21 of the most beautiful castles in the world
Briefly

The fascination with castles stems from their historical significance, architectural beauty, and the rich stories behind them. Castles serve dual purposes as fortifications and dwellings, blending the functional with the aesthetic. They are not limited to Europe; similar structures exist worldwide, reflecting diverse cultures. Many castles today provide immersive historical experiences, such as jousting reenactments and artisan demonstrations, making them popular tourist destinations. Beyond defense, castles are the backdrop for vital historical events and daily life, cultivating a romanticized vision of the past.
Creating a building which is both comfortable and defensible is difficult. The ingenious ways in which castle-designers reconciled this balance is always intriguing.
What makes a castle a castle is that it combines the functions of defense and dwelling—it's a fortification and a stately home rolled into one.
Castles are places where plots were hatched, marriages were consummated, murders carried out, royal babies born, and so on.
Many are now hubs of living history where modern visitors can watch jousting and other ancient combat forms, listen to medieval music or watch artisans.
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