Castles are closely related to fairytales and fantasy movies. But not so long ago living in a castle was normal as it's for rich and royal folks. If such monuments fascinate you, check out this collection of the most spectacular and unusual castles around Europe, shared by a user named Culture Critic on the platform X.
Hohenzollern Castle, Germany: The ancestral home of the imperial House of Hohenzollern, which sits on the top of Mount Hohenzollern, dates back to the 11th century.
Castel del Monte, Andrea, Italy: Built by the Holy Roman Emperor in the 13th century, it’s a strangely breathtaking structure and the purpose of the building is still shrouded in mystery.
Belogradchik Fortress, Bulgaria: Originally a Roman outpost but later expanded by the Bulgarians and Ottomans, this ancient fortress was raised on the Balkan Mountains rock formation exuding a formidable vibe.
Château de Chenonceau, Indre-et-Loire, France: The beautiful castle top was placed on an arched bridge over the Cher River in the 16th century to let its owner go hunting on the other side of the river.
Eltz Castle, Wierschem, Germany: Looking straight out from a horror fantasy movie, this masterpiece is a 12th-century work sitting on a towering rock formation.
St Michael's Mount, Cornwall, England: Appeared to be peeking out from the rock, this castle was built on a tidal island and is of historical importance during the Spanish invasion in 1588.
Burg Hochosterwitz, Carinthia, Austria: A beautiful ancient rock castle still owned by the family who bought it in 1571.
Predjama Castle, Slovenia: Connected with a network of caves that leads to an escape route to the other side of the mountain, this Renaissance castle was built in the 16th century inside the mouth of a cave.
Scaliger Castle, Sirmione, Italy: A very well-preserved 14th-century castle of Italy, situated on the Lake Garda.
The Castle of Coca, Spain: Representing a blend of Moorish and Gothic architecture, this beautiful castle was built with only brick in the 15th century which was mainly used as a royal residence.
Neuschwanstein Castle, Bavaria, Germany: A stunning medieval castle built towards the 20th century is a royal palace with all modern living facilities like telephone, running water on every floor, central heating, etc.
Château de Pierrefonds, Oise, France: Resembling a fairytale story this castle was destroyed in the 1600s. Now the castle represents a beautiful version of the 19th-century restoration.