However, it still serves political functions today as heads of state are regaled in the Hall of Mirrors, ad French politicians meet in congress here to revise or otherwise amend the French Constitution. This page was last edited on 8 January 2021, at 12:10 (UTC). Virtual Tours of the Best Palaces in Europe 1. Schönbrunn Palace is a World Cultural Heritage site and Austria’s most-visited sight. The Court of the Myrtles has a stunning pond at the centre. Considered to be the best preserved European palace kitchens, the Royal Kitchen has two coal-fired stoves. He established the Nasrid kingdom in the 13th century. You can reach the palace on a cruise along Lake Mälaren from Stockholm or by public transport. Discover the most impressive European palaces, from colorful Palacio Nacional da Pena in Portugal to majestic Fontainebleau in France. It is a gem of 18th century French art, rich and rich in art and beauty.Chateau de Versailles is among the most visited sites in France and one of the most stunning examples of royal residence from the 17th- and 18th-century anyone can experience. It is here that The Queen often hosts State Visits from overseas monarchs and presidents. A UNESCO World Heritage Site, this is the largest Loire Valley castle. The Grand Palace was designed by Domenico Trezzini, while the ornate palace gardens were created by Alexandre Le Blond. For 2020, Buckingham Palace opening dates were from 25 July to 4 October. Looking for more travel hacks and tips? Explore famous castles – including Buda Castle, Colditz Castle, and Wawel Castle – on our European escorted tours and river cruises, complete with experienced local guides and expert Tour Managers. On the first Wednesday of each month, the Solemn Changing The Guard ceremony is held. Commissioned by Emperor Leopold I as a hunting lodge for his son, Schonbrunn developed over the years into a 1,441 room palace. Share your favorite European palace in the comments section, or take my poll below! 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 and Park of Fontainebleau is one of the most impressive French tourist attractions. Like these European palaces? Surprisingly, the Peterhof fountains operate without pumps. There are 452 rooms and 4 wings in the palace, which is set in 32 hectares of grounds. this imposing Warsaw building was the former home of many Polish nobility. It is thought of as one of the seven wonders in Portugal. 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. By Kimberley Lovato. One of the finest examples of Moorish architecture in Spain, the Alhambra is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. 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. In the East Wing, you’ll find the Gallery of Paintings, Sculpture and the Decorative Arts, with two portraits by Rembrandt, as well as the Canaletto Room. Click here to subscribe to my Youtube channel. The name Sanssouci – a French phrase which translates as “without concerns” – is to be understood as a wish of the king, because this summer residence was his refuge in difficult times. The UNESCO World Heritage listed building combines Renaissance elements with Italian Mannerism and is exceptionally well preserved. Explore this storyboard about European News by LuxuryColumnist on Flipboard. Elements of Baroque, Neoclassicism and Rococo can be found throughout the building. They come to marvel at the Hall of Mirrors, a Baroque gallery with 357 mirrors! Although the Spanish Royal family don’t live there, the building is used for state banquets and ceremonies. From hidden gems to unique experiences, we’ve got you covered.Join us on Facebook, Instagram, Pinterest and Twitter. These incredible palaces in Europe have different architectural styles but they all have perfect proportions in common. Visitors can also admire the 19 State Rooms, bronze Grand Staircase and paintings by Canaletto, Rembrandt and Rubens. A charming medieval castle, famous for its heroic defense against the Turkish in the 16 th century. Virtual Palaces Tours; French Castles; Palace of Versailles; Loire Valley Chateau; German palaces; Kingdom of the Netherlands; Austrian Palaces; Palaces of the Bonaparte Family; Tours & Tickets; People. There are said to be many ghosts haunting Hampton Court, including Jane Seymour, King Henry’s third wife who died in childbirth. From the imposing Court Theater to the Palatine Library and Piano Reale, the interior is very impressive. Designed by the architect Luigi Vanvitelli in the 18th century, Caserta Palace is an Italian Baroque masterpiece. At the end of the 17th century Emperor Leopold I commissioned the gifted architect Bernhard Fischer von Erlach to built a palatial hunting lodge for the heir to the throne. Take a minute to admire the views of Monte Carlo harbour from the surrounding terraces. I publish one new clip per week (hotel or flight review). There are 426 rooms and over 80 staircases, with the famous double helix staircase thought to have been designed by Leonardo da Vinci. If you can, stay until night falls to admire the castle illuminated after dark. The Castle is used regularly for ceremonial and State occasions. This storyboard also features well known European landmarks for your bucket list.. 