As a tourist, the best way to experience and enjoy the architecture of a country is through churches, castles or palaces.

Here is a selection of the ten best castles in Europe.


Carcassonne, France

The castle of Carcassonne in France looks like something out of a fairy tale. Standing majestically on the top of a hill, the castle overlooks the beautiful Languedoc countryside and the Pyrenees in the distance.
The history of Carcassonne Castle dates back to Roman times. Parts of the fortress date back to the first century. The castle is located at a strategically important crossroads of two historic trade routes.
Today, over 3 million tourists visit Carcassonne every year. The outer wall of the castle stretches for 3 kilometres around a maze of medieval streets and museums. Over 50 towers rise above the fortress and overlook the river Aude.
Entry to the fortress is free, entry to the Chateau Comtal is €10 per person.

Chambord, France

The Loire Valley in France is famous for its castles, the Loire castles. The largest and most extraordinary of the Loire castles is Chateau Chambord.
It is one of the most extravagant buildings in all of Europe, a masterpiece of Renaissance architecture. Hundreds of towers, chimneys and columns rise from a 140-metre-long façade. At night, the façade is beautifully illuminated.
The central flight of stairs in the palace is said to have been designed by Da Vinci.

Almodovar, Spain

The castle in Almodovar stands in a strategic position about 22 km southeast of Cordoba, Spain at an altitude of 252 m on the hill Cerro de la Floresta. The castle covers a total area of over 5000 square metres. Even from a distance, the castle in Almodovar looks impressive.

The castle was originally built by the Arabs around 720 on the remains of a Roman settlement.

On a trip to Cordoba, Spain, the castle at Almodovar is certainly one of the highlights.

The castle is open to visitors every day, in winter between 11 and 14.30, in summer between 11 and 14.30 and 16 to 18. The entrance fee is €4 for adults.

Neuschwanstein, Bavaria

Neuschwanstein Castle in the Bavarian Alps is the most famous of the three castles built by Ludwig II in Bavaria. Construction of Neuschwanstein Castle was begun in 1869, but was not yet completed at the time of Ludwig II's death in 1886. Neuschwanstein is the castle of Cinderella, a true fairytale castle with its numerous towers and spectacular location.

Alcazar Segovia, Spain

The Alcazar in Segovia is a palace palace and is nestled in the walled city of Segovia, the capital of the province of Segovia. It is one of the most famous palaces in Spain, not only because of its beautiful architecture, but also because many Spanish kings resided here.

Construction of the castle began in the last quarter of the 11th century under King Alfonso VI.

Not only the palace in Segovia is worthwhile, but also the city of Segovia itself.

Prague Castle, Czech Republic

Prague Castle is one of the largest medieval castles in Europe. It is the main attraction of the city of Prague.

The construction of Prague Castle began in the 9th century and was replaced by a Romanesque castle in the 12th century. In the 14th century the castle was rebuilt in Gothic style.

The changing of the guard takes place every full hour at the castle gates, at 12.00 noon with fanfare.

Sao Jorge Lisbon, Portugal

Sao Jorge is the castle of the capital of Portugal, Lisbon. The castle is located on the highest hill of the historic city centre and is one of the main sights of Lisbon.

The first human fortifications were built on this hill in Lisbon as early as the 2nd century BC. The region was influenced by Celtic, Iberian, Roman and Moorish occupation.

Mont Saint Michel, Normandy, France

Mont Saint Michel is a rocky little island on the coast of Normandy in northwest France. On the island is an original Gothic cathedral that was later converted into a castle.

Leeds, England

Leeds Castle is located on two small islands in the River Len in the heart of Kent. The castle was home to kings and nobles for over 1000 years.
Leeds Castle is not only a museum, but also a social meeting place. Events regularly bring the castle to life.
Conferences and weddings can also be held here.

Leeds Castle opening hours: 10.30 to 16.00

Dracula Castle, Transylvania, Romania

Dracula's majestic castle stands in the Carpathians and is officially called Bran Castle. Originally, Bran Castle was built by Teutonic knights in 1212. At that time it was known as Dietrichstein.