When you visit Budapest and take in the huge city, one building will stand out: Buda Castle, a huge palace on Buda hill, overlooking the Danube River. This immense structure is the focal point of Budapest’s Castle District.
It’s been undergoing constant construction since the fourteenth century, and during World War II it was destroyed. After the war ended, it was rebuilt with a simplified Stalin Baroque style. It has been named a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Calling this castle historic is an understatement since it’s gone through wars, regime changes, the Holy Roman Empire, and numerous updates, all while reigning over Budapest.
Castello di Miramare – Trieste, Italy
Built for Archduke Maximilian, part of the powerful Hapsburg family, the Castello di Miramare overlooks the Gulf of Trieste. Along with a regal and eye-catching palace in a Gothic Revival style, the grounds include fifty-four acres of meadows, forests, and shorelines.
The castle's construction began in 1855. There are stables, a park featuring numerous tropical species of trees and plants, and a large museum. Though more of a mansion than a castle, it went through World War I and World War II, as well as numerous other smaller conflicts, and it served as a headquarters for various German, New Zealand, British, and American forces at different times.
Visit the Archduke's Home
There's much to see on this sprawling estate, even if you aren't interested in the outdoor amenities. Visitors will be able to see Maximilian's chambers and those of Charlotte, his consort; the guest rooms; the information room, which details the castle's history and the park's construction; and many more.
Each room is decorated with the original furnishings, ornaments, and furniture from the middle of the nineteenth century. Visitors can also take in the throne room, which has recently been restored to its former splendor. The park is open to the public free of charge, and thousands of tourists also take a tour of the building every year.
Lots to See Inside this Huge Complex
Buda Castle is now home to the National Gallery, the Budapest History Museum, and the National Library, and each one requires its own entry fee. It's pretty easy to say that you could spend a week seeing everything at this immense, gorgeous piece of architecture. Parts of the castle, like the courts, are still free.
The castle also includes an extensive cave system, which was utilized by hunters to store tigers and Hungarian mountain bears during the Ottoman era. There are numerous unique and memorable rooms to enjoy, such as the Writing Room, the Royal Bedroom, the “Circle” Room, and the Archducal Apartments.
Alcázar of Segovia – Segovia, Spain
With a perfect perch on a rocky hill, overlooking the confluence of two rivers, Alcazar of Segovia appears to be the bow of a ship, slicing through waters with a beautiful medieval look. Construction took centuries, and the initial foundations were laid in the twelve hundreds.
The name is simple – Alcazar means fortress, stemming from the Arabic “al'qasr.” This is also where Alcatraz got its name since California was settled by the Spanish. The huge halls of this formidable fortress are immense structures, and the castle itself is huge – the castle and the grounds together combine for a hundred and thirty-four hectares.