Travel Journal
Exploring the World...our way
We don't just travel, we explore
- Vien & Hermann
DUNNOTTAR CASTLE, SCOTLAND
Castles of Europe
“Life is not measured by the number of breaths we take, but by the moments that take our breath away.”
- Maya Angelou
Germany, Switzerland, Portugal, Spain, Ireland, Scotland
There are countless castles in Europe. Some are like it came from a fairy tale book, some were fortress-like and some are just remnants of what was once a grand building. But ruins or not, its the history behind them, the architecture and how and why it was built that makes each castle fascinating.
Hohenschwangau Castle, Germany
Hohenschwangau Castle (High Swan County Palace) is located in the village of Hohenschwangau in Bavaria, Germany. A 19th century castle built in Gothic architecture.
Neuschwanstein Castle, Germany
Neuschwanstein Castle (New Swan Stone) is located in the village of Hohenschwangau in Bavaria, Germany. A 19th century revival style built by King Ludwig II, Bavaria's legendary king.
Schloss Laufen Castle, Schaffhausen, Switzerland
Schloss Laufen Castle is a former home of the Barons of Laufen. Also the gateway down to the Rhine Falls. It dates back to 858.
Castelo de Sáo Jorge, Portugal
Castelo de Sáo Jorge (Saint George's Castle) is located in Lisbon, Portugal. The first king of Portugal, Dom Alfonso Henriques built this castle on top of a hill overlooking the historic center of Lisbon and the Tejo River.
Palacio da Peña, Portugal
Palacio da Peña (Peña Palace) was built on top of the hill above Sintra. It was once a summer residence for the Portuguese royalty.
Castelo dos Mouros, Portugal
Castelo do Mouros (Castle of the Moors) is located in Sintra, Portugal. It was once a strategic location controlling routes between Sintra and Lisbon and between Mafra and Cascais.
Castelo de Óbidos, Portugal
Castelo de Óbidos is located in the medieval town of Óbidos in Portugal. This castle is now a Pousada, a luxury hotel.
Castelo Novo, Portugal
Castelo Novo is located on the slope of Serra da Gardunha, a Moorish name meaning "a mountain of refuge".
Monsanto, Portugal
The villagers of Monsanto celebrate Festival of the Crosses (Festa das Cruzes) every 3rd of May commemorating the feat they endured during a seven year siege by the Romans in the 2nd century. They go up to the castle and throw vases with flowers over the wall while being serenaded by songs.
Castelo de Vide, Portugal
Castelo de Vide is located in the Alentejo region. The town's 14th century castle located in the oldest part of town is classified as a National Monument.
Marváo Castle, Portugal
Marváo Castle is located in the highest territory in the Alentejo in the town known as "the eagle's nest". This is a fine example of a crusader-era medieval castle.
Castelo de Monsaraz, Portugal
Castelo de Monsaraz is a 13th century castle first built after the Christian re-conquest.
Alcazaba de Trujillo, Spain
The Alcazaba de Trujillo was built in the 13th century on the site of an old Moorish fortress dating from the 9th to 12th centuries.
Alcazaba, Mérida, Spain
A fortification built along the Guadiana River in Mérida, Spain
Parador de Zafra, Spain
This is a 15th century fortress converted into a palace (Alcázar de los Duques de Feria) and became a residence of the Duke of Feria. Today, it is a hotel called Parador de Zafra.
Alcazaba Jerez de los Caballeros, Spain
This Alcazaba in Jerez de los Caballeros was first built by the Moors. The current fortress was improved when the Knights Templar took over in 13th century.
Trim Castle, Ireland
Trim Castle is located on the River Boyne, in County Meath, Ireland. The ruined castle is the largest Anglo-Norman castle in the Country, built by Hugh de Lacy and his son Walter for a period of over thirty years starting in 1176.
Kilkenny Castle, Ireland
Kilkenny Castle is located by the River Nore. Its history dates back to the 12th century. Today, the castle is mainly a Victorian remodel of the former defensive castle, managed by the Office of Public Works.
Ross Castle, Ireland
Ross Castle is located outside of town of Killarney, within the National Park, on the shores of Lough Leane in County Kerry. It was built in the late 15th century by the Clan O'Donoghue Mor (Ross).
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