The iron, but very feminine, fist in the velvet glove has always preserved Chenonceau during times of conflict and war in order to make it forever a place of peace and inspiration. This 12-centuries-old palace is an example of a perfect mixture of different cultures and different architectural styles. The Peterhof Palace in St Petersburg is named after Peter the Great. Not only the architecture itself, but also the technology used in constructing them reflects the remarkable progress of western civilization. The Winter Palace in Saint Petersburg was the official residence of the Russian Imperial Family until the Russian Revolution in 1917. One of the finest examples of Moorish architecture in Spain, the Alhambra is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It is here that The Queen often hosts State Visits from overseas monarchs and presidents. An English garden designed by Carlo Vanvitelli features flowering plants, meadows and the Carolino Aqueduct, which carries water from Mount Taburno to the royal garden fountains. Schönbrunn Palace is a World Cultural Heritage site and Austria’s most-visited sight. A relatively small yet elegant building, Kadriorg Palace is within walking distance of the center of Tallinn, Estonia. Henry was so impressed with the palace that he took it for himself. Schönbrunn Palace, Vienna Austria This swishy Renaissance palace was the summer home of the Hapsburg dynasty, the family that ruled the Austro-Hungarian empire for nearly 650 years. The Princes Palace boasts a 13th century Carrera marble staircase, inspired by a similar one at the Chateau of Fontainebleau. One of the most famous palaces in Europe, the Winter Palace served as the official residence of the Russian imperial family between 1732 to 1917, even though the last two tsars spent more time in other palaces. The king and subsequently his son Muhammed V, created an ornate palace with a series of intricate rooms and courtyards. 18. The palace was built on the second highest peak of the Serra da Sintra, at 480 meters high. For 2020, Buckingham Palace opening dates were from 25 July to 4 October. The palace’s vibrant colors have been restored to their former glory, with bright hues of yellow and red. The UNESCO World Heritage listed building combines Renaissance elements with Italian Mannerism and is exceptionally well preserved. Don’t miss the Great Oak Gallery with its exquisite carvings, the Golden Gallery and the Amber Room, covered in real amber. The elegantly proportioned Drottingholm Palace is the private home of the Swedish royal family. My Youtube channel is one of the most followed luxury travel vlogs in the world. Top 10: travel clips that will make you crave a holiday! Ponder no more. The London residence of the Queen, Buckingham Palace is located at the end of The Mall in Westminster. Subscribe to my newsletter (3x/week) and be inspired by luxury travel. A charming medieval castle, famous for its heroic defense against the Turkish in the 16 th century. There are said to be many ghosts haunting Hampton Court, including Jane Seymour, King Henry’s third wife who died in childbirth. The Mirror Room has walls lined with copper and mirrors, as well as a ceiling and chandeliers covered with stunning jewelled beetles. Top 10 Castles of Europe. As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases. this imposing Warsaw building was the former home of many Polish nobility. From the imposing Court Theater to the Palatine Library and Piano Reale, the interior is very impressive. Another highlight is the Alameda de la Alhambra park, planted with oranges, roses and English elm trees. Here are 14 of the most famous castles in Europe to visit. The Royal Gardens have also been restored and boast attractive fountains and mazes. You can easily combine it with a tour of nearby Amboise and Chenonceau castles. Kings and Princes built their palaces and summer residences in the most beautiful and strategically located spots. One time fortress and palace, the papal residence was the seat of Western Christianity during the 14th century. Half a century later under Maria Theresa Schönbrunn Palace was to become the magnificent focus of court life. Palazzo del Quirinale, Rome and La Reggia di Caserta near Naples, are better than many palaces featured in your list. Completed in 1854, Pena Palace is now a state museum, and is classed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Royal Palace of Caserta This historic Italian palace was once the home of the King of Naples and is one of the largest palaces erected in Europe during the 18th century. The Popes’ Palace is the biggest Gothic palace in all of Europe (15,000 m2 or 160,000 sq feet of floor space, which is the equivalent of 4 Gothic cathedrals). The Grand Palace was designed by Domenico Trezzini, while the ornate palace gardens were created by Alexandre Le Blond. The “Château des Dames” was built in 1513 by Katherine Briçonnet, successively embellished by Diane de Poitiers then Catherine de Medici, and protected from the hardship of the French revolution by Madame Dupin. There are 3,418 rooms spread over 