A Castle By Any Other Name

Castles are a part of the cultural landscape, filling our imaginations with fantasy and wonder. You can admire them from afar and bask in the beauty they bestow on their surroundings. From the soaring towers to the drawbridge and mote to the ornate décor and impeccable gardens, castles have long stood as a symbol of both virtue and grandeur. It’s a place to escape and celebrate. Whether it’s a formal ball, a dutiful affair, a grand party, or afternoon tea, nothing occurring inside a castle’s walls tends to be very ordinary.

Prize Castle is such a place to explore your dreams and feel like you can have your wishes come true! It’s full of magical surprises around every turn and the best part is, you can enter  every day and feel free to come and go as you please!

There are a wide variety of castles around the world that stand to this day paying homage to those who created them, those who resided in them, those who protected them and those who simply visited them. Castles are fascinating, and exploring their origins is somewhat of an adventure unto itself. From the oldest known castle in the world, to the newest in the land, castles are places of intrigue that many people dream of exploring and many more often do.

Citadel of Aleppo

The oldest castle known to modern times, the Citadel of Aleppo, is in Syria and dates all the way back to 8,000 BC. It contains a large fortress which is located inside the city center and has long been a strategic military site since those ancient times. Over the course of its long existence, this castle has seen continuous expansion and improvements by the variety of empires occupying the region, making it one of the most impressive castles in the history of the world!

Neuschwanstein Castle

Speaking of impressive, any castle aficionado would not want to miss the Neuschwanstein Castle located south of Munich in the Bavarian Alps. It’s said to be among the most impressive castles on earth! Constructed by King Ludwig II in the late 19th century, this is a castle was built for romance with its fairytale-like towers and turrets, spectacular views of the surrounding mountains and simply breathtaking architecture. In fact, it’s one of the most visited places in all of Europe and symbolizes the rich cultural heritage of Germany. If touring castles is on your bucket list, put this at the top of your must see castles list!

Blarney Castle

If you’re looking to visit an historic place that’s popular among anyone of Irish heritage, and those who simply love medieval adventures, you don’t want to miss a trip to the legendary Blarney Castle located near Cork in the south of Ireland. This historic monument dates back to the 10th Century and is home to the ever so famous Blarney Stone. As you may know, it’s said to bring luck and bestow the gift of eloquence to those who are brave enough to contort themselves in a position to kiss the stone, which requires a bit of flexibility! It’s one of the most popular places to visit in all of Ireland where guests can also admire the magnificent gardens, which contain a history of their own.

Chenonceau Castle

For those who simply adore the French countryside, another must see is the Chenonceau Castle, located in the Loire Valley along the river Cher. It’s also known as “Ladies’ Castle,” or Château des Dames, due to the high population of powerful females who occupied it throughout its history. This castle was originally built during the 16th century and is renowned for its architectural beauty and historical significance. The features include a central gallery and symmetrical design surrounded by beautiful gardens which showcase a variety of trees and flowers as well as fountains, terraces and sculptures. This castle is also well known for its rich history, having been the site of both battles and a place of refuge for prominent and notable figures. It is also known for being the site of important historical events including the 1559 Treaty of Chenonceau. Today it stands as a very popular tourist destination and is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It is the most visited castle in the Loire Valley region of France.

Cinderella Castle

Of course, no castle tour would be complete without a trip to the most famous of them all. The Cinderella Castle at Disney World is a beloved attraction of the Magic Kingdom located at Walt Disney World in Orlando, Florida. It’s the most iconic of all the theme park structures, paying homage to the Disney classic animated film, Cinderella. This dreamy castle was designed to look like a French chateau and includes a drawbridge, a moat and two spiraling towers. It features a blue and pink color scheme along with a wishing well and magnificent garden. The interior contains a grand staircase, because what castle would be complete without one, as well as a large hall for formal banquets and, of course formal balls. It also houses Cinderella’s Royal Table, which visitors can walk through, before ending the tour to visit the gift shops and eateries. This is certainly a must visit site for anyone who just loves the Cinderella fantasy story as well as castles. If you’d like the chance to take your family of four to this magical place, be sure to visit our giveaway page and enter for the chance to win this trip of a lifetime!

We know there are many more magnificent castles located around the world. If you have a favorite, feel free to write in and tell us about it. We may just feature your favorite castle in an upcoming blog about more of the most beautiful castles in the land!

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