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. Pena National Palace Pena National Palace is a heritage site located in Europe built in the 19th century. The palace’s vibrant colors have been restored to their former glory, with bright hues of yellow and red. From 1732 to 1917, Russian tsars lived on the site of this palace. The Castle of Cardona, Cardona, Catalonia, Spain Prague Castle, founded around 880 AD, is the largest medieval castle in Europe and was once the seat of the Kings of Bohemia. 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. The Royal Palace of Brussels. The Winter Palace that you see today is the 4th version and houses the world famous Hermitage Museum. Empress Sisi; King Louis XIV; Marie Antoinette; Catherine of Aragon, queen of England; Louise of Belgium; Madame du Barry; Madame de Pompadour; Josephine de … In 1838, King Ferdinand II acquired a ruined monastery on this site and set about transforming it into a palace. Six papal conclaves were held in the Palais, before the popes returned to Rome in 1377. Kids will also love the Märchengarten, a fairy tale garden. When he was just six years old, Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart performed a concert in the Hall of Mirrors with his sister for Empress Maria Theresa in 1772. Kids and adults will love the Maze in Hampton Court Palace Royal Gardens. Pena National Palace Top 10 Castles of Europe. I really love Austria, Vienna in particular and its incredible list of palaces. Some of its most famous attractions include the palaces and castles that formerly (and in some instances still do) house the monarchs of Europe. 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. Don’t miss The King’s Staircase, designed by Sir Christopher Wren or The Tudor Kitchens. 19. The two palaces share an exquisite landscape garden, designed by Dominique Girard. 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. Situated at the Top of the Rock in Monte-Carlo, the palace State Apartments are open to the public from April 2021. Palazzo del Quirinale, Rome and La Reggia di Caserta near Naples, are better than many palaces featured in your list. 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 . Palacio Real de Madrid is the largest functioning palace in Europe. However, movement in the foundation area has to be continuously monitored, and the sheer rock walls must be repeatedly secured. In the following centuries, the palace functioned as the residence of antipapal forces, military barracks and a prison. Review: Virgin Atlantic A350 (new) Upper Class from London to New York. No other palace is so connected with the personality of Frederick the Great, King of Prussia, as Sanssouci Palace in Potsdam near Berlin. The former residence of the Kings of Naples, Caserta is the world’s largest royal palace by volume. The palace was built on the second highest peak of the Serra da Sintra, at 480 meters high. Click here to book your hotel online on the Classic Travel website. Time + Tide Miavana, the world’s best resort, Amanzoe, the most exclusive hotel in Greece. The architectural glory of European countries is represented by their magnificent castles. 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). Sanssouci Palace is located in the city of Potsdam, just to the southwest of Berlin. Half a century later under Maria Theresa Schönbrunn Palace was to become the magnificent focus of court life. 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). Drottningholm was commissioned by Queen Hedvig Eleonora and built by the architect Nicodemus Tessin the Elder. To make the most of this vast palace and gardens, why not book a private tour and guide. 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. 