Are you fascinated by the grandeur of European palaces and castles? Are you curious to explore their history, as well as what secrets they may be hiding behind those imposing walls?
From France’s awe-inspiring Château de Versailles to Germany’s fairytale Neuschwanstein Castle, Europe is home to some of the most stunning architectural wonders. So pack your bags and embark on a magical journey through time as we explore some of the continent’s most beautiful palaces and castles!
Fairytale European Palaces
If there is one thing Europe has in abundance, it’s incredible architecture. Whether you’re an avid traveler or a passionate architecture buff, there are plenty of lavish historical monuments to marvel at throughout the continent.
These incredible palaces in Europe have different architectural styles but they all have perfect proportions in common. Some are now museums, while others are still home to heads of state.
Read on as we explore some of Europe’s most breathtaking architectural treasures, offering insight into their histories and stunning aesthetics along the way!
1.Buckingham Palace, UK
The London residence of King Charles III, Buckingham Palace is one of the largest mansions in the world. Located at the end of The Mall in Westminster, the palace has 775 rooms and a 39 acre garden.
There are over 350 clocks and watches, and a huge collection of Sevres porcelain. The highlight of a Buckingham Palace tour is the ornate Throne Room, used for official ceremonies.
Visitors can also admire the 19 State Rooms, bronze Grand Staircase and paintings by Canaletto, Rembrandt and Rubens. Buckingham Palace is open for visitors during Summertime, when the Queen is not in residence.
This year, Buckingham Palace opening dates are from 10 July to 28 September. It’s best to book your ticket in advance as they sell out fast.
2.Charlottenburg Palace, Germany
Located in Berlin, Charlottenburg Palace is a wonderful example of Baroque architecture. Dating from the 17th century, Charlottenburg was built for Queen Sophia Charlotte, hence the name.
The largest palace in Berlin, Charlottenburg was badly damaged in WWII but has been well restored since. Don’t miss the Great Oak Gallery with its exquisite carvings, the Golden Gallery and the Amber Room, covered in real amber.
The palace park features a koi carp pond, Belvedere tea house and mausoleum to Queen Luise.
3.Chateau de Chambord, France
A masterpiece of French Renaissance architecture, Chambord Castle is situated in the heart of the Loire Valley. The area is known for its concentration of historical castles thanks to its strategic location along the Loire river.
Chambord is perhaps the most spectacular of all these medieval castles. A UNESCO World Heritage Site, this famous French landmark is the largest Loire Valley castle.
There are 426 rooms and over 80 staircases, with the famous double helix staircase thought to have been designed by Leonardo da Vinci. Built as a hunting lodge for King Francois I, the castle lay empty for nearly 100 years after his passing.
Today, the Château de Chambord is the most visited castle in the Loire Valley. You can easily combine it with a tour of nearby Amboise and Chenonceau castles.
4.Drottningholm Palace, Sweden
The elegantly proportioned Drottingholm Palace is the private home of the Swedish royal family. Located less than half an hour away from Stockholm on the island of Lovon, this UNESCO World Heritage Site was built in the 17th century.
You can reach the palace on a cruise along Lake Mälaren from Stockholm or by public transport.
Drottningholm was commissioned by Queen Hedvig Eleonora and built by the architect Nicodemus Tessin the Elder. One of the highlights of the palace is the Chinese Pavilion, a birthday present from King Adolf Fredrik to Queen Lovisa Ulrika in 1753.
Drottningholms Palace Theater (Drottningholms Slottsteater) is the most well preserved eighteenth century theater in Europe. The original stage machinery is still intact and used during regular performances during Summertime.
Outside, the Baroque garden was designed by Nicodemus Tessin the Younger. There’s also an English park with tree lined walkways and two ponds.
5.Fontainebleau Palace, France
The Palace and Park of Fontainebleau is one of the most impressive French tourist attractions. From the 12th to the 14th century, Fontainebleau was home to all the French monarchs.
