Places Archives - Page 3 of 3 - Castles and Gardens of Europe

De Haar Castle: A Dutch fairy tale

Ask a child to draw a castle, and you’ll get something resembling Kasteel de Haar: turrets, thick brick walls, and red-and-white painted shutters. This is the image from the Grimm fairy tales, later firmly embedded in the collective memory by Disney. In the 19th century, architect Pierre Cuypers was the go-to man to transform the castle ruin that was De Haar into a castle that was both comfortable and fairy-tale-like. / READ MORE /

History, Places, Travel

A most stupendous palace: The Palazzina di Caccia di Stupinigi

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... / READ MORE /

Reggia di Caserta (photo by Libellule789 on Pixabay)

Places, Travel

Reggia di Caserta: Vanvitelli’s answer to Versailles

In the heart of Campania, north of Naples, stands the Reggia di Caserta, the largest royal palace in the world by volume. This palace, known locally as the Reggia di Caserta, is a monument to the genius of its architect: Luigi Vanvitelli (1700 - 1783). / READ MORE /

News, Places

Germany: Rheinstein Castle reopens its gates

Rheinstein Castle in Germany is emerging from decades of restoration to reclaim its place as a premier tourist destination in Germany. Once a largely crumbling medieval fortress, the castle near the Rhine has been revitalised through an €8 million investment by the Hecher family, blending historic preservation with vibrant cultural events to attract visitors from across the globe. / READ MORE /

History, Places

Versailles: The Ultimate Palace

In the annals of architectural grandeur, few edifices can rival the Palace of Versailles, that shimmering monument to French regal ambition. From its genesis as a humble hunting lodge, it ascended to become the nec plus ultra of monarchical majesty, a lodestar for every king, duke, earl, and baron who ever dared to etch their name in marble across Europe’s courts. / READ MORE /

Guedelon Castle - foto by Thomas Wörner via Pixabay.jpg

Places

Château de Guédelon: Rebuilding the Middle Ages

In the forests of Burgundy, France, a remarkable construction site can be found. For nearly 40 years, a team of 40 craftsmen has been meticulously working on a unique project: the recreation of a medieval castle, using only the tools and techniques available during the Middle Ages. / READ MORE /