


The ruler would often come to the small city to work on his decrees and dictate them under a linden tree on the grounds that now bears his name. While he might not have been the first owner of the fortress, King Matthias Corvinus of Hungary might have been one of the first to invest in its future. Stone slowly began to replace the wood, and by the 16th century, the Gothic castle boasted Renaissance elements. Below, the 20 most beautiful castles in the world that will leave you full-heartedly believing in “happily ever after.”Īccording to written records found at the Zobor Abbey, this Romanesque castle might have first been built as a wooden fort as early as 1113. Simply put, castles serve as palatial time machines allowing guests an extravagant glimpse into the past.įrom a Danish palace rebuilt after a devastating fire to a Japanese fortress that echoes the beauty of nature, these enchanting estates hold bountiful tales to fill up volumes of storybooks. And one cannot overlook the eclectic fabrics and furnishings preserved over centuries, which still can be found in many of the palaces' original meeting rooms. The tall turrets give in-depth architectural lessons on the ornate styles that reigned during that time and beyond. Their fabled halls give insight into the triumphs (and tragedies) of their rulers while the intricate frescoes and tiles decorating the grand banquet rooms honor the greatest artists of that time. Even more so, the world's royal residences play a compelling role in telling the rich history of a place, its people, and its craft. The soaring structures and bountiful gardens of royal dwellings allow us to revisit those worlds of our childhood bedtime stories. Evoking legends, lore, and full-blown fantasy, castles possess a certain magic that draws in modern travelers.