34 kings and 2 emperors resided in Fontainebleau Castle over the years. The UNESCO World Heritage listed building combines Renaissance elements with Italian Mannerism and is exceptionally well preserved.
Set in 130 hectares of beautiful gardens and parkland, the Chateau de Fontainebleau also has sumptuous interiors. From the elegant State Apartments to the Baroque Trinity Chapel, there’s much to admire.
6.Hampton Court Palace, UK
Set in 750 acres of parkland and 60 acres of gardens, Hampton Court Palace has an enviable position overlooking the River Thames. A short walk from the town center of East Moseley, Hampton Court is known for its Summer flower show.
The former home of the infamous King Henry VIII and the Tudors was originally built by Cardinal Wolsey. Henry was so impressed with the palace that he took it for himself.
There are said to be many ghosts haunting Hampton Court, including Jane Seymour, King Henry’s third wife who died in childbirth. You may not see any during your visit but keep an eye out for the costumed actors bringing historical scenes to life.
Don’t miss The King’s Staircase, designed by Sir Christopher Wren or The Tudor Kitchens. Kids and adults will love the Maze in Hampton Court Palace Royal Gardens.
7.Kadriorg Palace, Estonia
A relatively small yet elegant building, Kadriorg Palace is within walking distance of the center of Tallinn, Estonia. The name kadriorg means Catherine’s valley, and the palace was built for Catherine I by Peter the Great.
Dating from 1718, the palace was designed by Italian architect Nicola Michetti. The main hall is one of the best examples of Baroque architecture in Europe.
The palace houses the Kadriorg Art Museum, a collection of Western European and Russian artworks.
8.Ludwigsburg Palace, Germany
One of the largest surviving Baroque buildings in Europe, Ludwigsburg is nicknamed the Versailles of Swabia. Located on a lake in Ludwigsburg in the state of Baden-Wurttemberg, this palace blends three different architectural styles.
Elements of Baroque, Neoclassicism and Rococo can be found throughout the building. There are 452 rooms and 4 wings in the palace, which is set in 32 hectares of grounds.
One of the highlights of Ludwigsburg for families is Kinderreich, an interactive museum for children. Kids will also love the Märchengarten, a fairy tale garden.
The Modemuseum also has an interesting fashion collection from the 18th to the 20th century. Another must-see is The Schlosstheater, one of the oldest theaters in Europe.
9.Palace of Versailles, France
The main royal residence of France from 1682 to 1789, the Palace of Versailles is a masterpiece of Baroque architecture. Originally a simple hunting lodge for King Louis XIII, Versailles was transformed by Louis XIV, known as the Sun King.
The elaborate gardens were designed by Andre le Notre, the renowned French landscape artist. He created the Grand Canal, which is 1,500 meters long and the Apollo and Latona Fountains.
During the reign of Louis XVI, Marie Antoinette commissioned the architect Richard Mique to design a hamlet in the grounds of Versailles. The Hameau de La Reine or Queen’s Hamlet was a private meeting place for her and her close friends.
After the French Revolution in 1789, a large portion of the palace’s furnishings were sold to contribute towards the Revolutionary Wars. Now a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Château de Versailles is visited by over 10 million people each year.
They come to marvel at the Hall of Mirrors, a Baroque gallery with 357 mirrors! Book a skip the line audio tour of the chateau and gardens to make the most of your visit.
10.Pena Palace, Portugal
Instantly recognizable for its distinctive architectural style, Pena National Palace is a popular tourist destination in Portugal. Located in the affluent town of Sintra close to Lisbon, Palacio Nacional da Pena is visible from a long distance.
The palace was built on the second highest peak of the Serra da Sintra, at 480 meters high. 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.
Pena Palace is a triumphant mix of architectural styles, from Neo-Gothic to Neo-Manueline and Romanesque Revival. In 1838, King Ferdinand II acquired a ruined monastery on this site and set about transforming it into a palace.
