Ireland is home to some of Europe's most captivating castles. From rugged medieval fortresses on Atlantic clifftops to elegant Georgian country estates, the island offers an extraordinary range of historic architecture. Here are ten unmissable castles to visit in Ireland — each with a story worth discovering.
During our summer holiday in the Italian Alps, my wife and I set out to visit the Palazzina di Caccia di Stupinigi, located roughly ten kilometres south of Turin, Italy. Expecting a charming historical site, we were unprepared for the grandeur that awaited us. The Palazzina, with its breathtaking scale and exquisite detail, far surpassed our modest expectations…
Spring is when Europe’s castles and palaces are at their most elegant. Gardens return to life, fountains flow again, and historic interiors host major exhibitions and exciting cultural events. Here are 20 exceptional castles and palaces, everybody loves.
The Baroque era, spanning the 17th and 18th centuries, witnessed a remarkable fusion of art, architecture, and nature, giving rise to the elaborate and meticulously designed Baroque gardens across Europe. To understand the genesis of this distinct style, let's delve into the predecessors that laid the groundwork for Baroque garden architecture...
Most visitors to Amsterdam never make it past the canals. That’s entirely understandable, but it also means they miss something extraordinary. Within an hour or two of the capital, the Dutch countryside hides historic estates that rival anything you’ll find in France or Germany. Fewer crowds, lower prices, and stories that are anything but ordinary.
Slovenia may be one of Europe's smallest countries, but its castle legacy is anything but modest. Perched on rocky outcrops, mirrored in glacial lakes, and tucked into medieval town centres, Slovenia's castles offer history, drama, and beauty, but without the crowds. Here are eight of the most remarkable castles and historic sites to visit in Slovenia.
The exhibition 'Thin Ice — Inuit on Display', open from 15 May to 1 November 2026 in Moritzburg Castle, German, may be one of the most thought-provoking exhibitions currently showing in any castle in Europe. / READ MORE /
Who doesn't love Monty Don? As a gardener, broadcaster, and devoted ambassador of the world's garden heritage, he has brought historic gardens to life for millions. / READ MORE /
When Emperor Charles IV founded Karlštejn Castle in 1348, he had one purpose in mind: to build the safest possible place on earth for the things he valued above all else. Not gold. Not weapons. But holy relics. Find out what makes Karlštejn unlike almost any other medieval fortress in Europe. / READ MORE /
Prague is surrounded by some of the most beautiful castles in Europe, but most visitors never make it past the city walls. Many have heard of Karlštejn, but Bohemia has so much more beauty to offer! There are more than 2,000 castles in the Czech Republic. Here are five of them near Prague. / READ MORE /
Most visitors to Amsterdam never make it past the canals. That's understandable, but it also means they miss something. Within an hour or two of the city, the Dutch countryside hides a handful of castles and historic estates that rival anything you'll find in France or Germany. Here are five near Amsterdam that deserve a place on your itinerary. / READ MORE /
The Château de Breteuil, in Choisel in the Yvelines département, is staging a two-day historical event called Breteuil 1900 on 8 and 9 May, recreating the atmosphere of life at the turn of the 20th century through performances, guided visits and period entertainment. / READ MORE /