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Rust does not live here. Impressive Castles and Palaces Located on Water

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Inaccessible stone walls, a deep ditch filled with water and a narrow wooden bridge, swinging when walking - this description is familiar to all lovers of walks in historical places. In it, they unmistakably recognize ancient castles and fortresses, which for hundreds of years retain their strict appearance and amaze with their grandeur. Inaccessible over water castles have been built for the sole purpose - to provide nearby settlements with reliable protection. Over the years, water, surrounding castles, lost its status as an 'insuperable barrier' and began to wear a decorative character, which makes constructions unique. Each of the ancient castles hides a lot of secrets. You can discover priceless historical treasures, appreciate the unchanged situation of the ornate halls and even meet a ghost of one of the former owners. Castles and palaces on the water - a real find for fans of history and walks in unusual places.

Chateau de Chillon, Switzerland

The majestic Chillon Castle is one of the oldest and most beautiful on the planet. It was built on the banks of Lake Geneva in the 13th century. For more than 300 years, the family's family belonged to the Savoy count, and was later occupied by the Bernese. The experts of the work of Georges Byron know this historical sight from the Poem 'Chillon prisoners'. In the 16th century, the large castle was actually used as a state prison. The chic castle, which consists of 25 buildings and three large courtyards, was converted into a museum at the beginning of the 19th century and now preserves a valuable collection of historical artifacts.

Chateau de Chillon, Switzerland Old-fashioned furniture, paintings and tapestries, fine frescos and precious jewelery - all this can be seen in the castle nowadays. One of the most interesting elements of the castle structure is the old chapel where the 14th-century painting has been preserved. The supporters of the Nervenkitzel can stroll through the underground vaults erected more than 700 years ago, covered with a multitude of interesting legends. According to one of the legends, the witches and witches in the Middle Ages were kept in the dark underground vaults, for which the underground corridors became the last accommodation.

The large castle is located on the rock, which rises above the lake of Geneva. Originally the castle was of great strategic importance and served as a control point on the way to the St. Bernard Pass. The latter, on its part, was the important part of the only road connecting South and North Europe. Over the centuries the deep lake protected the castle from the sudden attack. Today, thousands of people come to graze in the wonderful landscapes and watch the wonderful castle. Next - Chateau de Chenonceau

Chateau de Chenonceau, France

Chateau de Chenonceau, France On the Cher River, not far from the picturesque Chenonceau village, is the castle of the same name, one of the most impressive and interesting castles of the Loire. The general public knows it under the unofficial name 'the ladies' lock'. Currently, the castle is the private property, which is open for free visit. The first guard tower on the site of the castle was still built in the 12th century. In the middle of the 13th century the estate was built around it, whose first owner was the family de Mark. Complete article

Bodiam Castle, England

Bodiam Castle, England The tourists, who want to see the classic English castle, can go to the eastern part of Sussex. Here, next to the village of Robertsbridge is the beautiful Bodiam Castle. The castle, built in the second half of the 14th century, has only partially survived until today. Many of its original buildings today are the ruins. Nevertheless, the castle has not lost the historical charm and still looks very impressive. The founder and first fortress was Edward Dalyngrigge, the descendant of the old nobility family. Complete article

Vadstena Slott, Sweden

Vadstena Slott, Sweden On the banks of the beautiful Vättern lake in Sweden is the castle Vadstena, whose construction was completed in 1545. The castle was erected in fortifications by order of King Gustav Wasa. In the middle of the 16th century, the government of Stockholm expected the Danes to attack, which led to the construction of the new fortresses. One of the most important events in the history of the castle happened in 1552, when the king and Katharina married Stenbock. Complete article

Chateau de Chambord, France

Chateau de Chambord, France Among the beautiful castles of the Loire you must definitely mention Chambord Castle. In contrast to the other medieval castles, the history of its emergence is more romantic than strategic. The initiator of the palace was Franzisk I, who wanted to live closer to his beloved, Countess Touri. The construction of the castle on the Cosson river was completed in 1547. The castle is one of the most striking monuments of the Renaissance architecture of France. Complete article

