White castles of Europe and the world (photo)

They create an atmosphere of fairy tale and mysterious Middle Ages. Wrapped in a haze of mysticism and splendor, these beautiful structures return to modern tourists in those ancient times, when in Europe the terrible feudal lords ruled, the royal heirs of the throne sought the light of their beautiful princesses, and fearless knights set out on their journeys to meet new dangers and adventures. White castles of the world beckon with their beauty and charm, inviting visitors to the historical past.

Neuschwanstein (Germany)

One of the most beautiful castles in the world. The fairy-tale palace, deserved for its crazy popularity among travelers, stands among the dense forests of the Bavarian Alps. In translation from German, Neuschwanstein means "New Swan Stone". This feathered motive, by the way, permeates the whole architecture - from the snow-white color of the walls and ending with the heraldic symbol of the old Schwangau family. The construction is relatively "young": it was built at the end of the XIX century.

All the white locks of Europe are magical and brilliant, but Neuschwanstein has a special flavor, a kind of charm. The main decoration of the entire architectural ensemble - the cathedral in the Gothic style - was never built. Despite this, the splendor and charm of the royal residence do not fade. After visiting here, you will be delighted with the spectacular spectacle: the sun reflects in the pearl walls, penetrating the rays into the rich throne room, decorated with frescoes and tapestries. Another attraction is the grotto. This fabulous room, arranged on the third floor, looks like a real cave of Ali Baba.

Chambord (France)

The famous Loire Valley, located near Paris, is famous for its stunning castles. In ancient times in this place kings and court nobles erected country residences: there are about 300 of them. Of the total mass of original and wonderful castles, Chambord stands out, according to legend, Leonardo da Vinci himself put it to the building. In addition, it was here that the famous playwright Moliere liked to retire, who wrote many plays in the palace.

Undoubtedly, all white castles are famous for their historical artifacts and rich expositions. But in Chambord, interior decoration with its splendor and variety surpasses the design of other palaces. Here you can see a large number of canvases depicting pictures from the life of the glorious Paris, the exploits of Don Quixote and the enticing glow of Andromeda. Ancient chandeliers on the walls, marble ornaments, cozy chapels and spiral staircases take visitors to the Renaissance. The fascinating pearl of France is also famous for the whole world by dog hunting, which as an attraction is held in neighboring forests and in our days.

Miramare (Italy)

If you happen to be in the homeland of the Renaissance, be sure to visit the numerous cathedrals and palaces located here. At the same time, white castles of Italy deserve special attention. With blue turrets, stone walls, deep moats, fragrant gardens - they will give tourists exactly what they like. At the same time, the local advise to glance in Miramar - the pearl of the coast in the valley of Trieste. The palace, built on a rock protruding into the sea: it seems that he admires the waves and expects the traveler from a long journey.

Here, intertwined art Renaissance and Gothic architecture. The castle, built in the medieval Scottish style, with its interior emphasizes the immediate proximity of the azure water surface. And the park, broken on 22 hectares, amazes with splendor and exoticism. Walking along the winding paths and wide alleys, you can see graceful sculptures, flowing fountains, deep grottoes, unusual trees and rare plants.

Lednice (Czech Republic)

One of the most famous castles of this country. Spread out in a picturesque park on the river Dyje, it has long been a cultural heritage of Europe and an object of enhanced protection of UNESCO. Lednice is mentioned in chronicles in the XIII century. Once it was the property of an ancient family of Liechtenstein, now this pearl of architecture belongs to the state. The modern view of the palace was given by the famous Austrian architect Jiří Wingelmüller: he decorated the facade with crenellated towers, quaint columns, air arches and miniature balconies.

For guests here is opened the Blue and Hunting Hall, the Chinese cabinet, the African room, and also the castle park with a unique palm greenhouse. In addition, thermal springs were recently found nearby , on the basis of which a modern resort was built. Local residents have preserved the recipes of old Moravian wines up to now, so they happily invite tourists to taste not only drinks from castle cellars, but also their own products. All the white castles in the Czech Republic enchant visitors, but it is in Lednice that you can plunge into the past.

