Majestic and mysterious, the Gothic style has become a vivid symbol European architecture Middle Ages. It combines the severity of stone, the lightness of glass and the brightness of stained glass colors.
Pointed towers directed upward, weightless semi-arches, strict vertical columns and even window openings pointed upward - all this demonstrates humanity’s desire for the heavenly, sublime, and beyond.
Gothic style in architecture - Chartres Cathedral (France)
Main features of Gothic architecture
Gothic architecture can be easily recognized by the following features:
- pointed stone arches and semi-arches (flying buttresses);
- narrow towers directed upward;
- wrought iron spiers on the roof;
- extended stained glass windows with a pointed top;
- “rose” in the center of the facade;
- large number decorative elements (archivolts, impergi, tympanums);
- all parts of the structure tend upward, emphasizing the vertical.
History of style
Historians attribute the development and prosperity of the Gothic architectural movement to the Middle Ages (XII-XVI centuries). The north of France is considered the birthplace of the style, from where it gradually spread throughout Europe.
Gothic came to replace it, gradually displacing it.
First, the new direction demonstrates itself in the architecture of buildings (monasteries, temples and churches) that have a cult or religious affiliation. Over time, the Gothic style extended to civil buildings (palaces, houses, administrative buildings).
Gothic in modern construction
Currently, against the backdrop of the trend towards creating comfortable conditions for country living, the requirements for the architectural design of buildings are constantly becoming more complex.
One of the popular trends in this area has become the Gothic style, which gives a lot interesting ideas. But it is worth noting that it is not suitable for everyone. 
Gothic style cottage- This is an exclusive item, made to order by an individual owner. Moreover, you need to be prepared for the fact that such a building will always be the center of attention.
Materials for construction in the Gothic style
For construction modern house in the Gothic style it is not at all necessary to build a life-size medieval castle. It is enough just to adhere to the canons that give the desired stylistic direction.
The main material for building houses in the Gothic style is natural stone. However, if necessary, it can be replaced with more affordable materials (bricks, blocks). And decorative plaster and panels imitating stone will help give the facade the appropriate look.
The first thing that attracts attention in Gothic-type buildings is the complex, high, multi-pitched roof, directed towards the sky. It is harmoniously complemented by attic and dormer windows, as well as spire-shaped and dome structures resembling turrets (pinnacles). 
Given the significant angle of inclination, tiles (metal or bitumen) are most often used as roofing material.
To visually increase the height and enhance the vertical orientation, an important part of the external decor are pointed forged elements.
Facade
The main characteristics of the Gothic style façade are:
Gothic colors
The key color of the Gothic style is traditionally considered to be purple, personifying the unity of the earthly (blood red) and heavenly (blue). Nowadays, in soft, restrained colors, it is used mainly for roofing.
Solid, discreet shades of light gray, clay brown, and camouflage green are suitable for facades.
The main colors of stained glass in the Gothic style are red, blue and yellow.
Expressive contrasts are created by using white or black colors.
Decorative elements
The Gothic architectural style is characterized by the use of numerous decorative elements. These can be bas-reliefs, small sculptures, pilasters, balustrades (fences), stylized forged decorations.
Moreover, heavy and massive plaster parts, characteristic of medieval castles, are now being successfully replaced by lighter analogues made of façade polystyrene foam or polystyrene foam with an appropriate coating.
Gothic style houses - photos
Gothic architecture - video
Advanced construction technologies make the construction of buildings in the Gothic style more affordable thanks to a wide selection of facing materials and the possibility of replacing natural stone with more affordable analogues.
Modern buildings in the Gothic style are distinguished by their originality and abundance of light, which deprives them medieval gloom and ensures a comfortable stay.
The most famous architectural structures in the Gothic style
France:
Chartres Cathedral, XII-XIV centuries.
Reims Cathedral, 1211-1330.
Cathedral of Amiens, 1218-1268.
Notre Dame Cathedral, 1163-14th century.
Cathedral of Bourges, 1194
Germany:
Cologne Cathedral, 1248-19th century.
