Are you in love with stories about kings, queens, kingdoms, wars, revolts, revolutions and do you want to experience the magic, intrigue, mystery of the places where history happened? Then Europe is the best place to visit. There are so many castles in almost every country of the old continent that you need a lifetime to tour them all. Here is a list with the most intriguing European destination for history lovers:
Dracula (Bran) Castle in Brasov, ROMANIA
No need to tell Dracula’s story I guess. Everybody and his mother heard about this blood thirsty count who captured the imagination of so many over the last century after Bram Stoker made it known to the world as the most dangerous vampire in the history. But few know that the real Dracula’s name was Vlad the Impaler and although there is no proof that he did turn into a vampire after his death, he was indeed blood thirsty while alive. He fought the Turkey army many times to defend his people and he used to impale his enemies on the top of spikes and leave them to die slowly – a horrific death, indeed. However, in that Medieval time, cruelty was something quite normal among kings and princes, counts and dukes, I guess.
The construction of Bran Castle started on November, 1377 in Transylvania region and was finished in 1388, 40 years before Vlad Dracula was born, so chances are that he really lived or at least spend some nights in this castle. However, Sighisoara is the town where Vlad Dracula was born and you can actually visit his home for the first 5 years, for as little as 1£. I’ve been there one time and was quite scary, I wouldn’t go again. “Dracula” was laying down in an open coffin and when I entered the room he suddenly woke up and gave me one of his worst grimaces.
Schonbrunn Palace in Vienna, Austria
Sometimes referred to a Austrian Palace of Versailles, Schönbrunn Palace was the home of the famous Emperor Sisi, the Austrian counterpart to Lady Diana. Well, it wasn’t exactly a very lovely home for her, as she wasn’t truly happy here – and I can’t quite understand why. I mean, she had everything, a husband who was deeply in love with her, a castle as home, servants, good food (ORGANIC, I guess), horses, money – like a lot of them, jewels, nice dresses…
Some historians say she was upset that her mother-in-law and her aunt at the same time didn’t allow her to have a say in running the Palace. Wow, but that would have been a huge responsibility for a 16-year-old country girl.
The Schönbrunn Palace is magnificent, the very definition of a luxury life; one can only dream about what it would be like to live in such a place while exploring each room.
Louvre Museum and Palace of Versailles
If you decide to head to Paris, these two icons are not to be missed. Certainly the most visited art museum, Louvre Museum is hosted in Louvre Palace, right in the heart of Paris on the right side of Seine.
Initially build in the 12 century to protect French citizens from the British soldiers who had moved to Normandie, perhaps seeking refuge from the annoying and never ending British rain, a few hundred years later, in 1750, Louis XV agreed to show case some of the royal art collection there. It was later, during the French Revolution, that the Louvre Palace became the Louvre Museum. The grand opening happened on 10 August 1793, when the public was granted full access for the first time. The rest is history, as they say.
Now, to visit the Louvre Museum, you need a whole year – and I’m not exaggerating. So if you’re not planning to move to Paris for the next year, you must choose carefully what you want to see. The Monalisa is actually overrated and is usually over crowded there, it will easily eat up the whole day, just so you know.
Edinburgh Castle, the black pearl of Scotland
Scene of notorious royal births, legendary betrayals and some gruesome murders, Edinburgh castle is one of the most impressive castles in Scotland and beyond. A true iconic British landmark, Edinburgh Castle was built on top of the volcanic Castle Rock, overviewing the surrounding area.
Known as one of the most fought-over castles in United Kingdom, the castle still has a working military garrison today. Proof of this could be found in the one o’clock gun that helps ships keep track of the time.
Additionally, Edinburgh Castle hosts the Margaret Chapel, built up in 1130 by King David I of Scotland, to honor the memory of his mother, Queen Margaret, as well as The Great Hall of King James IV.
Cardiff Castle. South Wales
With a tumultuous history, this Victorian Gothic medieval Castle, once a Roman fort, should be on every history lover traveler. It is said that was commissioned by the very William the Conqueror to show off his power in South Wales. During its long history, the castle was home for many notorious personalities, including the infamous Hugh le Despenser the Younger rose.
Throughout the centuries, many high profile personalities were tortured, imprisoned and executed inside it’s cold walls. If you want to find out more about Cardiff Castle, you can read this:
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