Some 25,000 castles, palaces and mansion houses bear witness to Germany's history: from splendid, perfectly preserved landmarks to ruined reminders of former glory.
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Wales. While Germany may have the most amount of castles, Wales is the country with the most castles per square mile. Despite its small size, Wales had over 600 castles. Today over 400 castles still stand and are waiting to be explored by visitors.
Germany was once home to some 25,000 castles. Yes, you read that correctly, 25,000. However, according to the History of Yesterday, who dug through the European Institute of Castles data, just 60% of those castles remain either in all their glory or in ruin, meaning just about 15,000 can be found in the nation today.
Germany can officially boast the fact they have the most castles still standing than any other country in the world. With over 20,000 castles dotted across the nation, you can always find a historical stronghold to visit. While some follow the traditional style you find in the UK, others are far more elaborate.
Although at one point it is believed there were over 10,000 castles in the current territory of Spain today about 2000 castles still exist and the number of the ones that can be visited is far less.
There are more than 30,000 castles and ruins left in Ireland today, most dating from the 12th to 16th centuries. Visiting a few (or many) of them will allow you to learn about Irish history right from the source.
Allegedly Germany's oldest and continuously (inhabited) castle, the original fortress in Meersburg traces its origins back to the 7th century Merovingian Dynasty under King Dagobert I. Perfectly preserved, this thick-walled behemoth was never stormed or destroyed by invaders . along the castle wall.
Sat on a hilltop surrounded by dense forest near the village of Wierschem, Eltz Castle has a history dating back over 850 years. The first written mention of the building dates from 1157, although the structure itself is likely older.
The leaders of the states and territories within the Empire built castles to control their areas, for defence, and as centre of administration. Castles were a symbol of power! Castles in Germany were often built at strategic points, on top of a mountain, or at a place to protect an important trading route.
Schlosshotel KronbergStay from €365 per room, per night (room only). This 5-star castle is situated in the spa town of Kronberg. Built in 1889, the Schlosshotel Kronberg has elegant rooms with antique furnishings. The restaurant is located in one of the castle's grand halls.
Even those without noble blood can now dine and sleep in dwellings that were once the exclusive preserve of Knights, Princes and Kings. From a youth hostel to a luxury hotel, visitors can choose from a wide range of accommodation in German castles and palaces.
Located in Poland, Malbork Castle is the largest castle in the world. The castle was founded in 1274 by the Teutonic Knights who used it as their headquarters to help defeat Polish enemies and rule their own northern Baltic territories.
Inside of The Neuschwanstein Castle – Castle Of SwansThere are more than 200 rooms inside the Neuschwanstein, but only 14 rooms are fully finished. The rooms are majestically decorated.
Windsor Castle is the oldest and largest inhabited castle in the world and has been the family home of British kings and queens for almost 1,000 years. It is an official residence of Her Majesty The Queen and is still very much a working royal palace today, home to around 150 people.
From fairytale castles to mighty fortresses, the Dordogne Valley is the proud owner of a stunning cultural heritage and some of the prettiest sites in France.
Wales is sometimes called the castle capital of the world because of the large number of castles in a relatively small area. Wales had about 600 castles, of which over 100 are still standing, either as ruins or as restored buildings.
Wales is often called 'the land of castles' – there are 427 of them! If you visit Wales you're almost certain to see one. If you live here you're probably familiar with quite a few.