Most castles were not built for love. In Medieval days, the soaring towers, fanciful parapets, and massive walls were made for war. Still, there's something about a castle that stirs the heart. In the 1800s and 1900s, love-struck builders often imitated castles when they constructed lavish Gilded Age estates.
For castle enthusiasts everywhere, here's a roundup of the world's most romantic, selected by your About.com Guides.
1. Neuschwanstein Castle in Germany
Press photo © 2000-2006 NewOpenWorld Foundation
Neuschwanstein Castle is often compared to the castle in Disney's Sleeping Beauty. King Ludwig II ("Mad King Ludwig") began constructing Neuschwanstein castle in the late 1800s. Modeled after Medieval architecture, the castle was planned as a homage to the grand operas of Wagner.
2. Alhambra Palace in Granada, Spain
Press photo © 2000-2006 NewOpenWorld Foundation
Perched on a hilly terrace on the southern edge of Granada, Spain, Alhambra is an ancient palace and fortress complex with stunning frescoes and interior details.
3. Abbassid Castle in Baghdad, Iraq
Photo courtesy of Daniel B. Grünberg - Trip to Iraq, May 2001
Abbassid Castle in Baghdad is famous for the detailed tilework on the front portal.
4. Boldt Castle in the Thousand Islands, New York, USA
Photo © Jackie Craven
Boldt Castle is not a medieval castle, of course, but a modern interpretation. It's a jigsaw puzzle of medieval and Victorian styles pieced together by a wealthy American businessman. Like many homes from America's Gilded Age, the eleven-building complex is exuberant and outrageous, as though its creators had taken five hundred years of architectural history and spilled it across the craggy island.
5. Prague Castle in the Hradcany
Photo © Jackie Craven
Prague Castle in the Hradcany royal complex has towered above the river Vltava for a thousand years.
6. Hearst Castle in San Simeon, California
Photo: ArtToday.com
Julia Morgan designed this lavish modern-day "castle" for publishing mogul William Randolph Hearst. Furnished with Spanish and Italian antiques, the romantic Moorish home has 165 rooms and 127 acres of gardens, terraces, pools and walkways.
7. Leeds Castle in England
Leeds Castle is widely known as "the ladies' castle" and "the loveliest castle in the world." The castle itself, surrounded by a picturesque lake, the preserved medieval castle is a treasure trove of art, antiques, and history. Our About.com Guide to Romantic Getaways has travel tips.8. Vincigliata Castle in Italy
Nineteenth century architect Giuseppe Francelli and leading Florentine artisans spent fifteen years rebuilding the crumbling ruins of Castello di Vincigliata, the ancient stronghold of the Visdomini Family. What emerged was an odd and romantic mixture. The restored castle is a feudal fortress with craggy walls and fanciful grotesques combined with medievalesque frescos and furnishings. Take a photo tour with your About.com Guide to Italian Cuisine.9. Dromoland Castle in Ireland
From your Guide to Honeymoons and Romantic Getaways, here's a 17th century castle where you can spend the night. Castle Dromoland is Ireland's largest five-star resort outside of Dublin. Nestled within the castle walls is a luxurious cottage with Irish heirloom furnishings... and a Jacuzzi made for two.10. Hundred Oaks Castle in Winchester Tennessee
Hundred Oaks "Castle" began in 1830 as a plantation house, but over the years it grew into a grand estate with towers, underground tunnels, and other castle-like features. Today, Hundred Oaks is listed in the Smithsonian Guide to Historic America. Our About.com Guide to Huntsville, Alabama recommends Hundred Oaks for a romantic day trip.Are Castles Romantic?
Or, do you prefer skyscrapers?
Vote now.
