Editor

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

Less well-known, but just as beautiful: 5 castles near Prague

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 /

Château de Courson (photo: Lusseau Pascale, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons)

Gardens, Guided visits, News, Places, Travel

The Château de Courson, near Paris, reopens for the season

Just 35 kilometres from the French capital, a listed historic monument surrounded by extraordinary gardens is welcoming visitors once again. The Domaine de Courson is set within grounds holding the prestigious Jardin Remarquable label, has reopened to the public from April 2026 through to 1 November. / READ MORE /

Events & Programs, News, Travel

Castle of Fontainebleau brings 18th‑century court life to life

Château de Fontainebleau is dedicating its 2026 season to celebrating Marie‑Antoinette and King Louis XVI. Visitors are invited to step into the world of 18th‑century court life with original décor, historical reenactments and festive events. The programming combines immersive interiors, costumed gatherings and outdoor activities that echo the lifestyle of France’s last royal couple before the Revolution. / READ MORE /

Inverness Castle (Dave Conner from Inverness, Scotland, CC BY 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons)

News

Revamped Inverness Castle reopens for visitors

According to the BBC, Inverness Castle has officially reopened following a major £47 million transformation that repositions the historic landmark as a leading cultural and visitor destination in the Scottish Highlands. / READ MORE /

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

News, Places

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 /

La Almudaina - Mallorca (photo David Vives)

News

Major renovations at Mallorca’s Royal Palace of La Almudaina

The Royal Palace of La Almudaina, one of Mallorca's most cherished historical landmarks, has closed to the public for extensive renovation works that will transform the visitor experience. The palace, which stands majestically alongside Palma's iconic cathedral, La Seu, will remain shut from 12 January to 1 June 2026, with a full reopening anticipated in time for the summer season. / READ MORE /

News

Record attendance at Swiss Château de Gruyères

Château de Gruyères, one of Switzerland’s most celebrated medieval fortresses, set a new visitor record in 2025, welcoming nearly 189,000 people to the iconic hilltop site. The milestone highlights the castle’s growing appeal among both domestic and international tourists and reflects the continued strength of cultural heritage tourism in Switzerland. / READ MORE /

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 /

castlesandgardens