Castles....

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A rarity for Europe – 12th century Reifenstein Castle (or Castel Tasso in Italian) that was never conquered and destroyed. The gloomy medieval fortress is thought to be the best preserved in Italy's South Tyrol. From the 16th to early 19th century the castle belonged to the Teutonic order, when it was disbanded the castle was given to the Thurn and Taxis counts whose descendants still own it today (current head of the house is $1.6bn worth). The mighty fortress began as a square tower that was encircled by a wall. It was later supplemented with a palace where the residents moved from the keep. The castle stands on a hill over a plain that used to be a swamp. It now even hosts a tiny airport. The castle is famous for its authentic medieval interiors, it still has the original kitchen, bathroom and medieval sleeping bunks.

Photo: @thephotog.raphi
 
Bobolice Castle in Poland was built by the Casimir the Great changed ownership many times. Once it was even a robbers' nest. However, it all ended during the Deluge another word to describe The Swedish-Polish wars of the 17th century. The castle was turned the the Swedes into ruins. The legend says the castle was linked to nearby Mirow castle with an underground tunnel built by the twin-owners so that they could meet in private. Once they hid a treasure in the tunnel and hired a witch to guard it, also one of the guys brought a beauty from a voyage that he fell in love with. He suspected his fried loved her too and once when a witch attended a sabbath caught the lovers in the tunnel. He killed his twin and locked the girls on the dungeons - so now we have a white ghost floating in the castle.

Photo: smalltownsglory
 

The Château de Bourg-Archambault, nestled in the picturesque countryside of France, stands as a testament to medieval architecture and history. Dating back to the 12th century, this majestic fortress has witnessed centuries of tumultuous events, yet has retained its grandeur and charm. Surrounded by lush greenery and rolling hills, the château offers visitors a glimpse into the past, with its imposing stone walls and elegant turrets.

Originally built as a defensive stronghold, the Château de Bourg-Archambault has undergone numerous renovations and expansions over the years, reflecting the changing tastes and needs of its occupants. From feudal lords to noble families, each era has left its mark on the castle, adding layers of history and intrigue to its walls.

Today, the château welcomes guests from around the world, offering guided tours that showcase its rich heritage and architectural beauty. Visitors can explore the castle's inner chambers, admire its medieval tapestries and furnishings, and soak in the breathtaking views from its ramparts. Whether you're a history enthusiast or simply seeking a glimpse of France's storied past, the Château de Bourg-Archambault is sure to captivate and inspire.

Photo: memoiresdefrance
Caption: iconicpalace
 

Frydlant Castle in the Czech Republic close to the Polish border. Built in the 13th century this medieval gothic castle was extended to a Renaissance chateau three hundred years later. It was once owned by a prominent commander in the Thirty Years War (a conflict between the Catholics and Protestants that in the long run turned into struggle against the influence of the Habsburg dynasty in Europe) Albrecht von Wallenstein. The man was the supreme military leader of the Habsburg emperor's Ferdinand II armies. It was also the first castle museum in Europe as its owners opened its doors to the public already in the beginning of the 19th century.

Photo: malteheitmueller
 

Nesvizh Castle. In the sixteenth century the powerful Lithuanian Radziwill family wanted to build an impressive palace near Minsk to celebrate the dynasty's magnificence. Several Italian architects contributed to the design and construction of the castle, including Giovanni Maria Bernardoni, from whom the influences of the early Baroque period derive.
According to historian Vitaly Bedritsky, "This castle reflects not only the history of Belarus but the entire region. The owners of the castle, the Radziwills, were related to royal families from all over Europe: the Hohenzollerns, the Romanovs, the Habsburgs".
In the seventeenth and eighteenth centuries one of the largest libraries in Eastern Europe was part of the complex, containing the most important documents of the time. In 2005, Nesvizh Castle was included in the UNESCO world heritage list.

Photo: madebyvadim
 


Červený Kameň Castle is a 13th-century castle in southwestern Slovakia in the Little Carpathians near the village of Častá.
A stone castle was built in the 13th century as part of the chain of the Kingdom of Hungary's frontier defense castles ranging from Pressburg to Žilina.
This castle was completely rebuilt as a fortress in the first half of the 16th century. When the Pálffy family acquired the castle in 1588, the fortress was completed, and it became a representative noble castle.
Although the castle was damaged several times by fire, it was always reconstructed by the Pálffys, who were the owners of the castle until the Second World War. Today, the castle is a museum.

Photo: the_juliuskis
 

CHÂTEAU DE PIROU (MANCHE) | Fortress of the 12th century installed on an ancient viking site, the Chateau de Pirou is surrounded by doves and five fortified doors opening over a whole universe housing a bakery, a press shop, a large logis and a beautiful round path.

After the Hundred Years' War, the chateau was restored in the 15th, 17th and 18th centuries. Today, visiting the place allows us to discover 1000 years of France's history.

Chateauxethistoire Pierre Holley.....
 
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