Europe's most happily ever castle...
The Kings were long dead. The attackers are long gone. But these castles are stand still, to inspire awe, to take us back in time and trigger our romantic side. Among other continents, Europe has the best, grandest, most majestic castles scattered all over the place. Different architecture, different histories, but give us the same reaction, amaze. I was lucky enough to visit some of the most magnificent of all, and here is the winner:
8. Sintra, Lisbon
Lord Byron, the famous English poet called this place “The Glorius Eden”. This extraordinary yellow-fairy tale palaces have bewitched visitors for centuries. It’s a big sin if you come to Lisbon but not visit this place. It has long history, a mix of three different civilization, Moorish, Gothic and Manueline. If you love castles, you’ll love this place since there’s so many castles here. It’s a huge complex and will make you think how the hell they built this? It’s located on high hill and you will realize it when you take the bus to the top. You will need one day to visit all the castles here. Tips: There’s frequent train from Lisbon and take around 40 minutes.
8. Sintra, Lisbon
Lord Byron, the famous English poet called this place “The Glorius Eden”. This extraordinary yellow-fairy tale palaces have bewitched visitors for centuries. It’s a big sin if you come to Lisbon but not visit this place. It has long history, a mix of three different civilization, Moorish, Gothic and Manueline. If you love castles, you’ll love this place since there’s so many castles here. It’s a huge complex and will make you think how the hell they built this? It’s located on high hill and you will realize it when you take the bus to the top. You will need one day to visit all the castles here. Tips: There’s frequent train from Lisbon and take around 40 minutes.
7. Trakai Lithuania
Like Colloseum in Rome, or pickpockets in Paris, Trakai Castle is symbol of Lithuanian tourism. Located in the Galve lake, this Gothic style castle is the most impregnable castle in Eastern Europe; it was never captured by the enemies. Spend half day here and eat delicious pancake-like (I forget the name) for only 5 euro!
Tips: Trakai is 28 km away from Vilnius. Just take a hourly bus from Vilnius bus station. And remember to tell the driver if we arrived, because I was fallen asleep and when I wake up, I was one hour far.
Like Colloseum in Rome, or pickpockets in Paris, Trakai Castle is symbol of Lithuanian tourism. Located in the Galve lake, this Gothic style castle is the most impregnable castle in Eastern Europe; it was never captured by the enemies. Spend half day here and eat delicious pancake-like (I forget the name) for only 5 euro!
Tips: Trakai is 28 km away from Vilnius. Just take a hourly bus from Vilnius bus station. And remember to tell the driver if we arrived, because I was fallen asleep and when I wake up, I was one hour far.
6. Prague Castle
You're not allowed you did Eurotrip if you not visit this city. The castle sit gloriously above the city skyline you literally can see from anywhere. Hold the Guinness record as the largest castle complex in the world, this Roman and Gothic architecture need almost 9 centuries to built. And it is really gargantuan my mom can't stop saying "Oh my God". And the view of Charles Bridge from above, sip a coffee while the unforgivable too many hot girls will make you want to never leave this city.
Tips: Prague is amazingly cheap! I stayed in nice hotels including breakfast for, holy cow €6 only.
You're not allowed you did Eurotrip if you not visit this city. The castle sit gloriously above the city skyline you literally can see from anywhere. Hold the Guinness record as the largest castle complex in the world, this Roman and Gothic architecture need almost 9 centuries to built. And it is really gargantuan my mom can't stop saying "Oh my God". And the view of Charles Bridge from above, sip a coffee while the unforgivable too many hot girls will make you want to never leave this city.
Tips: Prague is amazingly cheap! I stayed in nice hotels including breakfast for, holy cow €6 only.
5. Alhambra, Granada
The Moor called this place "a pearl set in emerald". With many small fountains with huge garden full of roses, oranges, and myrtles, you will go back in time in the glorious era of Islamic civilization. Sophisticated ornaments, the perfect composition of red, blue and golden colors is the perfect evidence how Islam love the beauty. It's not as big, complicated like other European castle, in here it feels modest, down to earth and calm. You imagine Muslim scientists discussed, argue about religion and science.What a lovely place.
The Moor called this place "a pearl set in emerald". With many small fountains with huge garden full of roses, oranges, and myrtles, you will go back in time in the glorious era of Islamic civilization. Sophisticated ornaments, the perfect composition of red, blue and golden colors is the perfect evidence how Islam love the beauty. It's not as big, complicated like other European castle, in here it feels modest, down to earth and calm. You imagine Muslim scientists discussed, argue about religion and science.What a lovely place.
Tips: Do Andalusian Trip. If you interested about Islamic civilization, don't missfantastic La Mezquita in Cordoba with similar same ornament like in Mecca. Go to Seville and enjoy the wonderful Piazza de España. And don't miss Malaga as well.
4. St Michel, Normandy
Standing high above in the rocky islet in the midst of vast soft sandbank exposed to strong yours between Bretagne and Normandy. Dedicated to the archangel of Saint Michel, this second most visited place in France is definitely must see place. It feels you jumped to a time machine then go back to 15th century France. Mont Saint-Michel was originally an abbey and served as a popular destination for pilgrims, but now it’s a must visit place if you come to France.
Standing high above in the rocky islet in the midst of vast soft sandbank exposed to strong yours between Bretagne and Normandy. Dedicated to the archangel of Saint Michel, this second most visited place in France is definitely must see place. It feels you jumped to a time machine then go back to 15th century France. Mont Saint-Michel was originally an abbey and served as a popular destination for pilgrims, but now it’s a must visit place if you come to France.
