Castles and Gardens of Europe

Penzlin Castle in the Mecklenburg region, Germany (photo: Alma, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons)

Penzlin Castle’s legacy of witch persecution

An unassuming medieval fortress in the heart of Mecklenburg-Vorpommern hides one of the most chilling chapters of early modern European history, according to German news outlet Bild. Penzlin Castle, now a cultural heritage site and museum, was once a centre of fear, torture and the deadly witch hunts that ravaged this region centuries ago. / READ MORE /

Tulips at Het Loo Palace (photo: © Castles & Gardens of Europe / Sander Louis)

Events & Programs, Exhibitions, Gardens, Places, Travel

20 Best spring destinations for castle lovers

Spring is when Europe’s castles and palaces are at their most elegant. Here are 20 exceptional castles and palaces, each selected for its historical importance, visual beauty. / READ MORE /

Alice Loxton at Woolsthorpe Manor (Photo: © Acre14 / Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 4.0, slightly edited)

People

History Alice, history education in the age of Social Media

Over the past few years, a new and powerful voice has been bringing historic places to life for a new generation. With her lively, spontaneous presence, she engages millions of people with history, castles and country houses. / READ MORE /

The magnificent Prague Castle from where you have a wonderful view of the old city (image: Pexels)

News

Record visitor numbers Prague Castle highlight Czech castle boom

The Czech Republic’s rich castle heritage continues to attract growing numbers of visitors, with 2025 marking a record year for cultural tourism and strong expectations for 2026. / READ MORE /

Skipsea Castle earthworks, East Riding of Yorkshire. (photo by Victuallers, CC-BY-SA 3.0)

Places

New discovery linked to Harold Godwinson the last Anglo-Saxon king

Archaeologists believe they may have uncovered a settlement that could be connected to Harold Godwinson, the last Anglo-Saxon king of England. If confirmed, the discovery would offer a glimpse into elite life on the eve of the Norman Conquest. / READ MORE /

Burg Falkenstein (photo: Joachim Schneeleopard - Own work, CC BY-SA 3.0)

News

Falkenstein Castle prepares for delayed reopening

FALKENSTEIN, GERMANY – Burg Falkenstein, one of the most iconic medieval castles in the Harz Mountains of Saxony‑Anhalt, is gearing up to reopen to the public after an extended closure due to significant repair work and restoration efforts. The revamped timeline targets late March 2026 for welcoming visitors again after unexpected structural setbacks delayed earlier... / READ MORE /

Lucy Worsley in 2019 (image: LiteraryCritic1, CC BY-SA 4.0 via Wikimedia Commons)

People

Lucy Worsley, Hostess of History (with a hairclip)

Small in stature, sharp in wit, armed with irony and...a hairclip. Lucy Worsley is Britain’s most personable custodian of the past. / READ MORE /

Stéphane Bern winner of the Golden Europa Nostra Award (CC BY-NC-SA 2.0, photo: ©Fabien MALOT)

People

Stéphane Bern, Monsieur Patrimoine

In France, where revolutions literally brought an end to the old world of aristocracy, one passionate man single-handedly succeeds in raising national interest in castles and palaces to unprecedented heights. He is dubbed Monsieur Patrimoine and was recently even crowned as the Pope of Heritage. Who is he? / READ MORE /