Completed in 1854, Pena Palace is now a state museum, and is classed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The palace’s vibrant colors have been restored to their former glory, with bright hues of yellow and red.
It’s a long hike from the center of Sintra town to Pena Palace. 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.
11.Peterhof Palace, Russia
The Peterhof Palace in St Petersburg is named after Peter the Great. Inspired by Versailles, this estate is the former Summer residence of Russian nobility.
Around 45 minutes from the center of St Petersburg, Peterhof overlooks the Gulf of Finland. This magnificent building is a prime example of Petrine Baroque architecture.
The Grand Palace was designed by Domenico Trezzini, while the ornate palace gardens were created by Alexandre Le Blond. The Grand Cascade is an extraordinary ensemble of 200 bronze statues and 64 different fountains.
Surprisingly, the Peterhof fountains operate without pumps. Water from natural springs is collected in reservoirs in the Upper Gardens.
To make the most of this vast palace and gardens, why not book a private tour and guide. This 5 hour expert tour includes skip-the-line entry and round-trip hydrofoil tickets.
12.Royal Palace of Brussels, Belgium
The main workplace of the King of Belgium, the Royal Palace of Belgium can be visited free of charge from 23 July to 25 August, apart from on Mondays. Located in front of Brussels Park, this Neoclassical building was designed for King Leopold II.
The Empire Room was the setting for concerts and ceremonies, while the Large Gallery hosted dinners and receptions. The Mirror Room has walls lined with copper and mirrors, as well as a ceiling and chandeliers covered with stunning jewelled beetles.
The Warandepark dates from 1776 and is a pleasant place to walk, with an octagonal pond, Art Deco lamp posts and a bandstand.
13.Royal Palace of Caserta, Italy
The former residence of the Kings of Naples, Caserta is the world’s largest royal palace by volume. At more than 2 million m3 Caserta is an impressive UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Designed by the architect Luigi Vanvitelli in the 18th century, Caserta Palace is an Italian Baroque masterpiece. From the imposing Court Theater to the Palatine Library and Piano Reale, the interior is very impressive.
The gardens are spread over 120 hectares and inspired by the Palace of Versailles. 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.
Several movies have been filmed at The Royal Palace of Caserta, including Mission Impossible 3 and Star Wars 1 and 2. Book a guided tour to make the most of your time at this beautiful Italian palace.
14.Royal Palace of Madrid, Spain
Palacio Real de Madrid is the largest functioning palace in Europe. Although the Spanish Royal family don’t live there, the building is used for state banquets and ceremonies.
There are 3,418 rooms spread over 135,000 square meters. Located on Calle de Bailen, the palace occupies the former site of a 9th century Moorish alcazar.
The Changing The Guard ceremony takes place each Wednesday and Saturday. On the first Wednesday of each month, the Solemn Changing The Guard ceremony is held.
Inside Palacio Real, there are some beautiful frescoes and paintings by Goya and Velazquez. Visitors can also admire the world’s only complete Stradivarius string quintet in the Royal Chapel.
Considered to be the best preserved European palace kitchens, the Royal Kitchen has two coal-fired stoves. Take an early access guided tour to see the palace before public opening hours with an expert bilingual guide.
15.Schonbrunn Palace, Austria
The former Summer residence of the Habsburg dynasty, Schönbrunn Palace is a fine example of Rococo architecture. Commissioned by Emperor Leopold I as a hunting lodge for his son, Schonbrunn developed over the years into a 1,441 room palace.
The word Schonbrunn means beautiful spring, and comes from the artesian well discovered on the property. 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 1762.
Schonbrunn Palace continues to promote music, with concerts in the Orangery. This is the longest Baroque orangery in the world, at 189 meters.
It’s a good idea to book a skip the line Schonbrunn tour to see this UNESCO World Heritage Site in the best way.