18. Monday newsletters always feature top 10 travel lists to inspire […], Wednesday newsletters always feature a luxury hotel or flight review […]. The Princes Palace boasts a 13th century Carrera marble staircase, inspired by a similar one at the Chateau of Fontainebleau. Many castles and palaces were built in the area, as the cooler climate made a welcome refuge for the Portugese nobility from the Summertime heat in Lisbon. You enter through the 16th century Gate of Pomegranates, passing into the Nasrid 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. This article may contain affiliate links. This is the longest Baroque orangery in the world, at 189 meters. Some are now museums, while others are still home to heads of state. Pena Palace is a triumphant mix of architectural styles, from Neo-Gothic to Neo-Manueline and Romanesque Revival. Today, the Chateau de Chambord is the most visited castle in the Loire Valley. It is an official residence of Her Majesty The Queen, who spends most of her private weekends here. Top 10: travel clips that will make you crave a holiday! The main hall is one of the best examples of Baroque architecture in Europe. No other palace is so connected with the personality of Frederick the Great, King of Prussia, as Sanssouci Palace in Potsdam near Berlin. Now a UNESCO World Heritage Site, Versailles is visited by over 10 million people each year. You can easily combine it with a tour of nearby Amboise and Chenonceau castles. Inside Warsaw Castle, highlights include the Throne Room, Great Assembly Hall and the King’s Apartments. Castle and Old Town, Tossa de Mar, Catalonia, Spain. Everywhere you look, you see gold paneling, massive chandeliers, bright frescoes, and … Kings and Princes built their palaces and summer residences in the most beautiful and strategically located spots. My Youtube channel is one of the most followed luxury travel vlogs in the world. City Photo Residence Function Link Austria Vienna: Hofburg Palace: Winter residence of the Habsburgs until 1918; it now serves as residence of the President of Austria, museums and convention centre: Belvedere: Private residence of Prince Eugene of Savoy and then Imperial palace of empress Maria Theresa: Hermesvilla: Private residence of Empress Elisabeth in Vienna It’s … 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. The palace park features a koi carp pond, Belvedere tea house and mausoleum to Queen Luise. 1 Minute Read. The gardens are spread over 120 hectares and inspired by the Palace of Versailles. This World Heritage Site, located in Hietzing, Vienna, attracts many visitors each year. The Queen’s standard flies from the Round Tower when she is in residence. There are over 350 clocks and watches, and a huge collection of Sevres porcelain. Built as a hunting lodge for King Francois I, the castle lay empty for nearly 100 years after his passing. The setting of Neuschwanstein could not be more idyllic. Travel contests & sweepstakes: win luxury holidays & travel later! Chinese palaces are different from post-Renaissance European palaces in the sense that they are not ma… Do you ever wonder what it would be like to live in a real-life fairytale? Discover the most impressive European palaces, from colorful Palacio Nacional da Pena in Portugal to majestic Fontainebleau in France. Chambord’s architecture is a carefully balanced blend of traditional elements of Medieval French architecture and other elements borrowed from the Italian Renaissance. There are paintings by Leonardo da Vinci and Van Gogh and rare jewelry in the Gold Rooms. The green water is matched by the green myrtle bushes bordering the courtyard. Henry was so impressed with the palace that he took it for himself. I hereby present you my top 10 list of the most spectacular palaces and castles in Europe, the ones that you need to put on your bucket list. Another highlight is the Alameda de la Alhambra park, planted with oranges, roses and English elm trees. From that time onwards it played host to the leading statesmen of Europe. The Upper Belvedere has a stunning ceremonial staircase and marble hall, while the Lower Belvedere has an unusual Hall of Grotesques or Groteskensaal. The Chateau de Chambord is a must-see of course, but maybe I am not very objective.. haha. Don’t miss the Malachite Room, adorned with the stunning green gemstone. Subscribe to my newsletter (3x/week) and be inspired by luxury travel. 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. It's most famous inhabitant is without a doubt, Empress Sisi. From the 13th to the 14th century, the Alhambra was the home of the Nasrid sultans, high government officials, servants of the court and elite soldiers. It’s one of the most famous palaces in the world and was constructed between 1745 and 1747 by King Frederick II, also referred to as Frederick the Great, and remained the summer residence of the kings of the German Empire until the end of World War I in 1918. It has been the family home of British kings and queens for almost 1,000 years. Palaces have long been used to demonstrate national wealth and achievement. Set on a hilltop in Granada, the Alhambra (lit. Chambord is perhaps the most spectacular of all these medieval castles. There is more info below the slide show. The London residence of the Queen, Buckingham Palace is located at the end of The Mall in Westminster. 