Münster Cathedral in Ulm, 1377-1543.
England:
Canterbury Cathedral XII-XIV centuries.
Westminster Abbey Cathedral XII-XIV centuries, London.
Salisbury Cathedral 1220-1266
Cathedral of Exter 1050
Lincoln Cathedral, 16th century.
Cathedral in Gloucester XI-XIV centuries.
Czech Republic:
Cathedral of St. Vitus 1344-1929
Italy:
Palazzo Doge, XIV century.
Milan Cathedral 1386-19th century
Ca Doro in Venice, 15th century.
Spain:
Cathedral of Girona 1325-1607
Cathedral in Palma on the island of Mallorca 1426-1451.
Norway:
Cathedral in Trondheim 1180-1320.
Denmark:
Cathedral of St. Canute in Odense XIII-XV centuries.
Sweden:
Church in Vadstena 1369-1430
It's unusual to see this in Russia. The castle requires urgent restoration.
According to legend, V. Khrapovitsky, traveling around France in the 1880s, was delighted with medieval castles. To the French remark that there was nothing like this in Russia, V. Khrapovitsky found a unique answer: he made a bet that he would build a castle. Having invited French friends to his estate a few years later, the owner showed the surprised guests not just a castle, but a “Gothic” palace with a park and a cascade of ponds near the main house. This is how this magnificent ensemble arose, striking to this day with its scope and amazing freedom of spatial design. One cannot dare to call it “eclecticism” (although this term is firmly rooted in relation to the buildings of this era). The sophistication and even whimsicality of the composition does not at all destroy the integrity of perception; on the contrary, it creates the impression of harmony. The brilliant stylizations of the architect P.S. Boytsov, although formally they remain within the framework of eclecticism, are in many ways close to the Art Nouveau that was just emerging at that time. This especially applies to the equestrian yard, or, better said, the equestrian palace, located a little further away, since in terms of scale and representativeness this building can easily compete with the main manor house.
If you have seen Boytsov’s other creations - Barvikha, Uspenskoye or Vasilyevskoye, then you will recognize his hand in Muromskoye.
The castle is certainly the largest of his works.
Look at the old photographs in the photo album showing what Khrapovitsky's estate looked like before the revolution. Once upon a time, in front of the main house there was an Italian garden with a complex water cascade on the terraces, regular parterres, and fountains of a French garden. Even in the richest estates such a water extravaganza was rare.
Remains of this water system can still be found today. In front of the main house there are views of the gradually collapsing retaining walls of former ponds, in some places completely overgrown with bushes.
The castle itself is very dilapidated and abandoned. A few decades ago the picture was different. Before the war, a machine and tractor technical school was located here, and in the 1950s, a holiday home settled in the building. But as a result of the fire, the roof collapsed and the ceilings were damaged.
Gothic cathedrals are not religious buildings of the ancient Goths, but temples built in the Gothic style of architecture. This architectural style appeared in France in the 12th century, replacing the Romanesque style.
Gothic architecture spread throughout Western Europe and continued to develop until the 16th century. With the advent of the Renaissance, Gothic began to lose its importance. The Gothic style was best manifested in the architecture of cathedrals, temples and monasteries. Gothic style is characterized by narrow and tall towers, pointed arches, columns, multi-colored stained glass windows and a richly decorated façade. An integral part of Gothic art is sculpture. Gloomy figures of gargoyles and mythical creatures served as particularly frequent decorations on the walls. The combination of stained glass windows shimmering with all the colors of the rainbow, magnificent patterns and stone sculptures of figures create an inimitable ensemble.
Gothic embraces various works art: painting, fresco, stained glass, sculpture, book miniature and many others. But as already mentioned, it is the medieval cathedrals of Europe that fully demonstrate all the beauty and grandeur of the Gothic style. They will be discussed below.