16.The Alhambra, Spain
The name Alhambra means Red Castle and this former fortress in Granada, Spain takes on a reddish tinge in the early evening light. One of the finest examples of Moorish architecture in Spain, the Alhambra is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Built on a hilltop overlooking Granada, the Alhambra Palace was commissioned by King Mohammed ibn Yusuf Ben Nasr. He established the Nasrid kingdom in the 13th century.
The king and subsequently his son Muhammed V, created an ornate palace with a series of intricate rooms and courtyards. You enter through the 16th century Gate of Pomegranates, passing into the Nasrid Palaces.
The Court of the Myrtles has a stunning pond at the centre. The green water is matched by the green myrtle bushes bordering the courtyard.
Another highlight is the Alameda de la Alhambra park, planted with oranges, roses and English elm trees.
17.The Belvedere, Austria
There are not one but two palaces at The Belvedere in Vienna, Austria. These baroque palaces date from the 18th century and were built for Prince Eugene.
The Upper Belvedere has a stunning ceremonial staircase and marble hall, while the Lower Belvedere has an unusual Hall of Grotesques or Groteskensaal.
The two palaces share an exquisite landscape garden, designed by Dominique Girard. The palace garden is free to visit, however you’ll need a ticket to visit the interior of The Belvedere Palace.
18.The Prince’s Palace, Monaco
The seat of the Prince of Monaco, this former Genoese fortress was built in 1191. Situated at the Top of the Rock in Monte-Carlo, the palace State Apartments are open to the public from April 2021.
The Princes Palace boasts a 13th century Carrera marble staircase, inspired by a similar one at the Chateau of Fontainebleau. The Hercule Gallery features frescoes of mythological figures and dates from the 16th century.
Outside the palace, the changing of the guard takes place every day at 11.55 am. Take a minute to admire the views of Monte Carlo harbour from the surrounding terraces.
19.Warsaw Castle, Poland
Although it’s officially called the Royal Castle. this imposing Warsaw building was the former home of many Polish nobility. It was destroyed in World War II and has been carefully reconstructed between 1971 and 1984.
Inside Warsaw Castle, highlights include the Throne Room, Great Assembly Hall and the King’s Apartments. 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.
The Royal Gardens have also been restored and boast attractive fountains and mazes. If you can, stay until night falls to admire the castle illuminated after dark.
20.Winter Palace, Russia
The former residence of the Russian emperors, the Winter Palace is a magnificent Elizabethan Baroque building. From 1732 to 1917, Russian tsars lived on the site of this palace.
The Winter Palace that you see today in Saint Petersburg is the 4th version and houses the world famous Hermitage Museum. There are over 1500 rooms and 1886 doors in the palace.
Among the architectural highlights are the opulent State Gala staircase with its baroque wood carvings and the Great Throne Room. As for the Hermitage museum collections, they include over 3 million exhibits!
There are paintings by Leonardo da Vinci and Van Gogh and rare jewelry in the Gold Rooms. Don’t miss the Malachite Room, adorned with the stunning green gemstone.
A skip the line tour is a must, there’s so much to see that you don’t want to waste time queuing. The Hermitage also has a virtual art tour online.
21.Windsor Castle, UK
A royal residence of the Queen, this is one of the best places to visit in Windsor. Dating from the 11th century, this medieval castle has been extensively remodeled since the Middle Ages. It is now one of the largest castles in the world.
Windsor Castle is actually the longest occupied palace in Europe, with royals living there since Henry I. This was the preferred home of Queen Victoria and Prince Albert. There’s a commemmorative statue of Queen Victoria outside the castle.
22.Neuschwanstein Castle, Germany
One of the most famous palaces in Europe, Neuschwanstein was commissioned by King Ludwig II of Bavaria in the 19th century. Intended as a homage to the composer Richard Wagner, Neuschwanstein Palace stands on top of a hill above Hohenschwangau village.
