If you didn’t already know, one of our favorite travel activities is finding the best castles in the world. Not only because of the stunning architecture, but also because castles can transport you to a faraway past or a fairytale land. Castles are also often surrounded by awe-inspiring scenery.
Whether it was built for solitude like Neuschwanstein Castle, or built as a fully fortified village like Ait Benhaddou or Mont St Michel, the views tend to be jaw-droppingly gorgeous!
Here we have gathered a list of nine of the best castles in the world to feed your wanderlust and inspire your future travel plans.
Let’s dive right in!
Peterhof Palace
Let’s talk about this brilliant masterpiece of a palace. I am sure you will be wowed, after all that is why it was built. Peter the Great planned to show off Russia’s opulence when he created the designs for Peterhof Palace. So, he built this monument right on the Southern shore of the Gulf of Finland!
He designed striking channel entrance so boats could come right up to the palace from the gulf. You can imagine his visitors were amazed!
Peterhof Palace’s construction started in 1714 and has continued to follow Peter the Great’s original design. He was very much inspired by the many places he saw throughout Europe, especially Versailles. But he really delivered on his goal. On our list of the 9 best castles in the world, this is by far one of my favorite palaces in the world because of the elegance of the Grand Palace, its beautiful exterior, and the incredible system of fountains. The latter is definitely one of its most amazing features; the gilded bronze statues and vases are nothing short of extraordinary.
This palace was occupied and destroyed by German soldiers during the Siege of Leningrad (old name of St Petersburg). Shortly after the occupation ended though, naval engineers partnered with proud local volunteers to begin its reconstruction. It was shortly renamed Petrodvorets in order to de-Germanize the name (Peterhof means Peter’s Courtyard in German), but this was only until 2009 when the original name was restored. In 1990, it was declared a UNESCO heritage Site as part of the Historic Centre of Saint Petersburg and Related Groups of Monuments.
Website: https://en.peterhofmuseum.ru/
Mont St. Michel
Seemingly impossible, this beauty is built right on top of a rock island. It is part of what makes it one of the most beautiful castles in the world. Mont St Michel is surrounded by flat land that is very affected by the tides. The island becomes completely surrounded by water during high tide, providing a great opportunity for incredible shots (and yes in-credi-ble as in almost impossible to believe!). Don’t worry if you visit during low tide, though. At this time, the land surrounding Mont St. Michel is uncovered and perfect for a stroll, so you can get different perspectives all around the island. However, it can be dangerous. We advise you visit the exterior with a tour guide.
Mont St. Michel is also home to a thrilling legend. As the story goes, the Archangel Michael appeared to the local bishop, Aubert of Avranches, in a dream. He asked him to build a church on this island. At first, the bishop ignored the request. So naturally, the Archangel came back a little exasperated and poked a hole through the bishop’s head. Needless to say, this was enough motivation! The skull with the hole is now on display at the church of Saint-Gervais in Avranches–in case you’re interested.
Another interesting tale about this fortified island comes hundreds of years later during the Hundred Year’s War. Despite repeated attacks, the English couldn’t conquer the island.
This resilience inspired the French to continue the fight, including the famous badass Joan of Arc! Make sure to visit the statue in her memory at the door of the St. Pierre church here in Mont St. Michel.
Quinta da Regaleira
Hidden amongst the lush greenery of Sintra’s hillsides stands one of the most beautiful palaces in the world. Quinta da Regaleira is a place of wonder and mystery. It was built between 1904-1910, making it the youngest on our list. The architecture is a mix of many styles, almost coming alive within the magnificent gardens that surround it. You can find emblems of secret societies among its intricate designs symbols.
It’s gardens are part of Quinta da Regaleira’s magic. You can get lost for hours among the grottoes, fountains and tunnels. Make sure to search for the initiation well hidden among the tunnels. If you’re thinking it sounds eerily like a rite of passage into a secret society, you’d be right! It symbolizes the initiation ceremony into the Knights of Templar. Set aside at least two hours for your visit. You can’t rush through this one.
Website: http://www.regaleira.pt/en
Neuschwanstein Castle
Imagine stepping right into the pages of a fairy tale. Princesses in faraway castles and fire-breathing dragons protecting the grounds are lost among the mountains covered in lush, green foliage. What you’re picturing likely resembles Neuschwanstein (minus the mythical creatures of course).
King Ludwig II wanted to live his days in peace, far away from crowds, with the mountains and trees for company. Naturally, it’s now one of the most breathtaking castles in the world. That means we get incredible views over the Bavarian Alps, and, even better, that the landscape change with the seasons. You can go multiple times and get a completely different vibe. It’s no wonder it is one of the most visited castles in the world.
Ksar Aït Benhaddou
Almost blending perfectly into the landscape, Aït Benhaddou is one of the most beautiful, popular, and well maintained ksars in Morocco.
