Great Castles of Europe

An audacious gamble of imagination and architecture that propelled the Earl Charles Howard and his family into the highest realms of English nobility.

Europe's best preserved fighting fortress and a monument to religious tolerance, having saved thousands of heretics from being murdered by the Papal army in 12th century France.

Built by Moorish monarchs in the 13th century, this is the most important reminder of the Islamic influence on the Iberian Peninsula.

Legend claims that the ghosts of 12 maiden servants, murdered by a worker's wife, still haunt Karlsejn Castle. Plus, it was the treasury for Bohemia's crown jewels.

The birthplace of Portuguese independence that was home to Prince Alfonso, who audaciously knighted himself at age 14 and, later, became King.

A massive castle in Bracciano that once served as the feudal seat of the politically influential Orsini family who were ill-famed for their cruelty and murders.

Malbrook served as military headquarters to the Teutonic Knights, German crusaders that conquered Prussia and made it a powerful state in the Middle Ages.

Riegersburg was built on top of the extinct volcano, Graz Mountain. Its mighty fortifications prevented it from ever being taken in battle.

Legend claims that beneath Wawel Castle, once the royal capital of Poland, lives a man-eating dragon that terrorised the castle's inhabitants.

Legend claims that beneath Wawel Castle, once the royal capital of Poland, lives a man-eating dragon that terrorised the castle's inhabitants.

A richly decorated castle, once a military fortress, lying in France's Loire Valley. The 15th century interiors include what may be the widest spiral staircase in France.

Steeped in history, a magnificent symphony in stone that was left by the colourful Danish king, Christian IV's.

The resting place of many famous figures in history, including poets like Goethe, Schiller and Von Eschenbach and home to Johann Sebastian Bach.