10 European cities with the most castles
19th Sep 2023 Travel
2 min read
Unveiling Europe's most enchanting destinations, these cities boast not only a vibrant urban atmosphere but also a treasure trove of historic castles
From Istanbul's majestic Ottoman fortresses to Rome's Roman Empire relics, and Berlin's blend of modernity with medieval charm, these European cities are a paradise for castle enthusiasts.
Global e-commerce platform Ubuy conducted research into the number of castles in major European cities. Explore this list to discover the cities that have preserved the magic of their past in magnificent castle structures.
1. Istanbul, Turkey (12 castles)
The Rumeli Fortress. Credit: keladawy
Istanbul, the vibrant metropolis straddling two continents,
emerges as Europe's unrivalled castle capital with a staggering 12 castles.
These medieval fortresses stand as guardians of the city's rich history,
offering a captivating journey into the past.
" Medieval fortresses stand as guardians of the city's rich history"
Notable among them are the
formidable Rumeli Fortress, guarding the Bosphorus, and Anadoluhisarı, a
picturesque sentinel on the Asian side. Visitors to Istanbul can savour not only
the beauty of these castles but also the echoes of Turkey's Ottoman legacy.
2. Rome, Italy (11 castles)
Castel Sant'Angelo. Credit: Olga Mazyarkina
The Eternal City, Rome, enchants with its 11 castles, each a
chapter in Italy's illustrious history. Among these, Palazzo Brancaccio's
neo-Romanesque charm, the towering Castel Sant'Angelo, and the enigmatic
Castello della Cecchignola stand as architectural marvels.
Rome's castles evoke
the grandeur of the Roman Empire, beckoning travellers to explore their timeless
secrets.
3. Berlin, Germany (nine castles)
Charlottenburg Palace in Berlin. Credit: CCat82
Berlin, the dynamic heart of Germany, surprises with its nine
castles nestled amid the bustling cityscape. Each castle showcases a unique
facet of German history and architecture.
Notable among them are the opulent
Charlottenburg Palace, the historical Stadtschloss Berlin, and the dignified
Bellevue Palace. Berlin's castles, often adorned with distinctive dome-shaped
roofs, provide a captivating contrast to the city's modernity.
4. Naples, Italy (nine castles)
Castel dell'Ovo in Naples. Credit: Evgenii Nagatkin
Naples, a jewel of Southern Italy, shares the third position
with Berlin, boasting nine splendid castles. These fortresses, including Castel
Sant'Elmo, Castel dell'Ovo, and Castel Nuovo, testify to the city's rich
heritage.
"Naples' castles offer both historical intrigue and breathtaking coastal panoramas"
Perched on cliffs and overlooking the azure Tyrrhenian Sea, Naples'
castles offer both historical intrigue and breathtaking coastal panoramas.
5. Ankara, Turkey (Eight castles)
Ankara Castle in Turkey. Credit: Leonid Andronov
Ankara, Turkey's bustling capital, shares its castle count with
Vienna and Graz. Despite its urban sprawl, the city preserves eight historical
castles, with Ankara Castle and the Estergon Turk Kultur Merkezi being
prominent highlights.
These castles are like time capsules, providing glimpses
into Turkey's storied past.
6. Graz, Austria (eight castles)
St Martin castle in Graz, Austria. Credit: BlackPixel
Graz, Austria's second-largest city, is an unexpected treasure
trove of eight castles. Each castle showcases Austria's architectural diversity
and historical significance.
Visitors can explore these charming fortresses,
delving into Austria's rich history while enjoying the city's modern amenities.
7. Vienna, Austria (eight castles)
Belvedere castle in Vienna, Austria. Credit: MickeyNG
Vienna, Austria's capital, shares the sixth position with Graz,
boasting eight splendid castles. These regal structures, steeped in history,
add an air of elegance to the cityscape.
Vienna's castles invite visitors to
step into the world of imperial grandeur and artistic heritage.
8. Prague, Czech Republic (seven castles)
Prague castles and Charles bridge. Credit: emicristea
Prague, the enchanting Czech capital, boasts seven castles that
narrate the city's storied past. Among them, Prague Castle stands as an iconic
symbol of the Czech Republic's history and culture.
"These castles, set against Prague's fairy-tale backdrop, beckon travellers to explore their medieval charm"
These castles, set against
Prague's fairy-tale backdrop, beckon travellers to explore their medieval charm.
9. Milan, Italy (seven castles)
Sforzesco Castle in Milan, Italy. Credit: santanor
Milan, Italy's fashion and finance hub, surprises with its seven
captivating castles. Amid the urban hustle, these castles offer a serene escape
into Italy's history and art.
Milan's castles, such as the medieval Sforzesco Castle, are timeless reminders of the city's cultural richness.
10. Łódź, Poland (seven castles)
Besiekiery, ruins of a gothic castle in Łódź, Poland. Credit: sanzios85
Łódź, Poland's vibrant city, completes the top ten list with its
seven castles. These lesser-known gems in Poland's cultural tapestry reveal the
country's diverse architectural heritage.
Łódź's castles provide a unique
experience for travellers seeking to delve into Poland's history beyond the
well-trodden paths.
Banner: Rumeli fortress in Instanbul, Turkey. Credit: resulmuslu
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