Neuschwanstein has featured in many movies, including The Great Escape, Chitty Chitty Bang Bang and The Monuments Men. It is also the inspiration for Walt Disney’s Cinderella and Sleeping Beauty castles.
23.Prague Castle, Czech Republic
The largest ancient castle complex in the world, Prague Castle dominates the skyline of the Czech capital with its impressive Gothic spires and Baroque facades. Dating back to the 9th century, this UNESCO World Heritage Site spans nearly 70,000 square meters and has served as the seat of Czech rulers for over a millennium.
Located in the Hradčany district overlooking the Vltava River, Prague Castle is actually a complex of palaces, churches, courtyards and gardens. The centerpiece is the magnificent St. Vitus Cathedral, a Gothic masterpiece that took nearly 600 years to complete.
The cathedral houses the Czech Crown Jewels and the tomb of St. Wenceslas, the patron saint of Bohemia. Within the castle grounds, visitors can explore the Old Royal Palace with its spectacular Vladislav Hall, featuring intricate late Gothic vaulting.
Don’t miss the charming Golden Lane, a row of tiny colorful houses built into the castle walls where castle guards once lived. Franz Kafka famously worked in house number 22 between 1916 and 1917.
Prague Castle remains the official residence of the President of the Czech Republic and welcomes over 2 million visitors annually, making it one of the most visited castles in the world.
24.Château de Chenonceau, France
Known as the “Ladies’ Castle” for the influential women who shaped its destiny, Château de Chenonceau is one of the most elegant and romantic castles in France’s Loire Valley. This Renaissance masterpiece is unique among European palaces as it spans the Cher River on a series of arches, creating the enchanting effect of a castle floating on water.
Built in 1514 on the site of an old mill, Chenonceau was gifted by King Henri II to his mistress Diane de Poitiers. After the king’s death, his widow Catherine de Medici forced Diane to exchange it for Château Chaumont. Catherine expanded the castle by adding the famous gallery that extends across the river, creating the architectural marvel we see today.
The castle’s most striking feature is the Grande Galerie, a 60-meter ballroom with checkered black and white marble floors and 18 windows offering views of the river on both sides. During World War I, this magnificent gallery served as a hospital.
Diane de Poitiers created the geometric garden on the east side, while Catherine de Medici designed the more elaborate garden on the west. The castle also features a unique wine cellar built into the foundations of the bridge.
Today, Château de Chenonceau is the most visited castle in France after Versailles, welcoming over 800,000 visitors annually. Its timeless beauty and dramatic history make it an essential stop on any Loire Valley castle tour.
25.Alcázar of Seville, Spain
A stunning example of Mudéjar architecture, the Alcázar of Seville is a royal palace complex that beautifully blends Islamic, Christian, and Renaissance artistic traditions. This UNESCO World Heritage Site is the oldest royal palace still in use in Europe, serving as the Seville residence of the Spanish Royal Family.
Originally built as a fort by the Almohads in the 12th century, the Alcázar was extensively renovated by King Peter I of Castile in the 14th century. The palace showcases the unique Mudéjar architectural style, created by Muslim craftsmen working under Christian rule, resulting in an extraordinary fusion of Islamic geometric patterns, Christian symbolism, and later Renaissance elements.
The jewel of the Alcázar is the Patio de las Doncellas (Courtyard of the Maidens), surrounded by intricately carved arches and featuring a stunning rectangular reflecting pool. The Ambassador’s Hall (Salón de Embajadores) boasts one of the most spectacular domed ceilings in Spain, with golden star patterns and Arabic inscriptions creating a mesmerizing display.
The palace gardens are equally magnificent, covering 7 hectares with a labyrinth of pathways, fountains, and pavilions. Recent years have brought renewed attention to the Alcázar thanks to its starring role as the Water Gardens of Dorne in HBO’s Game of Thrones series.
In Conclusion: Most Stunning European Palaces and Castles
These are some of the most beautiful European palaces and castles that will take your breath away. Seeing them in person is an even more magical experience.
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