Evoking legends, lore, and full-blown fantasy, castles possess a certain magic that draws in modern travelers. The soaring structures and bountiful gardens of royal dwellings allow us to revisit those worlds of our childhood bedtime stories.
Around the world, palaces and castles play a compelling role in telling the rich history of a region. Their fabled halls and sky-high towers reveal the triumphs (and tragedies) of their rulers. In addition, they provide in-depth architectural lessons thanks to their ornate and timeless designs.
From 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. Here, the 10 most beautiful castles in the world that will leave you full-heartedly believing in “happily ever after.”
Citadel of Qaitbay in Alexandria, Egypt
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Construction of this austere fortress on the Mediterranean Sea began in 1477 after Sultan Al-Ashraf Qaitbay learned of Ottoman troops advancing toward Alexandria. The castle plans were cleverly laid out on the ruins of the fallen Pharos Lighthouse, where workers could salvage pieces of the previous structure to build red granite columns in the mosque and entrance.
Eventually, the Ottoman Empire captured Egypt, but the Citadel still functioned as a military fort until the British bombardment of 1882. The imposing and stunning structure was left neglected on the harbor for nearly a century until the Egyptian Supreme Council of Antiquities stepped in to rebuild it to its original glory.
Since the revolution of 1952, the Citadel has functioned as a maritime museum, detailing the victories and losses of Egyptian naval troops.
Matsumoto Castle in Matsumoto, Japan
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The origins of Matsumoto Castle date back to 1504, when the Ogasawara clan started to build a fort to fend off other invaders. Only a few years after its completion, the powerful warlord Takeda Shingen captured the military fortification. As the castle switched hands throughout history, its design evolved into a tall, three-towered structure with inky black walls and roofs that earned it the nickname “the Crow Castle.”
Around 1872, the castle faced possible demolition after developers wanted to build newer buildings and housing complexes on the site. However, the residents of Matsumoto start a campaign to save the tower and, eventually, it was acquired by the city government.
Fast forward to today, the Matsumoto Castle has officially been named a national treasure of Japan and one of the last standing examples of daimyōs castles.
Bojnice Castle in Bojnice, Slovakia
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According to written records found at the Zobor Abbey, this Romanesque castle may have first been built as a wooden fort as early as 1113. Stone slowly began to replace the wood, and by the 12th century, the castle boasted Gothic and Renaissance elements.
While he may not be the first owner of the fortress, King Matthias Corvinus of Hungary and Croatia may have been one of the first to invest in its future. The ruler would often come to the small city to work on his decrees and dictate them under a linden tree on the grounds now bearing his name.
It seems construction never ceased, as owner after owner continued to renovate its exteriors or add rooms until the castle ultimately landed in the hands of Count János Ferenc Pálffy. Taken by the romantic castles of the Loire Valley, the ruler sought to re-create his own fairytale castle filled with his impeccable collection of antiques, tapestries, and artwork. With its enchanting appearance, Bojnice Castle has become one of the most visited castles in the world, with hundreds of thousands of guests exploring its hallowed halls each year.
Red Fort in Delhi, India
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Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan laid the foundation of the Red Fort, or Lal Qila, after moving the empire’s capital from Agra to the newly built city of Delhi. Behind the rather modest red sandstone façade lay an intricate web of inlaid-paneled halls and chambers mixing traditional Mughal style with elements of Persian, Timurid, and Hindu design.
The Red Fort remain the official seat of the Mughal empire until the Indian Rebellion of 1857, where countless precious gems housed within its walls were stolen and Bahadur Shah II was forced out of power. However, it would serve an important role in India gaining its independence from British rule, as it was the landmark where Jawaharlal Nehru, the first Prime Minister, would deliver his “Tryst with Destiny” speech.
Every year on India’s Independence Day, the current prime minister delivers a speech from the ramparts of the Red Fort, highlighting its national importance.
Frederiksborg Castle in Hillerød, Denmark
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Located on three small isles on the Castle Lake, the distinguished Frederiksborg Castle was built as a symbol of King Christian IV’s power as ruler of Denmark and Norway. The Renaissance castle was the official royal residence for more than 100 years before its original structure was destroyed in a fire in 1859.
With only the chapel and the audience chamber surviving the flames, a nationwide lottery and collection were held to raise funds to rebuild the palace. After the royal family decided that they would no longer stay at the castle, Frederiksborg reopened in 1878 as the Museum of National History.
Today, the world-renowned museum illustrates the history of Denmark through its impressive collection of portraits, historic paintings, and the interiors of the castle.
