From Guinevere to Game of Thrones, from Dracula to Disney fairy tales, castles have captured the imagination of humankind for centuries. This exceptional bucket list travel guide takes the reader to the 100 most amazing castles across the globe, revealing their intriguing histories and must-see treasures. Explore the British Isles’ most storied palaces, the graceful chateaux of France, Germany’s mountaintop manors, the exotic castillos of Spain and Portugal, Asia’s ornate imperial forts and more. In addition, readers will find out where to play king for a day at castle hotels, learn which strongholds were featured in favorite films, and discover American beauties close to home. Featuring stunning photography, fascinating details and helpful travel tips, this volume is sure to inspire the next storybook adventure.
When the Roman legions could no longer successfully defend the borders of the Empire, and its territory was prey to raids and invasions by foreign peoples and armies, there arose the need for a new form of defense. Thus were castles born, along with the development of feudalism and the era now known as the Middle Ages. Placed in isolated positions, often on high ground, castles would become more and more widespread throughout Europe and beyond. Increasingly fortified, to respond to the evolving weapons of the day, they would be built in cities as well and become symbols of power, at times transformed into palaces decorated to represent the glory of their lords. This form of architecture flourished not only in Europe, but also in Asia and Africa, due to the Crusades and colonial expansion. Thus it would eventually reach the Americas - where more recently it would be repurposed as a form of romantic-gothic architecture - and take on new connotations. This book, rich with splendid illustrations and in-depth historical and artistic entries, will take readers on a tour through the world's most beautiful castles, where they will get to know architectural styles of this fortification that has had such importance in human history, and which still today fascinates visitors all around the world. AUTHOR: Jasmina Trifoni, is a journalist specialising in tourism. She worked at the "Meridiani" magazine for ten years and now writes for leading Italian periodicals in this sector. For White Star Publishers she has written The Treasures of Art, Nature Sanctuaries and Ancient Civilizations in The World Heritage Sites of UNESCO series, The Great Cities of the World, 80 Islands to Escape to..., The World's 100 Best Adventure Trips, Dream Vacations for the Cube Book series, Romantic and Dream Vacations and Places to Visit Before They Disappear. 230 colour photographs
Journey across the world and throughout history to discover the world's best and most unusual castles, and learn about their features, from the tallest turrets to the dingiest dungeons. Find out how castles have changed over time and what happened to the people who lived in them. A glimpse into the history of different castles around the world, the dramatic battles to conquer them, and the weapons that defended and defeated them. Travel through time and venture into the wonderful world of castles, from the extravagant châteaux of France, to the impenetrable fortresses of Japan. Find out why castles were built and witness some of the most famous sieges in history. Trek across the world to visit castles perched on perilous clifftops and exotic islands. Meet the medieval rulers who built the grandest castles and forts, and the modern tycoons who splashed out money trying to replicate them. Discover why the spiral staircases in castles always turned clockwise, and why their toilets always smelled so bad! And learn about the great lengths that prisoners would go to in order to escape... This children's book takes you on an immersive adventure to a collection of castles each beautifully illustrated at a particular moment in history. See the world's best castles from a range of viewpoints, whether you are standing next to samurai warriors waiting to attack, or castle jesters entertaining the king. Castle is a fact-packed, modern look at a classic topic.
From the Highlands of Scotland to the plains of northern India, Castles of the World is a beautiful examination of past worlds viewed through strongholds that continue to enrich the modern landscape. Presented in a handy, pocket-sized format, arranged chronologically, and illustrated with more than 200 color photographs, Castles of the World examines more than 150 fortifications from across the world, from Cathar castles and Alpine schlösser to Norman keeps and Samurai strongholds. Discover how the thirteenth-century Eilean Donan Castle in Scotland was destroyed during the Jacobite rebellion of 1719; learn about Turkey's Marmaris Castle, built in 1522 by Suleiman the Magnificent to support his attack on neighboring Rhodes; and explore the Mughal-constructed Red Fort in Delhi, home of Muslim rulers from 1648 until 1803, and today a symbol of Indian nationalism.
"Text and detailed drawings follow the planning and construction of a "typical" castle and adjoining town in thirteenth-century Wales."--Title page verso.
Castles are among the most mysterious buildings on earth. Their grimly silent stones are signposts to a past filled with high adventure, grim tragedies, and glorious victories. Ghosts, hauntings, and other paranormal phenomena are frequently reported from castles. Do strange paranormal powers lurk among their ancient ruins? The World’s Most Mysterious Castles takes you on a journey through hidden chambers and subterranean tunnels of castles all over the world. Their walls served the sinister needs of spies, traitors, and assassins. Do the spirits of attackers and defenders who died in long-forgotten sieges still linger where they fell? Screams of unbearable pain and despair were muffled within their deepest, darkest torture dungeons. Do they echo there still?
Castles and palaces around the world are structures of grandeur, might and beauty. From the flamboyance of Germany's fairy tale-Neuschwanstein Castle to the gothic, Dracula-inspiring Bran Castle, perched high in the craggy peaks of Romania's Carpathian Mountains; Tokyo's Imperial Palace, previously home to samurai warriors to Ireland's Blarney Castle, where 'the gift of the gab' will be granted to any who kiss its stone, the world's castles and palaces are steeped in history and stories to tell. Travel writer and journalist Gilly Pickup shares these stories, providing a tour of 50 of the world's greatest castles and palaces, filled with humour, interesting facts and tips on how best to visit them.