The popularity can easily be explained. It is a perfect example of Berber earth architecture, and stands in an oasis right next to the Asif Ounila river surrounded by trees. If that wasn’t enough to move you, it sits at the foothill of the Atlas mountains, lending it a background right out of this world.
Despite being from the 17th century, it is very well maintained. Not impressed? Did we mention everything is made of red clay and wood! Deterioration can happen incredibly quickly. I was reading it can take as little as 20 years of neglect for these construction types to become ruins.
The houses are still in use by some families, though most people have moved across the river to more modern housing. Fun fact: It has been featured in many movies like Gladiator, the Mummy, and Babel. It’s also been on Game of Thrones.
Oh and if this wasn’t enough to convince you to visit this impressive castle, it has been a UNESCO Site since 1987.
La Alhambra
Next on our list of the nine best castles in the world is another one of our favorites. I’ve visited it three times already! Somehow, I still haven’t managed to see all of it. In a country as rich in UNESCO sites as Spain, La Alhambra stands as one of Spain’s most stunning and historical castles.
Originally a military fortress, La Alhambra watches over the maze-like streets of Granada, Spain. It isn’t just one of the most beautiful castles in Spain. La Alhambra is one of the top 10 examples of Islamic architecture in the world! “Wait, Islamic architecture in SPAIN?” That’s because the Moors, a nomadic Berber tribe from North Africa, occupied most of the Iberian peninsula for almost 800 years. Granada–and La Alhambra–was the last Moorish kingdom to fall, ending the Spanish Inquisition. By that point, the Moors had already left their mark all over Spain and Portugal’s modern culture.
Because it’s one of the most preserved castles in Spain, it offers a peek into the Moorish influence that spanned across the peninsula. Inside, you’ll find intricate walls, sweeping patios, and lush gardens. You’ll definitely enjoy getting lost in one of the most photogenic places I have ever visited. That’s why it made our list of the 9 must-do activities in Granada, Spain. Plan for at least a three-hour visit. Many people can even stay there half a day.
Website: https://tickets.alhambra-patronato.es/en/tickets-alhambra-general-2/
Peles Castle and Pelisor Palace
If you love castles, you have to put Romania on your bucket list. It is a treasure chest of castle magic. After hitting the highway full steam, we zipped into the pearl of the Carpathian mountains, aka the town of Sinaia. Here we found two of the most iconic castles in Romania. Peles Castle and Pelisor Palace sit surrounded by the jagged Carpathian Mountains and thick, green forests. If it sounds dreamy, it’s because it totally is!
Built for King Carol I, Peles Castle is considered one of the most beautiful castles in Europe! King Carol I later built Pelisor Palace, for his heir and nephew, King Ferdinand I, and his wife, Queen Maria. Because it acted as their year-round home, Queen Maria designed several of the rooms herself in art-nouveau style with Byzantine and Celtic elements.
Check out our tips and tricks to get the most out of your visit to this stunning castle complex.
Website: https://peles.ro/program-si-taxe/
The Fortified Church of Biertan
The Fortified church of Biertan has to be one of the most unique castles we have ever been to. I didn’t even know churches could BE castles, but here comes Romania having hundreds of them! (I did say Romania was the castle jackpot.)
Fortified churches are common near Biertan. They were used by the Saxons to protect villagers from Ottoman invaders. (The Ottomans in Romania are a whole thing best explained here).
What’s fascinating about this castle is that everything looks like it was frozen in the medieval ages. Inside you’ll see many of its original elements like 16th century painted pews, original tapestries, and original banners. It also houses the original altar, which is the largest in Transylvania!
Visit our Six Storybook-Worth Castles in Romania post to learn more about this unique castle.
Website: http://romaniatourism.com/castles-fortresses-romania-biertan-fortified-church.html
Wawel Castle
We’re going to end our list of the nine best castles in the world with a true gem. But first, POP QUIZ! Did you know the center of Krakow is one of the twelve original UNESCO Heritage Sites IN THE WORLD (mic drop). If that’s not enough to make you visit one of our favorite European cities, the Wawel Castle will definitely seal the deal. Its colorful mix of Romanesque, Renaissance and Gothic architecture adds a touch of magic to Krakow’s dreamy, cobble-stoned streets.
Dressed in legends of dragons and fire, Wawel Castle used to be the home of Polish Kings when Krakow was the Polish capital. Naturally, Wawel is one of the most important, beautiful and largest castles in Poland.
It’s impossible to miss during a visit to Krakow. The castle lies in the heart of its old town right on the banks of the Vistula River. It’s strategic location high up on Wawel Hill made it a perfect settlement so it’s believed the site can be traced back to tribes from 200,000 BC. The Wawel Castle has since been rebuilt and renovated many times because of fires, wars, and theft.
You can tour the colorful, eclectic grounds for free. However, you have to pay to visit the interior of the castle, the cathedral, and the dragon’s den.
Website: https://wawel.krakow.pl/en
