloss Vianden, Luxembourg

It wasn’t until 1990 that the castle was restored while remaining as authentic as possible.

7. Himeji Castle, Japan

This castle was protection against local shoguns and was first built in 1346.

8. Mont Saint-Michel, France

Many people would surge to this once-abbey during low tides.

9. Prague Castle, Czech Republic

Prague Castle has a history of serving those in power since the 9th century.

10. Ashford Castle, Ireland

Ashford Castle has undergone many changes but was first built in 1228.

11. Neuschwanstein, Germany

It was the inspiration for the castle inCinderella.

12. St. Michael’s Mount, England

St. Michael’s Mount was originally a priory and a fortress but now exists as a family home.

13. Predjama Castle, Slovenia

The first mention of Predjama Castle occurred in 1274.

14. Glamis Castle, Scotland

Despite being the home of the Earl of Strathmore and Kinghorne, this castle is open to the public.

15. Bodiam Castle, England

Based on the unique way it was built with no keep, it’s thought that the building was made primarily for display and secondly for defense.

16. Warwick Castle, England

It is now one of the most recognizable examples of 14th-century military architecture.

17. Corvin Castle, Romania

This castle is one of the largest in Europe and is one of the Seven Wonders of Romania.