PALÁCiO DA PENA, PORTUGAL
Perhaps the most whimsical castle in all of Europe, the Palácio da Pena is a patchwork of renovations and colors through the ages, combining into a Wonka-esque fortification. Originally a 15th-century monastery, the estate got a major overhaul in the 1800s from King Ferdinand II, updating the fortifications with German medieval, Oriental, Portuguese Manueline and other Romantic-style architecture( plus, eye-popping colors). Surrounding the castle itself are otherworldly regal grounds. Nearly 500 acres of enchanting forest— overflowing with cypress, magnolia, western cedarwoods and countless ferns— create a true fairytale feeling. The interiors match the vibe: intricately carved ceilings and walls adorn Queen Amelia’ s apartments, the reception room is a breathtaking all white and the combination Great Hall / Billiards Room houses a 72-candle chandelier and Ferdinand’ s immense collection of Japanese and Chinese porcelain. A stroll through this castle— both inside and out— makes for a magical day.
NEUSCHWANSTEiN CASTLE, GERMANY
As the source of inspiration for Disney’ s ever-iconic Cinderella Castle, Neuschwanstein Castle has an undeniable fairytale quality. Set atop a forest-covered hill in the Bavarian countryside on the very edge of the Alps, the castle is a masterpiece of 19th-century Romanesque Revival architecture, with the works of the composer Richard Wagner serving as the muse. While the exterior is enchanting, only 14 of the 65 rooms were ever finished and furnished. A tour of these ornate interiors( the king’ s bedroom, the Singer’ s Hall and the cave-like grotto) ultimately takes second place to the pleasant hike up to the castle itself.
The context of this castle is a bit of fascinating history. It was commissioned by“ the Fairytale King” Ludwig II, on the heels of losing the Austro-Prussian War, which forced Bavaria to accept an alliance with the new empire. Despite the issues affecting his country, the Mad King seemed singularly focused on building the most beautiful castles. This pet project of gaudy opulence ultimately bankrupted him; his parliament then had him deposed, arrested and declared insane in quick succession. With the context of history, this castle isn’ t just the postcard example of fairytale architecture, but a parable on where the power to rule ultimately derives from.
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