images : alamy ; getty
NATIONAL PALACE OF PENA , PORTUGAL Perched in the Sintra Hills , the National Palace of Pena was built as a monastery in the 12th century ; Ferdinand II , co-designed the palace we see today , completed in 1854 . It was a royal residence until 1910 and main points of interest now include the Manueline Cloister , gothic-style Great Hall , Triton ’ s Terrace and stunning gardens .
ALCÁZAR DE SEGOVIA , SPAIN Nestled in the countryside in the Castile and León region of central Spain , Alcázar de Segovia castle began life as a fort in the 12th century , although the majority of the structure was built in the 13th and 14th centuries by Moorish occupiers . The romantic turrets were added after a fire in 1862 .
CONWY CASTLE , UK This medieval fortress overlooks the town of Conwy , in north Wales , and offers views of Snowdonia . Built between 1283 and 1287 by King Edward I , spiral staircases lead to eight towers and there ’ s a circular walk around the battlements . Visit the well-preserved medieval royal apartments , the King ’ s Great Chamber and the chapel .
CHÂTEAU DE CHAMBORD , FRANCE This Renaissance chateau was completed in 1547 and is the largest of the Loire chateaus , with 440 rooms . It ’ s served as a royal palace , hunting lodge and museum and gallery . Highlights include the doublehelix staircase , more than 4,500 artworks , a horse and bird of prey show and formal gardens . top five fairytale castles in germany
NEUSCHWANSTEIN CASTLE
Built as a ‘ German knights ’ castle ’ by King Ludwig II , and completed in 1892 , this castle embodies medieval legends and traditions .
SABABURG CASTLE
In the forested Reinhardswald Nature Park lies the ruins of this ‘ Sleeping Beauty castle .’ Built in 1334 , today the gardens can be visited , while the interior is undergoing renovation .
GLÜCKSBURG CASTLE
Built in 1583 , this water castle is today a museum , with original furnishings , stucco ceilings and stunning tapestries .
WERNIGERODE CASTLE
This castle in the Harz Mountains started out as a medieval fortress in the 12th century . It retains its original gothic tower , spiral stone staircase and wooden carvings .
WARTBURG
Built in 1067 , this Romanesque castle partly inspired Wagner ’ s opera Tannhäuser . The 12thcentury Great Hall is well preserved , along with eight centuries of art .
winter 2022 // 19