Castles and Gardens of Europe

Fasanerie Castle in Germany (photo: Gerd Eichmann, CC BY-SA 4.0 via Wikimedia Commons)

German Schloss Fasanerie may be taken over by the state

The future of Schloss Fasanerie, one of Germany's many Baroque palaces, has become the subject of cultural and political discussion. The debate follows an initiative by the current owner, which has proposed a greater role for the state in the stewardship of its historic castles, parks and museum collections. / READ MORE /

Château d’Amboise (photo: Laure GREGOIRE via Pixabay)

News

Archaeologists find clues to a lost staircase at Château d’Amboise

LOIRE VALLEY, France - Archaeologists at Château d’Amboise have begun uncovering the buried remains of a monumental Renaissance staircase long lost to history. The excavation aims to locate and study what was once one of the castle’s most striking architectural features: a vast external staircase known as the escalier Persé. / READ MORE /

Castle in Europe with historic architecture.

News

Bentheim Castle closed due to safety concerns

German Castle Bentheim is closed to visitors. For at least another year, no guided tours, museum visits, or photo shoots will be possible. The fortress, which attracts around 150,000 visitors annually — mostly from the Netherlands — was closed at the beginning of January due to serious structural damage. / READ MORE /

Gardens, News, Places

Château de Versailles thanks sponsors for major sculpture conservation

Château de Versailles has announced a new phase in its long-term programme to conserve the more than 320 sculptures scattered throughout its gardens. Thanks to support from private patrons, the palace is restoring original statues, creating accurate replicas for outdoor display. / READ MORE /

Versailles Palace (Photo by Kirandeep Singh Walia via Pexels)

Events & Programs, News, Travel

Royal Holidays! New family programme at the Château de Versailles

Beginning in February 2026, the Château de Versailles is launching Vacances royales!, an engaging new family programme offering themed activities and educational experiences throughout the school holiday period. / READ MORE /

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

Places, Travel

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 /

Chateau de Chantilly (photo: Loyloy Thal via Pixabay)

News

Record year for Château de Chantilly

The Château de Chantilly closed out 2025 with a truly historic year, welcoming a no less than 658,164 visitors. The surge solidifies the estate’s position as one of France’s most captivating heritage destinations. The record-breaking year may be boosted by its election as Monument préféré des Français 2025. / 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 /