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. There are also lesser known gems to admire such as Kadriorg Palace in Estonia and Caserta in Italy. 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. 10. 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. 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. Built on a hilltop overlooking Granada, the Alhambra Palace was commissioned by King Mohammed ibn Yusuf Ben Nasr. These splendid palaces are among the most famous monuments in the world. Not to be missed under any circumstances! In 1837, fire broke out, destroying nearly all the palace interiors, but the reconstruction was completed within one year. There are also lesser known gems to admire such as Kadriorg Palace in Estonia and Caserta in Italy. It’s best to book your ticket in advance as they sell out fast. Not only the architecture itself, but also the technology used in constructing them reflects the remarkable progress of western civilization. The name kadriorg means Catherine’s valley, and the palace was built for Catherine I by Peter the Great. The word Schonbrunn means beautiful spring, and comes from the artesian well discovered on the property. There are 3,418 rooms spread over 135,000 square meters. They will open doors that are normally closed to the outside world and … He created the Grand Canal, which is 1,500 meters long and the Apollo and Latona Fountains. 34 kings and 2 emperors resided in Fontainebleau Castle over the years. Istanbul is brimming with stunning architecture, but it is the palaces, pavilions and royal residences that are among the most atmospheric of buildings. This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Originally built in 1623 by Louis XIII as a hunting lodge, the palace was expanded to its grand scale by Louis XIV. The name Alhambra means Red Castle and this former fortress in Granada, Spain takes on a reddish tinge in the early evening light. Inside Palacio Real, there are some beautiful frescoes and paintings by Goya and Velazquez. Here are 14 of the most famous castles in Europe to visit. In the following centuries, the palace functioned as the residence of antipapal forces, military barracks and a prison. The emotive, sensual Moorish palace and its stunning setting on an elevated plateau above the Albaicín gipsy quarter with the snow-capped peaks of Sierra Nevada mountains as a magnificent backdrop has inspired many songs and stories. The château lost its standing as the official seat of power during the French Revolution in 1789. A relatively small yet elegant building, Kadriorg Palace is within walking distance of the center of Tallinn, Estonia. Located in Berlin, Charlottenburg Palace is a wonderful example of Baroque architecture. The Grand Cascade is an extraordinary ensemble of 200 bronze statues and 64 different fountains. Book a guided tour to make the most of your time there. It was destroyed in World War II and has been carefully reconstructed between 1971 and 1984. The former residence of the Russian emperors, the Winter Palace is a magnificent Elizabethan Baroque building. Among the architectural highlights are the opulent State Gala staircase with its baroque wood carvings and the Great Throne Room. The palace served as a summer residence for the royal family of king Dom Fernando the second. Outside the palace, the changing of the guard takes place every day at 11.55 am. One of the most famous and photographed buildings on Earth, Buckingham Palace in London has long been the residence of the British monarchs. Located along the Bosporus – or at strategic points on the Asian and European sides of the city – these ornate palaces are open to visitors, and some are even museums. Once the homes of kings, popes and emperors, palaces and castles represent an important part of the architectural heritage of European history. 20. Your email address will not be published. The English word "palace" is used to translated the Chinese word 宮 (pronounced "gōng" in Mandarin). The palace houses the Kadriorg Art Museum, a collection of Western European and Russian artworks. This magnificent building is a prime example of Petrine Baroque architecture. The Warandepark dates from 1776 and is a pleasant place to walk, with an octagonal pond, Art Deco lamp posts and a bandstand. Set in 130 hectares of gardens and parkland, the Chateau de Fontainebleau also has sumptuous interiors. 