10 Gothic cathedrals photos.
St. Stephen's Cathedral, located in the heart of Vienna, has survived many wars and is now a symbol of the city's freedom. The Gothic cathedral stands on the ruins of two previous churches. Its construction was largely initiated in the 14th century by Duke Rudolf IV. The most recognizable feature of the cathedral, the tiled roof depicting the national coat of arms and the coat of arms of the city of Vienna, was added only in 1952.
Hotels: St. Stephen's Cathedral
2. Burgos Cathedral. Burgos, Spain
Cathedral Burgos Cathedral is a medieval cathedral in the city of the same name, dedicated to the Virgin Mary. It is famous for its enormous size and unique Gothic architecture. Construction of the cathedral began in 1221, and after a long break of almost two centuries it was completed in 1567. In 1919, the cathedral became the burial place of the national hero Rodrigo Díaz de Vivar (El Cid Campeador) and his wife Ximena Díaz.
Nearest hotels: Burgos Cathedral
3. Reims Cathedral. Reims, France
Reims Cathedral is the place where numerous French monarchs were officially crowned. It was built on the site of the basilica where Clovis I, one of the greatest politicians of his time, was baptized by Saint Remi once upon a time (around 496). Construction of the cathedral was completed towards the end of the 13th century.
Hotels near Reims Cathedral
Exceptionally large and complex gothic cathedral on main square Milan is one of the most famous buildings in Europe. This is one of the largest Gothic cathedrals in the world. Construction began in 1386 under the patronage of Archbishop Antonio da Saluzzo in a late Gothic style more typical of than. Five centuries passed before the construction was completed.
Nearest hotels: Milan Cathedral
5. Seville Cathedral. Seville, Spain
Situated on the site of the majestic Almohad Mosque, the medieval cathedral was built to demonstrate the strength and wealth of Seville after the long process of the Reconquista. When completed in the 16th century, it supplanted Hagia Sophia as the largest in the world. The builders used some columns and elements former mosque. The most famous is the Giralda - a tower with rich patterns and ornaments, which was previously a minaret and converted into a bell tower.
Hotels in Seville
6. York Minster York, England
One of the two largest Gothic cathedrals in Northern Europe(along with in Germany). York Minster dominates the skyline of the ancient city of the same name and includes all stages of Gothic architectural development in the city. Construction of the existing building began around 1230 and was completed in 1472. The cathedral is famous for its largest medieval stained glass windows.
Hotels: York Minster
Notre Dame de Paris is a beautiful Catholic cathedral in the fourth arrondissement. Construction began in 1163 and was not completed until 1345. One of the most famous French Gothic cathedrals, Notre Dame de Paris is an excellent example of French Gothic architecture, sculpture and stained glass. During french revolution in the 1790s, most of the sculptures and treasures were destroyed and looted. Also, on December 2, 1804, Napoleon Bonaparte was crowned Emperor here.
Hotels: Notre Dame Cathedral
Cologne Cathedral has been the most famous symbol of the city for many centuries. Its height is 157.4 meters. Famous Cathedral stands on the site where a Roman temple was located back in the 4th century. Construction of the Gothic cathedral began in 1248 and continued intermittently for more than 600 years. The cathedral is dedicated to Saints Peter and Mary and is the main church of the Archdiocese of Cologne.
Nearest hotels: Cologne Cathedral
9. Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore. Florence, Italy
Construction began in 1296 in the Gothic style and was completed in 1436. The Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore is the symbol of the city and one of the most beautiful buildings in Florence. The outer walls of the basilica are noteworthy, lined with beautiful marble panels various shades: green, white, pink. The huge brick dome is also impressive.
Hotels: Santa Maria del Fiore Paris. Its merit, in addition to the fact that it represents one of the best examples of French High Gothic, is that it is almost perfectly preserved. Most of the cathedral's original stained glass windows remain intact, while the architecture has seen only minor changes since the early 13th century.
Hotels: Chartres Cathedral
The Gothic architectural style originated in the mid-12th century in Northern France. The efforts of Abbot Suterius contributed to this. Of its greatest flourishing this style reached in the first half of the 13th century, spreading to the territory of modern Spain and the Czech Republic, Austria and Germany, as well as Great Britain.