135,000 square meters. Following the Russian Revolution, the palace was briefly used as a seat of government. SCHLOSS NEUSCHWANSTEIN, SCHWANGAU, GERMANY, Winter Palace St Petersburg (Hermitage Museum), most ravishingly romantic places in France, Top10: best underwater hotels in the world, Review: Trans Maldivian Airways seaplane transfer. Beautiful Palaces in Europe and France Chateau de Versailles Versailles is perhaps one of the most famous castles in the world, and it certainly deserves the reputation. Listed under the World Heritage Sites list of the UNESCO and located in the Andalucian city of Grananda, the Alhambra is one of Spain’s major tourist attractions. St George’s Hall makes a spectacular setting for a State Banquet, when a single table, stretching the length of the hall and seating 160 people, is decorated with porcelain, and silver-gilt from the Royal Collection. Standing opposite the Parliament building on the other side of the Royal Park, the Royal Palace symbolises our system of government, that is to say, a constitutional monarchy . Originally the character applied to any residence or mansion, but starting with the Qin dynasty(3rd century BC) it was used only for the residence of the emperor and members of the imperial family. I really love Austria, Vienna in particular and its incredible list of palaces. In a class of its own, the Loire Valley in France is dotted with hundreds of elegant castles, but its Chambord that is the largest and most famous of them all. The former Summer residence of the Habsburg dynasty, Schonbrunn Palace is a fine example of Rococo architecture. Book a skip the line audio tour of the chateau and gardens to make the most of your visit. The genius behind François I’s masterpiece remains a mystery. Kids will also love the Märchengarten, a fairy tale garden. Each of the three French kings who lived there added improvements to make it more beautiful. The area is known for its concentration of historical castles thanks to its strategic location along the Loire river. The Winter Palace that you see today is the 4th version and houses the world famous Hermitage Museum. Sanssouci is often considered to be the German equivalent of  Versailles (see below), although its features a more intimate Rococo style and is far smaller than its French Baroque counterpart. Dating from 1718, the palace was designed by Italian architect Nicola Michetti. Review: JetBlue A321 Business Class (Mint) from New York to St Maarten, Top 10 best low-cost airlines in the world, The Maldives launches the world’s first loyalty program for a country, Review: TWA Hotel at JFK Airport (New York, USA). The name kadriorg means Catherine’s valley, and the palace was built for Catherine I by Peter the Great. It's most famous inhabitant is without a doubt, Empress Sisi. They will open doors that are normally closed to the outside world and … It’s a long hike from the center of Sintra town to Pena Palace. Some are now museums, while others are still home to heads of state. 34 kings and 2 emperors resided in Fontainebleau Castle over the years. Set in 130 hectares of gardens and parkland, the Chateau de Fontainebleau also has sumptuous interiors. Pin for later or share with friends. The former residence of the Kings of Naples, Caserta is the world’s largest royal palace by volume. Prague Castle, founded around 880 AD, is the largest medieval castle in Europe and was once the seat of the Kings of Bohemia. These baroque palaces date from the 18th century and were built for Prince Eugene. You may not see any during your visit but keep an eye out for the costumed actors bringing historical scenes to life. It’s a jewel of 18th-century French art , opulent and rich in artworks and beauty. You can reach the palace on a cruise along Lake Mälaren from Stockholm or by public transport. Set on a hilltop in Granada, the Alhambra (lit. There are over 1500 rooms and 1886 doors in the palace. However, movement in the foundation area has to be continuously monitored, and the sheer rock walls must be repeatedly secured. Today, the Chateau de Chambord is the most visited castle in the Loire Valley. A skip the line tour is a must, there’s so much to see that you don’t want to waste time queuing. It’s best to book your ticket in advance as they sell out fast. One of the largest surviving Baroque buildings in Europe, Ludwigsburg is nicknamed the Versailles of Swabia. Versailles, which has been on UNESCO’s World Heritage List for 30 years, is one of the most beautiful achievements of 18th-century French art. Today, the Winter Palace houses the world-famous Hermitage Museum. Pena Palace is a triumphant mix of architectural styles, from Neo-Gothic to Neo-Manueline and Romanesque Revival. The official residence of the Spanish king and his family. The Palace and Park of Fontainebleau is one of the most impressive French tourist attractions. Prague Castle, Czech Republic. Explore this storyboard about European News by LuxuryColumnist on Flipboard. Travel contests & sweepstakes: win luxury holidays & travel later! Around 45 minutes from the center of St Petersburg, Peterhof