Castles
A castle (from Latin castellum) is a type of fortified structure built in Europe and the Middle East during the Middle Ages by nobility. Scholars debate the scope of the word castle, but usually consider it to be the private fortified residence of a lord or noble. This is distinct from a palace, which is not fortified; from a fortress, which was not always a residence for nobility; and from a fortified settlement, which was a public defence.
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Chateau de la Hunaudaye in France's Brittany was built in the early 13th century.
Some 100 years later it was destroyed during the War of the Breton Succession. It gradually evolved till the French Revolution - the chateau was suspected of being a potential Chouan (counter-revolution) stronghold and was burned to ashes. This was the end for the castle - the ruins served as a perfect source of building materials, basically as a quarry. Lawrence of Arabia was among the few people who loved to visit the picturesque ruins in the 20th century. When the ruins because too dangerous to walks the authorities sealed off the area. In 1977 local castle enthusiasts set up an association entrusted with conserving and rescuing the chateau.
Château de Biron is an ancient and magnificent castle located in the Nouvelle-Aquitaine region of France. Its history dates back to the 12th century, and it remained under the possession of the Biron family for centuries. The castle is a unique blend of Gothic, Renaissance, and Baroque architectural styles, which makes its art and architecture even more special. It is situated on a hill, offering a breathtaking view of the surrounding landscapes. Today, Château de Biron is a popular tourist destination and a center of attraction for history and culture enthusiasts.
The Castle of Óbidos, Portugal: A Timeless Fortress of History and Charm
Nestled in the heart of Portugal, the Castle of Óbidos stands as a testament to the country's rich medieval history and architectural splendor. This enchanting fortress, located in the picturesque town of Óbidos, offers a captivating glimpse into the past while providing a serene and picturesque setting that continues to attract visitors from around the world.
The Château de La Roche🏰🌷
The Château de La Roche is a castle situated in the commune of Saint-Priest-la-Roche in the Loire département of France, 20 km from Roanne. The castle stands on an island in the lake formed by the Villerest dam. The earliest written records of the castle date from 1260. It was built on a rocky platform overlooking the Loire river from a height of 30 metres. The fortress allowed a watch to be kept and tolls to be collected for the County of Forez border. 🏰🍁🍂🍁🏰🍁🍂🍁🏰🍁🍂🍁🏰🍁🍂🍁 La Roche Castle 🏰 France 🇫🇷
Chepstow Castle
Chepstow Castle stands majestically atop a cliff, offering breathtaking views across the River Wye that separates England and Wales. This stunning medieval fortress, with its rich history, is an iconic landmark that captures the essence of both beauty and strength. A perfect spot for history enthusiasts and nature lovers alike! 🏰🌳🌊
Castello di Fénis (Fénis Castle), located in the Aosta Valley in Italy.
This medieval fortress is known for its well-preserved structure and unique architectural style, which combines elements of both medieval and Renaissance design. It was originally built in the 13th century and has since been restored. The castle is characterized by its high defensive walls, towers, and beautiful frescoed rooms, making it a popular tourist destination. The stunning mountain backdrop and surrounding landscape enhance its picturesque appeal.
The Castle of Cardona in Catalonia, Spain 🇪🇸
Considered as the most important medieval fortresses in the region crucial for the whole of the country. The castle was built in the 9th century on a hill and is a mixture of the Romanesque and Gothic styles. The owners of the fortress were powerful dukes of Cardona stemming from the family of the Crown of Aragon which was almost as mighty as the royals and have enough means to keep such a castle. As a reminder of those tomes there’s an 11th century round tower called Torre de la Minyona. It is 15m high and 10m in diameter. The castle was heavily damaged in the 18th century during a siege that made a substantial part of the walls to collapse. The castle is now a splendid hotel.
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Château d'Anterroches, located west of Murat in France's Cantal department, is a historic castle with origins dating back to the 13th century. Initially, it resembled a fortified farm rather than a traditional castle. The central rectangular keep, constructed in the 15th century, is the oldest part of the current structure. Over time, additional wings were added: the right wing was built subsequently, and the left wing was completed in the 18th century.
Hohenwerfen Fortress is a castle
🏰⚜️ located in Werfen, in the mountains 40 km south of Salzburg, Austria. The fortress is surrounded by the Berchtesgaden Alps and the Tennen Mountains; and is the "sister" of Hohensalzburg dominating the city of Salzburg and both date back to the 11th century. The fortress was built between 1075 and 1078 during the period of the investiture struggle, by order of Gebhard von Helfenstein, prince - Archbishop of Salzburg, as a strategic control point located on a 155 m natural promontory over the Salzach valley.The Hohenwerfen fortress, with the name of Schloss Adler, appears in the film Where Eagles Dare.
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Schloss Bürresheim
Schloss Bürresheim Castle is located in Germany, near the village of Sankt Johann, in the Eifel region. The castle is famous for its beautiful architecture and complex history. Schloss Bürresheim has been known since the Middle Ages and has gone through many different historical periods. It is one of the best preserved castles in the region and is often considered an attractive tourist destination.