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. Located on Calle de Bailen, the palace occupies the former site of a 9th century Moorish alcazar. 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. Learn how your comment data is processed. One of the largest surviving Baroque buildings in Europe, Ludwigsburg is nicknamed the Versailles of Swabia. Do you have a favorite palace from this list? You may not see any during your visit but keep an eye out for the costumed actors bringing historical scenes to life. Instantly recognizable for its distinctive architectural style, Pena Palace is a popular tourist destination in Portugal. 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. Water from natural springs is collected in reservoirs in the Upper Gardens. World’s 10 Most Beautiful Royal Palaces are: 10. 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 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). Ponder no more. Here are 10 of the Most Famous Castles In Europe. A medieval hilltop castle in the Costa Brava. There are not one but two palaces at The Belvedere in Vienna, Austria. Inspired by Versailles, this estate is the former Summer residence of Russian nobility. Top 15 Famous Palaces in the World. They furthered the political foundations of dynasties, ruling powers and royal families. These baroque palaces date from the 18th century and were built for Prince Eugene. Book a skip the line audio tour of the chateau and gardens to make the most of your visit. Seven weeks after the death of King Ludwig II in 1886, Neuschwanstein was opened to the public. Although Austria is now a republic, Schönbrunn has remained a place of political encounter at the highest level as the magnificent architecture of the baroque palace and the exquisite décor of its state rooms has largely been preserved in its original condition. The Hameau de La Reine or Queen’s Hamlet was a private meeting place for her and her close friends. It’s a jewel of 18th-century French art , opulent and rich in artworks and beauty. In the summer around 6,000 visitors a day stream through rooms that were intended for a single inhabitant. Following the Russian Revolution, the palace was briefly used as a seat of government. It’s a good idea to book a skip the line Schonbrunn tour to see this UNESCO World Heritage Site in the best way. Located on a lake in  Ludwigsburg in the state of Baden-Wurttemberg, this palace blends three different architectural styles. The former home of the infamous King Henry VIII and the Tudors was originally built by Cardinal Wolsey. Palaces. There are over 1500 rooms and 1886 doors in the palace. The former Summer residence of the Habsburg dynasty, Schonbrunn Palace is a fine example of Rococo architecture. 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). It’s a long hike from the center of Sintra town to Pena Palace. During the reign of Louis XVI, Marie Antoinette commissioned the architect Richard Mique to design a hamlet in the grounds of Versailles. Buckingham Palace is open for visitors during Summertime, when the Queen is not in residence. *** Follow me on Twitter, Instagram and Facebook for a daily moment of travel inspiration ***. From the Chateau de Chambord in France to lesser known gems such as Caserta in Italy, there are some stunning palaces in Europe. Here is a list of top 10 most beautiful royal palaces in the world. 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. The Empire Room was the setting for concerts and ceremonies, while the Large Gallery hosted dinners and receptions. 1 Hotel Brooklyn Bridge is a waterfront sanctaury, 5. One of the main attractions of Europe is its rich history of royals. Pin for later or share with friends. Monday newsletters always feature top 10 travel lists to inspire. These amazing monuments were once the homes of kings and emperors, now popular tourist attractions. Several movies have been filmed at The Royal Palace of Caserta, including Mission Impossible 3 and Star Wars 1 and 2. Windsor is still very much a working royal palace. 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. These perks may include an upgrade, daily breakfast, spa treatment, resort credit, early check-in, and late check-out. From the 12th to the 14th century, Fontainebleau was home to all the French monarchs. Drottningholms Palace Theater (Drottningholms Slottsteater) is the most well preserved eighteenth century theater in Europe. Although it’s officially called the Royal Castle. Sorry, your blog cannot share posts by email. 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 …