The Medieval Magazine Issue 113. CASTLE SPECIAL | Page 4

CASTLE SPECIAL EDITION
Summer is upon us, and so is travel high season in Europe. People are jetting off to
sightsee at some of the most popular medieval destinations, and in many cases, these
hot spots happen to be castles.
Castles have been a major tourist draw for centuries. In the seventeenth and
eighteenth century, young, wealthy travellers set off on “Grand Tours” across Europe, to
take in the culture and sights. Castles were a popular destination, and remain so some
three-hundred years later. We no longer do grand tours, but we certainly love visiting
these massive stone structures when we go abroad.
Sandra: I’m fortunate to live close to the Tower of London, a year-round tourist
magnet. It’s a marvel that this imposing stone structure has stood here for 940 years
and survived rebellions, fire, sieges, and wars. Now, it sits tucked away amidst shiny,
modern glass buildings, yet constantly reminding us of England’s storied medieval past.
Caroline: As someone who grew up in a place without castles or recorded history
spanning beyond the 19th century, exploring castles around Europe has become a
favorite pasttime. From Portugal, France, Spain and Italy, I have yet to find a castle that
hasn’t stolen my heart. As an art historian who is passionate about architecture, I have
always found that castles possess that special element which holds the intriguing key
to both history and artistic wonder.
In this special edition, we look at castles across Europe. We visit Sweden, Denmark,
Spain, the Czech Republic, Cyprus, and England. Planning your next European
adventure? Then you’ve come to the right place. Learn about early fortifications, their
genesis, the purpose of castles, and examine the history behind the structures that
have become synonymous with the Middle Ages.
Come explore with us!
~Sandra & Caroline