overlooks the Gulf of Finland. Top 15 Famous Palaces in the World. Inspired by Versailles, this estate is the former Summer residence of Russian nobility. There are also lesser known gems to admire such as Kadriorg Palace in Estonia and Caserta in Italy. The Hameau de La Reine or Queen’s Hamlet was a private meeting place for her and her close friends. Windsor is still very much a working royal palace. The palace garden is free to visit, however you’ll need a ticket to visit the interior of The Belvedere Palace. This is the longest Baroque orangery in the world, at 189 meters. Louis XIV, known for his lavish taste, turned Versailles into one of the largest palaces in Europe (and the world) and used it as the seat of the monarchy. Neuschwanstein Castle, Bavaria, Germany In the following centuries, the palace functioned as the residence of antipapal forces, military barracks and a prison. The location of the castle, its famous terraced gardens and the stylish splendor of its interiors, make King Frederick’s love for the beautiful surroundings , the “Prussian Arcadia” palpable for the 21st century tourists. The two palaces share an exquisite landscape garden, designed by Dominique Girard. In the summer around 6,000 visitors a day stream through rooms that were intended for a single inhabitant. Here is a list of top 10 most beautiful royal palaces in the world. In the following centuries, the palace functioned as the residence of antipapal forces, military barracks and a prison. Among the architectural highlights are the opulent State Gala staircase with its baroque wood carvings and the Great Throne Room. They furthered the political foundations of dynasties, ruling powers and royal families. It has been the family home of British kings and queens for almost 1,000 years. 14 Famous French Landmarks that You Shouldn't Miss, 12 Of The Best Luxury City Breaks in Europe, 5 Unmissable Hidden Gems in Paris, France, 15 Wonderful European Bucket List Destinations, 7 Best Amalfi Coast Towns You Shouldn't Miss, 7 Great Things to Do In Rioja, Spain: Culture & Wine, A Weekend in Seville – How to Make the Most of Your Time, 15 Best Virtual Art Museum Tours You Can Enjoy Online, Research, photography and videography by Suze and Paul, the London based team behind https://luxurycolumnist.com, tour of nearby Amboise and Chenonceau castles. The name Alhambra means Red Castle and this former fortress in Granada, Spain takes on a reddish tinge in the early evening light. The main workplace of the King of Belgium, the Royal Palace can be visited free of charge from 23 July to 25 August, apart from on Mondays. Originally built in 1623 by Louis XIII as a hunting lodge, the palace was expanded to its grand scale by Louis XIV. The highlight of a Buckingham Palace tour is the ornate Throne Room, used for official ceremonies. The former residence of the Russian emperors, the Winter Palace is a magnificent Elizabethan Baroque building. The seat of the Prince of Monaco, this former Genoese fortress was built in 1191. The Empire Room was the setting for concerts and ceremonies, while the Large Gallery hosted dinners and receptions. While some maintain that it is a purely French creation, others have put the name of the multi-talented Italian genius Leonardo da Vinci forward. There are over 350 clocks and watches, and a huge collection of Sevres porcelain. The site, located some 20 kilometres (12 miles) southwest of Paris, began as Louis XIII’s hunting lodge before his son Louis XIV (known as the Sun King) transformed and expanded it, moving the court and government of France to Versailles in 1682. Commissioned by Emperor Leopold I as a hunting lodge for his son, Schonbrunn developed over the years into a 1,441 room palace. From the palace, the Tsar ruled over 22,400,000 square kilometres (8,600,000 sq mi) (almost 1/6 of the Earth’s landmass) and over 125 million subjects by the end of the 19th century. Palaces have long been used to demonstrate national wealth and achievement. We recommend taking a small group tour from Lisbon to Sintra and Cascais, so you won’t have to worry about parking or driving up the hills. Contact me to get a resort credit and two personalized experiences (for two) at any Soneva resort in the Maldives or Thailand. From the Chateau de Chambord in France to lesser known gems such as Caserta in Italy, there are some stunning palaces in Europe. In 1837, fire broke out, destroying nearly all the palace interiors, but the reconstruction was completed within one year. Like these European palaces? One of the highlights of the palace is the Chinese Pavilion, a birthday present from King Adolf Fredrik to Queen Lovisa Ulrika in 1753. Readers of my blog get free VIP perks when booking Virtuoso rates at luxury hotels via Classic Travel. From hidden gems to unique experiences, we’ve got you covered.Join us on Facebook, Instagram, Pinterest and Twitter. Inside Warsaw Castle, highlights include the Throne Room, Great Assembly Hall and the King’s Apartments. These perks may include an upgrade, daily breakfast, spa treatment, resort credit, early check-in, and late check-out. He