Tips: Stay in Rennes, then you can take a bus to get there. Don't miss another cool fortress city in Saint Malo, one hour by bus from Rennes. And while you on Rennes, you have to try outs crepes. Bretagne crepe is famous for the most delicious crepes in whole France. And be careful when you visit the nearby islands next to the castle. Go back before yours come! My friends and I were shocking seeing the park we crossed 15 minutes ago now were gone.
Another must visit: Carcassone in southern France. Do you remember the movie Robin Hood? No, not the Russel Crowe sucks version. The classic one with Kevin Costner and God, with my all time favorite soundtrack “Everything I do” from Bryan Adams.
3. Bran and Peles Castle, Romania
The Dracula castle, full of myth and history. Located in "beyond the forest" region or the most mystical name evah Transylvania (no 'Murican, It's not in the US. Your is called Pennsylvania). Even the architecture will not drop your jaw, but the history is. Inside, you can learn the history of Vlad, a crazy nut asshole who love to impale his prisoner. You don't know what impale means? Do not Google it! I was there on winter last year, the sky is dark, and gloomy adding the mysterious aura of this place.
The Dracula castle, full of myth and history. Located in "beyond the forest" region or the most mystical name evah Transylvania (no 'Murican, It's not in the US. Your is called Pennsylvania). Even the architecture will not drop your jaw, but the history is. Inside, you can learn the history of Vlad, a crazy nut asshole who love to impale his prisoner. You don't know what impale means? Do not Google it! I was there on winter last year, the sky is dark, and gloomy adding the mysterious aura of this place.
Not far from Bran, this lovely country has another treasure, Peles Castle. Surrounded by the Carpathian mountains, Peles is the most beautiful castle in Romania and definitely one of the best in Europe. On the way to the castle, you'll pass wonderful citywhere children playing in the park and a beautiful cathedral. Too bad it was close when I were there.
Tips? Romania is not part of Schengen, but if you have European residence permit, you're allowed to stay maximum for five days. Stay in Brasov, nice city and ideally located to visit other areas, like Timisoara and Sighoasara (too bad I didn’t have time). After visit Bran, go south to visit Sinaia then continue to Bucharest. You think it's not safe? Bullshit! I don't get it why many travelers skip this country. It's cheap, nice people, and has many hidden gems waiting to be explored.
Tips? Romania is not part of Schengen, but if you have European residence permit, you're allowed to stay maximum for five days. Stay in Brasov, nice city and ideally located to visit other areas, like Timisoara and Sighoasara (too bad I didn’t have time). After visit Bran, go south to visit Sinaia then continue to Bucharest. You think it's not safe? Bullshit! I don't get it why many travelers skip this country. It's cheap, nice people, and has many hidden gems waiting to be explored.
2. Versailles, Paris
The grandest of all. It was built by Louis XIV who believing himself to be second only to God. The first time I realized French are crazy was when I visit this place. I've been here around hmmm... 16 times, but still the Hall of Glass keep impress me. But the real putain de merde is the garden. It's so gargantuan it’ll blow your mind the first time you saw it.
The grandest of all. It was built by Louis XIV who believing himself to be second only to God. The first time I realized French are crazy was when I visit this place. I've been here around hmmm... 16 times, but still the Hall of Glass keep impress me. But the real putain de merde is the garden. It's so gargantuan it’ll blow your mind the first time you saw it.
Tips: Take RER C direction Versailles Rive Gauche. It’s in zone 4 so make sure you buy the correct ticket. If it’s your lucky day when ticket inspector ask for your ticket, play dumb. Speak in Chinese even if you’re from Norway. The best excuse is someone help you when buying the ticket. And the entrance fee is quite expensive, so it’s better if you can borrow your friend's student card. If you’re Asian, don’t worry they see us all look same. But the garden is free. And avoid come early since there are tons of Chinese,.. I mean tourist. Better come around 12 and please bring your lunch. There’s only one small sandwich shop with awful taste but ridiculous price.
Another must see: France has beaucouuuuuuup beautiful castles. Around Paris, you can visit Fountainbleu and La Vicomte. I regret so much I didn’t visit Chateau de la Loire and in Tours. If you have time, visit both.
Another must see: France has beaucouuuuuuup beautiful castles. Around Paris, you can visit Fountainbleu and La Vicomte. I regret so much I didn’t visit Chateau de la Loire and in Tours. If you have time, visit both.
AND THE WINNER IS...
1. Neuschwenstein, Germany
1. Neuschwenstein, Germany
The real fairy tale castle even Disney logo, Cinderella, and La belle et Le bête wereinspired by this amazing castle. Located high above, surrounded by lake, this is the most photographed castle in the world. No other castle can match the sheer beauty of this 19th century masterpiece. How ironic that this castle was built for Ludwig “The Mad” king that stayed only several days before he die. Don’t miss Marienbrucke or small bridge with picturesque-unforgettable view of the castle.
Tips: Take a frequent train to Fussen, one hour from Munich. From there, you can take free shuttle bus, but I suggest you to rent a bike, only €10. The view is amazing. Just bike slowly, breathe clear air, and explore nearby town.
Another must visit: Schloss Sanssouci in Postdam; Heidelberg Castle; and Schloss Moritzburg. The second most beautiful is Hohenzollern, but I didn’t have time back then.
Tips: Take a frequent train to Fussen, one hour from Munich. From there, you can take free shuttle bus, but I suggest you to rent a bike, only €10. The view is amazing. Just bike slowly, breathe clear air, and explore nearby town.
Another must visit: Schloss Sanssouci in Postdam; Heidelberg Castle; and Schloss Moritzburg. The second most beautiful is Hohenzollern, but I didn’t have time back then.
So just get your ass from your small room, visit these castles and pretend you're Tyron Lannister for one day.
|
|
Comment Form is loading comments...