Magnificent, noble, old: these castles are the most popular in Europe

Europe - If you like magnificent stately buildings from past centuries, you will get your money's worth in Saxony, the Moselle region or Burgenland - also in terms of density and variety.

But why not think outside the box? The travel portal loveholidays.com/en has compiled a ranking of the ten most popular castles and palaces in Europe, in which the relevant social media ratings were analyzed. Perhaps one of them is worth a detour on your next trip?

Edinburgh Castle

This time-honored castle towers high above the rooftops of the Scottish capital and is currently the most popular castle in Europe - over 750,000 five-star reviews on TripAdvisor and over 700,000 Instagram posts are unbeatable.

In the 14th century, the fortress became the royal castle of the Stuarts. Every day, at 1 pm sharp, a cannon is traditionally fired. In the past, this was how shipmasters set their chronometers. Today, it's a fun way to entertain tourists.

Info: edinburghcastle.scot

Edinburgh Castle
Edinburgh Castle  © privat

Hradcany

Prague Castle, which covers an area of almost seven hectares, is the largest ancient castle complex in the world and was home to Roman emperors - today it is the seat of the Czech president.

Visitors marvel at the many stately halls, St. Vitus Cathedral and the nation's crown jewels, stroll through lovingly landscaped gardens and are rewarded with a majestic view over the Vltava River to the Golden City.

Info: prag.de

Hradcany
Hradcany  © privat

Alhambra

The city castle in Grenada, Andalusia, is a fantastic mixture of medieval fortress and fairytale palace from "One Thousand and One Nights".

The architectural masterpiece was built when the Iberian peninsula was under Muslim rule. Gardens cooled by large trees, playful watercourses and magnificent inner courtyards invite you to linger.

Info: alhambra.org/en

The Alhambra city castle looks like a fairytale palace and invites you to linger.
The Alhambra city castle looks like a fairytale palace and invites you to linger.  © privat

Neuschwanstein

The kitschy inspiration for Disney's Cinderella Castle should of course not be missing from this ranking - hundreds of thousands of Asians in particular give the best social media ratings.

However, Bavaria's fairytale king Ludwig II not only had a penchant for romance, but also for modern technology. The functional interior was way ahead of its time.

Info: neuschwanstein.de

Neuschwanstein Castle is reminiscent of a Disney palace.
Neuschwanstein Castle is reminiscent of a Disney palace.  © privat

Schönbrunn

The palace only played a minor role in the old Sissi films - wrongly so. The magnificent summer residence of Emperor Franz II and his Elisabeth on the outskirts of Vienna is famous for its opulently decorated interiors, in which the treasures of the Habsburgs that have been collected over the centuries can also be admired.

A guided tour of the extensive palace park (with maze) is also worthwhile.

Info: schoenbrunn.at

A guided tour of Schönbrunn Palace Park is well worthwhile.
A guided tour of Schönbrunn Palace Park is well worthwhile.  © privat

Windsor

The weekend residence of the English royal family is considered to be the largest and oldest castle in the world that has been continuously inhabited. Its history dates back to 1078.

Visitors delight in the historic chambers of the various Kings and Queens or other state rooms and ceremonial rooms. The St. George's Chapel is also magnificent. The castle is located around 35 kilometers from London.

Info: windsorcastle.co.uk

Windsor Castle is located not far from London.
Windsor Castle is located not far from London.  © privat

Versailles

The Sun King Louis XIV's show-off palace near Paris is a symbol of France's splendor and extravagance. The extensive and imaginatively designed gardens alone are worth a visit.

You can also go rowing with the family in the castle park. But of course you also come here for the bombastic rooms - starting with the historic Hall of Mirrors.

Info: chateauversailles.fr

Versailles Palace in France is world-famous.
Versailles Palace in France is world-famous.  © privat

Pena National Palace

The Palacio Nacional da Pena in Sintra is located not far from Lisbon and is sometimes referred to as the "Palace of Tears or Sorrow". But don't let that put you off.

Canary yellow and bright red towers shine from afar - children especially love this. Inside, fine mosaics, elegant arches and white battlements catch the eye. And the 85-hectare park is home to many exotic plants and magnificent waterfalls.

Info: sintra-portugal.com

Pena National Palace.
Pena National Palace.  © privat

Buda Castle Palace

The Hungarians took it upon themselves to rebuild the castle, which was destroyed during the Second World War, according to the original plans.

It is not only the largest building in the country, but also the pride of the nation. The palace houses both the country's historical museum and the National Gallery. Fantastic view over the Danube and to Margaret Island.

Info: budacastlebudapest.com

Buda Castle Palace.
Buda Castle Palace.  © privat

Warwick Castle

And a third house from Great Britain makes it into the top 10. This fortress is named after William the Conqueror and is far more than just a knight's castle.

Of course, the architecture, the medieval interiors and the magnificent gardens alone are worth a visit. But older children can also experience knightly battles and aristocratic dances.

Info: warwick-castle.com

At Warwick Castle, knights' battles and aristocratic dances are also brought to life.
At Warwick Castle, knights' battles and aristocratic dances are also brought to life.  © privat

The small, subtle difference ...

Castles were first built in the Middle Ages, usually in an elevated position. In addition to serving as a residence, they were also a defensive structure. A fortress, on the other hand, was used exclusively for military purposes.

Castles (without fortifications!) came into fashion after the Middle Ages and were used by kings or the nobility as residences and places of representation.