You can also find Gothic in the architecture of Italy. However, this style leaked into this country a little later, having undergone a powerful transformation. By the end of the 14th century. International Gothic spread throughout Europe. In countries located in the east of this continent, this style appeared much later and lasted until the 16th century. Gothic gave the world not only unique forms. This style created a completely new understanding of volumetric composition and organization of space.
Stages of Gothic development
There is a certain periodization of the development of this amazing architectural style. So, gothic is distinguished:
Early (12th century);
- flourishing of the style (13th century);
- flaming (14-15 centuries);
- international.
Somewhat later, only elements of this extraordinary style began to be used in the architectural designs of buildings. The term “neo-Gothic” is applied to such buildings.
Architectural features
The Gothic style is characterized by the verticality of the composition, a complex frame of the support system, a ribbed vault, and a pointed arch. These design features made it possible to erect structures with large vaults (due to the presence of stiffening ribs) and with walls of smaller thickness (due to the absorption of loads on them by a system of buttresses). The architects minimized the massiveness of the buildings being erected. This was made possible by the introduction of frames. As a result, the walls ceased to serve as load-bearing elements.
Distinctive features
Styles existing at a certain historical stage undergo certain changes over time. So it gradually began to transform into Gothic.
What are its main features? There are seven distinctive features of the Gothic style:
1. Fashionable and predominant colors are blue, red and yellow.
2. Lancet lines forming a vault of two intersecting arcs.
3. Rectangular shape of the building in plan, turning into pillars
4. Fan vault built on supports. Instead, sometimes the halls in such buildings are long and narrow. Or wide, with supports installed in the center. The ceilings in these rooms are necessarily high.
5. Lancet, frame, openwork, stone, elongated arches, as well as an emphasized skeleton of the entire frame.
6. Multi-colored stained glass windows. Their shape can be round or elongated upward.
7. Paneled oak doors and ribbed pointed arches of doorways.
An integral feature of this art is also the presence of sculptures. Mythical creatures and gloomy figures most often decorated the walls of cathedrals.
Many medieval castles in Europe were built in the Gothic style. This is a true example of the synthesis of many arts, such as:
Architecture;
- sculpture;
- monumental painting;
- decorative and applied arts.
Gothic-style cathedrals lined the central city squares, dominating the two or two surrounding them. three-story houses. This arrangement is especially typical for Eastern Europe and Italy.
The first Gothic building
The Church of Saint-Denis was built according to the design of Abbot Suger. It was the first building built in the Gothic style. During the construction of this cathedral, a large number of internal partitions and supports were removed. As a result, the building took on a graceful appearance that cannot be compared with Romanesque fortresses.
Erected by the royal advisor and abbot of the monastery, Suger, the Gothic cathedral carried a certain semantic meaning. He gave greatness to the monastery, which was the ancient tomb of the French kings. According to contemporaries, the temple erected by Suger became a continuous and amazing light that filled the interior with beauty. Louis IX, who reigned at that time, ordered the newly updated tombstones of sixteen French monarchs to be erected. All this was supposed to strengthen royal prestige.
St. Stephen's Cathedral
Many Gothic castles are national symbols of the countries in which they were built. This also applies to St. Stephen's, located in Vienna. He is considered national symbol Austria.
This majestic building, built over almost two centuries, is located in the very center of Austrian capital. Like many Gothic castles of the Middle Ages, it stands on a square. To this day, divine services are held in this cathedral every day.
This Catholic church was first mentioned in manuscripts dating back to 1137. In the 12th century St. Stephen's Cathedral had a pronounced imprint of the Romanesque style. However, in the 14th-16th centuries. the building was radically rebuilt and became completely Gothic. Already in the 17th century. The interior of the cathedral has changed somewhat. It included notes of the now popular
There are two towers. One of them, unfinished, is Northern. Its height is 68 m. The second tower is the South one. It rises 136 m above the ground and has an observation deck with a stunning overview of not only Vienna, but also its surroundings. The largest bell in the country is located on the North Tower. Its weight is 21 tons and its diameter is three meters. The bell rings only on major holidays, no more than 11 times a year.