Orebro Castle, Sweden

Orebro Castle, Sweden In the town of Örebro, on the Svarton river is the incredibly beautiful and interesting mysterious palace. Örebro is one of the most important castles in Sweden from a historical point of view. The exact date of its construction is however unknown. For the first time the castle on the great artificial island was mentioned in the 13th century. The founder of the castle is also unknown. According to one of the versions, the castle was founded by Jarl Birger, the ruler of Sweden and the founder of Stockholm. Complete article

Schloss Hallwyl, Switzerland

Schloss Hallwyl, Switzerland In the 12th century on the Aabach river, which flows into the Hallwilersee, the majestic castle was built. Its founder was Count Hallwyl, whose order on the river had created the great artificial island for the castle. In 1380 the building was heavily damaged by fire. For the first time the castle was reconstructed in the 15th century. Since then Hallwyl Castle has hardly changed. In the 16th century the legendary scientist Burkhard von Hallwyl lived. He opened the pharmacy in the castle and preserved a valuable collection of more than 2,5 thousand recipes. Complete article

Castle Muiderslot, Netherlands

Castle Muiderslot, Netherlands In the Netherlands there is the incredibly beautiful and interesting castle on the water - Muiderslot, which is located in the surroundings of Amsterdam. The castle is situated on the mouth of the river Vechte and was built, according to some assumptions, in the second half of the 13th century. The construction was of great commercial importance. During more than 700 years the place for the collection of the taxes of ships, which went to Utrecht. Until the 17th century, the construction lost its strategic importance. The palace served as the residence of Peter Hoft, ruler of Amsterdam. Complete article

Chateau de Belœil, Belgium

Chateau de Belœil, Belgium The Belœil Castle has been one of the most visited castles in Belgium for several years. The first mention of the castle dates back to the 13th century. At the end of the 14th century the castle became the property of the Princes of Ligne and was of great strategic importance until the 17th century. Later, the dark castle under the direction of owner was converted into the chic residence and was used as a venue for balls and official events. The nearby France has influenced the exterior of the building. Today, the building is surrounded by the wonderfully beautiful French garden, whose area is 120 hectares. Complete article

Leeds Castle, England

Leeds Castle, England Among the castles of England is the Leeds Castle, which is located in the county of Kent, especially worth seeing. According to the historical data, the first fortification was built at this point in the middle of the 9th century. The first mention of the castle, which can be seen today, date from the 11th century. The founder of the first castle on the Len River was a nobleman named Lidien, whose honor the building was called. In the course of several centuries the castle was considered a residence of the English queens. In the 14th century, the palace belonged to Queen Izabelle and later - the Catherine of Aragon. Complete article

Matsumoto Castle, Japan

Matsumoto Castle, Japan Matsumoto is considered to be the most beautiful castle in Japan. It was built in the end of the 16th century and is located in the town of the same name. The unofficial name of the building is very symbolic. It is called 'the castle of the ravens' because of the black façade and the fine architectural forms. Although the castle was built for the military targets, it was also concerned about its spiritual component. One of the sides of the castle was specially designed for observing the moon. The guests of the castle can also nowadays visit the so-called 'Mondgemächer'. Complete article

Frederiksberg Slot, Denmark

Frederiksberg Slot, Denmark In Denmark, on Zealand Island, the tourists can see the ancient Frederiksborg Castle, one of the best examples of Italian Baroque style. The castle was built in the late 17th century for King Frederik IV. The outstanding architect Ernst Brandenburger worked on his project. Still in childhood the future King of Denmark had visited Italy and was inspired by the chic Italian architecture. When Frederik IV became ruler of the country, he fulfilled his dream and erected a wonderful palace on the water. The exterior of the palace was personally designed by the king. Complete article

Castle Fagaras, Romania

Castle Fagaras, Romania The Fagaras Castle in Romania is known by the tourists under the unofficial name 'Castle of Dracula'. The castle, built in 1301, served as the residence of the rulers of Wallachia, whose number was also Vlad III, 'Dracula'. The castle, which can be seen today, was erected in the 17th century during the great reconstruction. For more than 300 years, its external appearance has remained almost unchanging. Complete article

Caerphilly Castle, United Kingdom

Caerphilly Castle, United Kingdom In the tiny English town of Caerphilly is the world-famous landmark - the castle of the same name, built in the second half of the 13th century. This is a typical example of Norman architecture and is considered to be the largest castle of Wales for more than seven centuries. Throughout the country, the castle occupies second place and is located only after Windsor Castle. Complete article
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