20 Breathtaking Castles Around The World

In the past, they were fortresses standing guard, homes to royalty, and strongholds of ancient societies. But today, many spectacular castles are open for travelers to explore their fortified outer and inner walls, up and down their winding staircases, and through the grand living and working spaces inside these magnificent structures.

Whether people call them castles, burgs, Castellanos, or chateaus, these architectural marvels today attract visitors globally. People are curious to glimpse what life was like when royal inhabitants called these beautiful castles their protective homes.

1. Bodiam Castle, UK

A royal knight built Bodiam, a textbook-style castle with a moat, in 1385. Since then, its nine ancient towers have continually stood guard over the valley between Sussex and Bodiam. Today, visitors to Bodiam enter across a wooden bridge in the place that once held a drawbridge and past the original wooden portcullis in the gatehouse, a rare find in a castle as ancient as Bodiam. Visitors can explore the castle’s Medieval details, like the open courtyard and narrow windows perfect for shooting defensive arrows. Still, the ruins only leave clues to Bodiam Castle’s storied past.

2. Chapultepec Castle, Mexico City, Mexico

This spectacular castle, constructed in 1785, overlooks Mexico’s capital city and is the only castle in North America that housed actual royalty at one time. Today, visitors to the Alcazar de Chapultepec, now a national museum, can wander through its hundreds of rooms to explore the extravagant life of its past inhabitants. This location boasts several popular spaces. One is the Playroom, where royals spend their leisure time playing cards or billiards. Another is the Hall of Gobelins, a gift from Napoleon to the former inhabitant, Maximillian. Visitors can also enjoy the location’s gorgeous terrace garden.

3. Chateau de Chambord, France

This stunning structure began in 1519 as a hunting retreat for King Francois but was never completed. With over 400 rooms and designs inspired by the artwork of Leonardo di Vinci, Chambord remains one of the most captivating examples of French Renaissance architecture. Everything in this castle is spectacular, from the massive formal French gardens and parklands surrounding the Chateau to the so-called “magic staircase” with its double-helix design.

4. Chateau de Chenonceau, Chenonceaux, France

This chateau’s mistresses played critical roles in the construction and upkeep of Chenonceau since it was built in 1517. French Queen Catherine de Medici was its most famous female resident, but it was host and home to many royal family members through the centuries. Visitors can explore this stunning castle that appears to float over the River Cher as its bridged archways span the waterway. Its manicured French gardens and its history as a military hospital during World War II add to the beauty of this architectural marvel.