Chartres Cathedral
Gothic castles leave a deep impression on the soul of every person. Their height and beauty of numerous towers and pointed arches stretching to the sky are striking. In addition, Gothic style castles are extremely extensive. Thus, Chartres Cathedral, located in France, has a length of 130 m. From each new selected vantage point, the castle looks different. And all this thanks to the amazing facade design.
Unlike Romanesque churches, which have simple and clear visible forms, when viewing Chartres Cathedral, one gets the impression of the absence of walls. Galleries, arches, towers, huge windows, numerous areas with arcades represent an endless game of openwork forms. Like all Gothic castles, Chartres Cathedral is literally populated by a mass of different sculptures. There are about ten thousand statues in the temple alone. These figures are not only found in portals and galleries. They can be seen on the eaves and roofing, on the drainpipes, on the consoles and under the vaults of the chapels. In other words, Gothic castles present an unknown and wonderful world to visitors.
Notre Dame Cathedral
The Gothic style of medieval castles was also used in the huge temple, the construction of which began in 1163. The foundation stone of Notre Dame Cathedral was laid by Louis VII and the Pope Alexander III. Construction continued for more than a century. At the same time, it went gradually from the eastern part of the structure to the western. According to the original plan, the cathedral was supposed to accommodate all of the 10,000 inhabitants at the start of construction. However, after the construction of the temple, the city grew many times, which did not allow the plan to be realized.
The interior space of the temple is a real kingdom of slender stone pillars of the frame, which are connected to each other by pointed arches. The interior is a real kingdom of vertical lines directed upward to the sky itself. Colored glass inserted into stained glass frames scatters sunlight, which pours over numerous statues of warriors and bishops, children and women, men and kings. There are no walls in this temple at all. Instead, a frame was built consisting of pillars connected by arches. This structure is filled with lancet windows, which are similar to huge paintings of dozens of figures. The light of the sun makes the multi-colored stained glass windows look like huge gems. There is a certain mystical connotation in this, which puts a person in a pious religious mood.
Cologne Cathedral
The construction of this grandiose Gothic-style structure began in 1248. The cathedral is distinguished by light towers on the western facade with pointed roofs, as well as an elegant design of all design details and the unusual height of the middle nave.
This temple is the most recognizable and most famous on our entire planet. View at amazing monument Gothic architecture, which in terms of its height is in third place among all the cathedrals in the world, is sought after by all tourists visiting Germany.
Palazzo Doge
This cathedral is a striking example of Venetian Gothic, which adopted not the design features, but the decorativeness of this amazing style. The facade of the temple is very unusual in its composition. A series of white marble columns surround the lower tier of the castle. monumental building visually presses these columns into the ground. The second floor is formed by a continuous open loggia. It is connected with keeled arches and numerous thin columns. This tier is distinguished by grace and lightness. Next rises the third floor, the pink wall of which has sparsely spaced windows. This part of the facade is decorated with geometric patterns. white. The entire palace pleases the eye with the sonority of its decorative design. It combines the pomp of Byzantium with secular cheerfulness.
Castles in Europe have been built over many centuries. The owners of these architectural masterpieces were both cruel rulers, such as Count Dracula, and romantic dreamers, for example, Ludwig II, who built Neuschwanstein Castle. We bring to your attention a rating of the most beautiful castles in Europe.
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Castles in Europe have been built over many centuries. The owners of these architectural masterpieces were both cruel rulers, such as Count Dracula, and romantic dreamers, such as Ludwig II, who built Neuschwanstein Castle. In their domains, the kings not only rested after a successful hunt, but also took refuge from enemies. Today, only a small number of castles are inhabited by descendants of noble families, while the rest of the castles have cinemas and museums. We bring to your attention a rating of the most beautiful castles in Europe.