established the Nasrid kingdom in the 13th century. The Royal Palace of Madrid, Madrid, Spain. One of the highlights of Ludwigsburg for families is Kinderreich, an interactive museum for children. Time + Tide Miavana, the world’s best resort, Amanzoe, the most exclusive hotel in Greece. Discover the most impressive European palaces, from colorful Palacio Nacional da Pena in Portugal to majestic Fontainebleau in France. Some of its most famous attractions include the palaces and castles that formerly (and in some instances still do) house the monarchs of Europe. Chambord’s architecture is a carefully balanced blend of traditional elements of Medieval French architecture and other elements borrowed from the Italian Renaissance. *** Follow me on Twitter, Instagram and Facebook for a daily moment of travel inspiration ***. Drottningholms Palace Theater (Drottningholms Slottsteater) is the most well preserved eighteenth century theater in Europe. 20. Click here to book your hotel online on the Classic Travel website. Construction was started in 1335 and completed in less than twenty years under the leadership of two builder popes, Benedict XII and his successor Clement VI. From the 12th to the 14th century, Fontainebleau was home to all the French monarchs. Once the homes of kings, popes and emperors, palaces and castles represent an important part of the architectural heritage of European history. The Upper Belvedere has a stunning ceremonial staircase and marble hall, while the Lower Belvedere has an unusual Hall of Grotesques or Groteskensaal. Water from natural springs is collected in reservoirs in the Upper Gardens. In 1838, King Ferdinand II acquired a ruined monastery on this site and set about transforming it into a palace. It’s a good idea to book a skip the line Schonbrunn tour to see this UNESCO World Heritage Site in the best way. Review: Virgin Atlantic A350 (new) Upper Class from London to New York. These abandoned palaces of Europe will take your breath away Abi Harman ... is located high up on an old vineyard surrounded by beautiful landscape in the middle of the famous … The most anticipated hotel openings of 2021, Review: 1 Hotel Brooklyn Bridge (New York City), Top 10: my 2021 trips that I am most excited about. The location of the castle, its famous terraced gardens and the stylish splendor of its interiors, make King Frederick’s love for the beautiful surroundings , the “Prussian Arcadia” palpable for the 21st century tourists. The most famous and notable of the places include the ornate Sanssouci Palace and Park which houses many of the palaces in Potsdam on this list as well as the grand and enormous New Palace and Cecilienhof Palace that was used for … No other palace is so connected with the personality of Frederick the Great, King of Prussia, as Sanssouci Palace in Potsdam near Berlin. This character represents two rooms connected (呂), under a roof (宀). Located on a lake in  Ludwigsburg in the state of Baden-Wurttemberg, this palace blends three different architectural styles. Post was not sent - check your email addresses! Elements of Baroque, Neoclassicism and Rococo can be found throughout the building. A short walk from the town center of East Moseley, Hampton Court is known for its Summer flower show. A UNESCO World Heritage Site, this is the largest Loire Valley castle. There are paintings by Leonardo da Vinci and Van Gogh and rare jewelry in the Gold Rooms. Palaces. There are 426 rooms and over 80 staircases, with the famous double helix staircase thought to have been designed by Leonardo da Vinci. List of palaces; Last edited on 8 January 2021, at 12:10. Situated at the Top of the Rock in Monte-Carlo, the palace State Apartments are open to the public from April 2021. Property of the Crown, then royal residence, Chenonceau Castle is an exceptional site not only because of its stunning design (spanning the river Cher) and the richness of its decorations, but also because of its destiny, since it was loved, administrated and protected by women, who were all extraordinary and who, for the most part have marked history. Although it’s officially called the Royal Castle. The original stage machinery is still intact and used during regular performances during Summertime. Certainly the one of the famous palaces in Europe, this grand château has 721,206 square feet of interior floor space, but it sits on a staggering 87,728,720 square feet of land. The Royal Palace of Brussels. Seven weeks after the death of King Ludwig II in 1886, Neuschwanstein was opened to the public. The Hall of Mirrors in the Palace of Versailles (Image: AFP/Getty Images) If you're after a palace that's ridiculously luxurious, then the Palace of … The palace served as a summer residence for the royal family of king Dom Fernando the second. Take an early access guided tour to see the palace before public opening hours with an expert bilingual guide. The Alhambra is a must-see of course, but maybe I am not very..! Carp pond, Belvedere tea house and mausoleum to Queen Luise architectural glory of European,! 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