What do climbing up an abundance of hair, dancing with a hairy beast, and taking a nap resembling a coma have in common? No, it's not one of Meatloaf's music videos; it's the fact that all of them take place at a medieval castle. Join Rapunzel, Bell , and Sleeping Beauty and visit some of Europe 's more gorgeous and prestigious Castles. Begin your quest here, starting with a list of the top castles to visit in Europe .
The first elegant castle we have to offer is the Castelo de Sao Jorge located in Libson , Portugal . Originally called the Lisbon Castle , this tower of stone was named after King Joao the First in the 14 th century. After it was soon occupied by the Spanish, it was commonly used as barracks, and a prison, as well as a slave fort until it was virtually destroyed by an earthquake in 1755. The castle was reconstructed and refurbished by the government and made a historic landmark. Aside from its extensive history, its cliff-hanging beauty is a sight for sore eyes.
The Prague Castle set on a hilly landscape is one of Prague 's most visited sites. Formally known as the home of Charles IV and currently home to the office of the President of the Czech Republic , the Prague Castle has a widespread history of governmental debates and religious services. The Chapel of the Holy Cross, Imperial Stables, and Mihulka Powder Tower are some of the castles most exciting sections, and are popular among the masses. Be a part of history and tour the Prague Castle .
Get your camera out and get ready for a picturesque visit to Scotland 's Brodick Castle . This notable castle, located in the Isle of Arran, is originally home to the large extended family of the English Dukes of Hamilton. Over time, the Hamilton family helped to construct the fort into a private residence. It remained that way until the last Hamilton heir died. Mary, the Duchess of Montrose, helped to renovate the luscious and famous walled garden before she passed in 1957. Besides its wide-ranging rhododendron collection, it houses ancient porcelain and furniture dated back to the 1600s, as well William Beckford's art collection of the 1800s.
Take a step inside the original Frankenstein Castle in Darmstadt , Germany . Investigate the castle where Mary Shelley created her legendary character of Frankenstein and learn for yourself about Johann Conrad Dippel. Dippel, a physician, attempted to construct a living human being out of authentic body parts and in essence is the protagonist of Shelley's story. This castle owned by the von Frankenstein family, was the residence of a military prison until it was deserted in 1742. If you're interested in the spook of it all, visit the Frankenstein Castle on Christmas and New Years Eve and be sure to see Dippel's annual ghost performing peculiar experiments. For an entertaining, frightening, and chilling experience, try the Frankenstein Castle .
Run on over to Blarney , Ireland and don't forget to pack your kissing shoes. This graceful and historic landmark, that was inhabited by the King of Munster in the 15 th century, and later Sir James Jefferyes in the 18 th century, has developed an international audience. People travel from far and near to lay their eager lips on the world famous Blarney Stone. After a long standing fable about this famed top floor of the Blarney Castle , it is understood that one who kisses the stone is to be granted an eloquent tongue and fluent speech.
These are just some of the plentiful options that are at your fingertips. Now I hope this helped in mapping out your vacation a little easier and if it didn't, at least I helped remind you of a good bedtime story for your kids.