1. Neuschwanstein Castle, Germany
The most fabulous and luxurious castle today is the German Neuschwanstein, which translates as “New Swan Cliff”. Located in the southwest of Bavaria, near the city of Fussen, the castle was built in 1883 by the romantic King Ludwig II. The castle was erected on the site of two fortresses, on top of a high cliff. Ludwig II dreamed of his castle from a young age, but only at the end of his life was he able to realize his old dream. The king ordered the rock to be blown up to free up a site for the construction of his “fairytale palace.” Construction of the castle began in 1869 and continued until 1886, although the castle was never completed. Ludwig II spared no expense on the construction, so the best sculptors, architects, painters and woodcarvers worked on the construction and decoration of the castle. To this day, Neuschwanstein can be said to be floating in the clouds, and its fabulous appearance and luxury of interiors amaze the imagination.There is an opinion that it was Neuschwanstein Castle that was used as the basis for the construction of the Sleeping Beauty Castle in Disneyland Paris.
2. Pena Castle, Portugal
Pena Castle, built in the style of European romanticism, is one of the main decorations of Portugal. The palace is located near the city of Sintra on the top of a hill overlooking the sea. Previously, on the site of the modern castle, there was a medieval chapel dedicated to Lady Pena. The chapel was built in the 15th century after the Virgin Mary appeared to King John II. Later, 18 monks built a small monastery near the chapel. However, in the 18th century the building was severely damaged by lightning and an earthquake. However, it was only in the 19th century that King Ferdinand II of Portugal decided to build a summer residence on the ruins of the monastery. Ludwig von Eschwege, the project architect, used different architectural styles- Manueline, Gothic, Renaissance, Oriental and Moorish styles. Ferdinand and the queen made changes to the project throughout the 12 years of construction. In the park around the castle, there are not only European plants and shrubs, but also exotic species.
3. Chenonceau Castle, France
The luxurious French castle of Chenonceau is located in the Loire River valley. Due to the fact that the castle was mainly owned by ladies, it is popularly called “ladies’ castle”. On the site of the modern castle there was once a fortress of the de Marc family, surrounded by water canals. However, in 1512, Thomas Boyer, the court intendant of King Francis I, bought the de Marc estate and in its place erected a castle, which to this day delights many tourists with its unique beauty. However, Thomas Boyer retained the donjon, which once belonged to the de Marcks. The first owner of the Chenonceau castle was Thomas Boyer's wife, Catherine. After her, Diana de Poitiers, the favorite of King Henry II, ruled the castle, but after the death of the king, his wife, Catherine de Medici, took possession of the castle. Each of the mistresses of the castle contributed to the creation of its current image. Currently, the owners of the Chateau de Chenonceau are the Meunier family. There is a museum in the castle wax figures, where you can see its famous owners, as well as their famous guests, such as Rousseau and Voltaire.
4. Castle of Usset, France
Another one of the most beautiful castles in the Loire River valley is the Usset castle; according to some sources, it was he who was taken as the basis by Charles Perrault when creating the castle of the sleeping beauty. The castle was built on the instructions of Count D'Usset back in the 15th century. However, already in 1485, the owners of the castle sold it to the king’s courtier, Jacques d’Epinay. The next owner of the castle, Vauban, built a huge park with a terrace around the palace. Also in different times The castle was owned by royalists, and even by François René de Chateaubriand and Voltaire. The famous owners of the castle are also remembered interior decoration. For example, wine is still stored in the cellars, which is made from the rare Chenin Blanc grape variety, growing only in the town"Belvedere". And in the castle stables there is a museum of furniture and horse-drawn carriages that once belonged to great medieval families. Also, the interiors of the Usse castle are decorated with gold, silk and forged elements.
5. Prague Castle, Czech Republic
Prague Castle is not only one of the most beautiful castles in Eastern Europe, but also the largest in the world. The history of the castle began with a small church built here in the 9th century. Several centuries later, a palace in the Romanesque style grew up around it, and already in the 14th century the palace was rebuilt for the king into a Gothic castle. After a fairly long period of time, a terrible fire destroyed most of the fortress. Then, buildings in the Renaissance style were erected on its territory. Currently, there are many museums on the territory of Prague Castle; you will need a lot of time to visit them all.
