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Europe's Medieval Castles

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Europe's land tells a tale of wars, regions, nations and the history of those families who once lived behind the walls of these hauntingly beautiful castles.

Soak up some history on your next journey from Yorkshire's Airport by planning a visit to one of these impressive structures, steeped in history.

Palace of Pena, Portugal
Palace of Pena, Portugal

Palace of Pena, Portugal

Perched on the mountains along the Portuguese Rivera, this colourful Romanticist castle enjoys views over the chocolate-box town of Sintra, and can easily be seen from Lisbon.

The building has won many awards and is listed as UNESCO World Heritage Site, alongside being one of the Seven Wonders of Portugal

  • Explore the castle from the bustling city of Lisbon only a 30 minute journey by car.

Portugal destination guide >

Hohenwerfen Castle, Austria
Hohenwerfen Castle, Austria

Hohenwerfen Castle, Austria

A medieval rock fortress built into the Berchtesgaden Alps, Hohenwerfen Castle was built in 1078. Since then the magnificent building has had many purposes; including a military base, hunting retreat and even a state prison- which may have something to do with the castle's rather sinister reputation.

  • Hohenwerfen Castle can be found in Werfen, on the outskirts of Salzburg- only 40 minutes by car.

Salzburg destination guide >

De Haar Castle, Netherlands
De Haar Castle, Netherlands

De Haar Castle, Netherlands

Rebuilt in 1892 on the grounds of medieval ruins, Castle De Haar since played host many jet-setters throughout the twentieth century; from Brigitte Bardot and Coco Chanel, to Maria Callas and Roger Moore.

The surrounding gardens are reminiscent of the French gardens of Versailles, filled with many water features and decadent displays. During the Second World War much of the land was lost due to the need for wood and soil. Today, most are restored to their original state.

  • De Harr Castle sits just 30 minutes from Amsterdam.

Amsterdam destination guide >

Ravadinovo Castle, Bulgaria
Ravadinovo Castle, Bulgaria

Ravadinovo Castle, Bulgaria

 A childhood dream turned reality, the "Castle in Love with the Wind" was designed by architect and developer Georgi Kostadinov Tumpalov (1956). With the help of the neighbouring village of Ravadinovo, he managed to build the magnificent castle stone by stone!

  • Ravadinovo Castle is located 30 minutes by car from the city of Bourgas, Bulgaria.

Bourgas destination guide >

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