Sharovskiy Palace (Kharkiv)

Which countries have white locks? Of course, almost all European countries. And Ukraine is no exception. In the north-east is the chic Sharovskiy Palace - the brainchild of Leopold Kening, the sugar king of tsarist Russia. For the elegance and charm of the structure called "White Swan". In the two-story building of the Neo-Gothic style there are three large halls and 26 rooms. The main entrance is decorated with refined spiers and turrets.

Like all white castles, the Sharovsky Palace is framed by a dense park. The green zone is the brainchild of architect Georg Koufaldt, who spared no effort and money to equip the territory. Under his leadership were planted more than a hundred species of exotic plants. The lime tree alley became the crown of the park, the tree branches of which are unusual: they grow vertically. Not far from the castle is Saharna Gorka. Legend has it that the hill was created artificially at the request of the landowner's wife. When she wanted to go on a toboggan in a snowless winter, he ordered one of the nearest hills to be covered with sugar.

The Castle of the White Heron (Japan)

The name speaks for itself. Enumerating the most stunning white castles of the world, it is impossible not to mention this palace, graceful and neat. Like a bird, it rises above the terrain. The castle was built in the Harima area at the foot of Mount Hime. The complex consists of 83 buildings, which represent the look of tourists with carefully whitewashed walls, menacing embrasures and loopholes. Built in the XIV century, the palace has repeatedly moved from one clan of samurai to another, for it was constantly inflicted feuds, destroying the ancient architectural ensemble. Despite this, the modern version of the White Heron was completely reconstructed and supplemented with new facilities.

Around the palace a beautiful spiral garden is broken: labyrinths of paths slyly loop, drive tourists around and start them in dead ends. The design was invented for the enemies: while they wander in the impenetrable slums of the garden, the guards will be able to prepare for the attack and open fire. The test of the battle park did not pass, because after the construction in Japan, relatively peaceful times began.

Cape Coast (Ghana)

White castles are not only in Europe and Asia, but even on the African continent. The most charming was built by the Portuguese in Ghana, on the west coast, where at that time they were actively engaged in trading in gold and timber. At first it was just a miserable wooden fort, which after a lapse of not one hundred years turned into a white stone castle. In our time he is under the untiring care of UNESCO.

The palace consists of two forts. In one of the many wings is a museum, exhibits which tell about the history of the struggle for the land of local tribes and European conquerors. One of the halls is dedicated to the pre-colonial history of the region: here you can see stone tools for hunting, primitive swords and very ancient scales for measuring precious metals, as well as African musical instruments, canoes and primitive dishes. For extremists offer a chilling blood tour of the dungeons, where many years ago, were equipped with death row with numerous tools for torture.

Cinderella Castle (USA)

No, this is not an ancient palace or a medieval temple complex. Despite its modernity, it is no less beautiful than other white castles of the world. Photos and other images of the palace are amazing: the building radiates magic and splendor of past centuries. It is located in Walt Disney Park in Orlando, which is the largest entertainment center on the planet. Undoubtedly, the highlight of the object is the Cinderella Castle with its slender spiers, richly decorated towers and flickering lights.

The building reaches almost 60 meters in height. But the optical trick used here makes it even bigger and more massive. For example, the height of the spire is half the total area, the angular elements are expanded, which creates the illusion of distance and height. A snow-white castle with blue towers resembles a medieval fortress. The creator of the complex, the architect Herbert Riemann, drew sketches under the impression of viewing real palaces, which have already been mentioned above. This building serves as proof that in our time it is possible to build a grandiose and charming castle, there would be a desire and appropriate financing. Like its ancient counterparts, the Cinderella Castle is an architectural gem, beloved by tourists and revered by travelers.