6. Levenburg Castle, Germany
In the German city of Kassel there is an equally beautiful Levenburg (or Lviv) castle. And although he doesn't have beautiful story, is in great demand among tourists. Construction of the castle, which began at the end of the 18th century, ended at the turn of the century, in 1800. The castle is made in a medieval style and has a drawbridge over a moat filled with water. However, the interior of the castle also shows the traditions of the Middle Ages. Levenburg Castle is decorated with bronze statues, there are weapons and armor, an altar and gambling tables. Although outwardly the castle looks like a castle from the 14th-15th centuries that survived many battles. However, this is only an appearance, and artificially created. Not far from the castle there is a huge armory room containing exhibits dating back to the 17th and 17th centuries. There is also a chapel with the grave of the creator of Levenburg Castle.
7. Glamis Castle, UK
Located in Great Britain, Glamis Castle is not only one of the most beautiful in Europe, but also shrouded in a veil of mystery and many mysteries. According to several legends, ghosts can be found in the castle premises. Externally, the castle looks majestic and calm. Glamis is surrounded by an Italian park with beautiful beech alleys. Fir and deciduous groves speak of its “royal” origin. However, according to one legend, the owner of the castle hid members of the Ogilvy family in one of the rooms of the castle, who asked him for protection from their enemy - the Lindsay family. However, several decades later, the inhabitants of the castle began to hear knocks on the door and discovered a secret room with skeletons in it. They say that the knocking continues to this day. According to another legend, in another secret room, the Earl of Strathmore and his friend always play cards as punishment for doing this on Sunday. Also roaming the castle are the ghosts of Lady Janet Douglas, who was burned for witchcraft, the spirit of an unknown Gray Lady, and the ghost of a page boy. Despite the ominous legends, tourists love to visit Glamis Castle, because here you can see antique furniture, sculptures, works of art, and rare books.
8. Vajdahunyad Castle, Hungary
In Hungary, in Budapest, there is another exquisite and luxurious castle in Europe - Vajdahunyad. The castle was built by the famous architect Ingatz Alpar in 1896-1908. Previously, on the site of the modern castle there was a wooden “Historical Pavilion”, erected in honor of the millennium of Hungary. Since the people of Hungary really liked the pavilion, it was decided to rebuild it from stone. Thus, Vajdahunyad Castle was born, combining in its appearance a mixture of elements of Gothic, Renaissance, Baroque and Romanesque styles. Nowadays the Agricultural Museum operates in the castle building. In the park located near the palace, there is a statue of Anonymous, who created the chronicle early history Hungary "Gesta Hungarorum".
9. Hohenwerfen Castle, Austria
Initially, Hohenwerfen Castle, located just 40 kilometers from Salzburg, was a strategically important site for the defense and defense of the city. Then, in the 11th century, it was only possible to cross the mountains through a small pass. Therefore, it was in this place, between the Hagen and Tenen mountains, above the Salzach valley, that the prince gave the order to build a castle - a fortification. The erected fortress, which fit perfectly into the mountainous landscape, was destroyed and rebuilt over the next few centuries, it was burned by peasants during uprisings and they restored it after their suppression. Today, visitors to Hohenwerfen Castle have the opportunity not only to dine in a romantic tavern and explore the collection of weapons, but also to admire the flights of falcons at the falconry center located here.
10. Peles Castle, Romania
Many tourists believe that Peles Castle is the most beautiful castle in Eastern Europe. In addition, Peles is the pride of the Romanian town of Sinaia. The architecture and interiors of the castle are dominated by the German Renaissance style, although the presence of other styles can also be traced. The castle was built from wood, marble and brick and includes one hundred and sixty rooms. The castle is the resting place of several Romanian monarchs, including Carol I, who died here in 1914. Today, a museum has been opened in Peles Castle, the largest and most interesting exhibition of which is the Great Armory. Not far from Peles there are two more noteworthy castle museums: Pelisor and Foisor. All these castles are owned by the Romanian royal family.