Andrea/Cara here, musing today on castles. I just saw a recently-opened exhibit on “The British Castle—A Symbol in Stone” at the Yale Center for British Art, one of my favorite museums, as they always put together exhibits with such interesting themes.
“As physical seats of power, castles were emblems of government; as the residences of aristocratic families, they became images of social continuity and domesticity; as great bastions, they became symbols of resistance in times of peril; as ruins, they became potent bearers of legend and folklore—from tales of princesses and chivalrous knights to the settings of gothic horror novels.”
I don’t know if you’re like me, but castles have stirred my imagination since childhood. I love looking at picture books of knight in armor, which always included a hauntingly appealing structure perched high on a hill or craggy cliff. The it was on to reading books like Howard Pyle’s Otto of the Silver Hand, Sir Walter Scott’s Ivanhoe. It’s no surprise to me that fantasy classics, like Lord of the Rings, have castles as part of their magic.
“Few structures have such a powerful pull on our collective imagination.”
Put together by undergrad students docents, (I love that the museum lets students curate and write the exhibit and its catalogue—which you can access here) the exhibit explores the changing nature of the castle in British culture. As society changed, so, too, did its symbolic meaning. In medieval times, castles—dominating the landscape from their lofty positions high over the masses—represented military strength and stood as the physical representation of the power held by aristocratic families.
As democracy gained more of an upper hand, and the aristocracy begin to lose their grip on ultimate local control, they slowly but surely were abandoned as true seats of power. (The exhibit stresses how the fact that they were inhibited is part of the allure . . . but let’s face it, as modern conveniences developed over the centuries, they became rather uncomfortable places in which to reside.) Still, they served for many as nostalgic symbols of the past. Developing industrial towns took pride in the sight of an ancient castle looking down on the bustling activities. Castles were a reminder of the enduring strength of the country, even as changes began to happen at a faster and faster pace.
By the 19th century, as the Age of Romanticism blossomed in art and literature, the image of the castle as a crumbling ruin—“a picturesque beauty”—inspired wildly romantic paintings and books. (What would Anne Radcliffe’s wonderful gothic romances be without a mysterious castle, with its strange moanings, clanging chains and dark dungeons!) It appealed to the imagination, and came to be a symbol of of individual yearnings—like standing strong in face of adversity, a yearning for honor and valor, and a spirit of rebellion against the all the changes swirling in the air.
So that’s a small summary of some of the ideas expressed in the exhibit. But aside from all intellectual parsing of symbolism and psychic meaning, I simple love the castle as a purely visual sight. When I’ve traveled in great Britain, the sight of a castle, whether well-preserved and or a lone weathered tower of stone, always took my breath away. I’m in the Romantic camp—castles stir my imagination, and spark all sorts of story ideas. (Though I doubt I will write a medieval, the idea is alluring . . .) All images courtesy of the Yale Center for British Art.
What about you? Do you love castles? Have you a favorite one? Or a favorite book that features a castle prominently in the plot? For me, The Mysteries of Udolpho has always been a classic!
Andrea, I’m with you: who doesn’t love a castle?!! Certainly any Regency reader and writer is bound to have a fascination with them though they are certainly short on mod cons. I’ve visited any number of castles, many more or less ruined and a few in good shape. (Ashford Castle in Ireland is one of the great places to stay.) And in my one medieval, Uncommon Vows, there is a newly built and very strong stone castle that is in picturesque ruins for the characters’ descendants in my early 19th century book, The Wild Child. Such fun to write!
Andrea, I’m with you: who doesn’t love a castle?!! Certainly any Regency reader and writer is bound to have a fascination with them though they are certainly short on mod cons. I’ve visited any number of castles, many more or less ruined and a few in good shape. (Ashford Castle in Ireland is one of the great places to stay.) And in my one medieval, Uncommon Vows, there is a newly built and very strong stone castle that is in picturesque ruins for the characters’ descendants in my early 19th century book, The Wild Child. Such fun to write!
Andrea, I’m with you: who doesn’t love a castle?!! Certainly any Regency reader and writer is bound to have a fascination with them though they are certainly short on mod cons. I’ve visited any number of castles, many more or less ruined and a few in good shape. (Ashford Castle in Ireland is one of the great places to stay.) And in my one medieval, Uncommon Vows, there is a newly built and very strong stone castle that is in picturesque ruins for the characters’ descendants in my early 19th century book, The Wild Child. Such fun to write!
Andrea, I’m with you: who doesn’t love a castle?!! Certainly any Regency reader and writer is bound to have a fascination with them though they are certainly short on mod cons. I’ve visited any number of castles, many more or less ruined and a few in good shape. (Ashford Castle in Ireland is one of the great places to stay.) And in my one medieval, Uncommon Vows, there is a newly built and very strong stone castle that is in picturesque ruins for the characters’ descendants in my early 19th century book, The Wild Child. Such fun to write!
Andrea, I’m with you: who doesn’t love a castle?!! Certainly any Regency reader and writer is bound to have a fascination with them though they are certainly short on mod cons. I’ve visited any number of castles, many more or less ruined and a few in good shape. (Ashford Castle in Ireland is one of the great places to stay.) And in my one medieval, Uncommon Vows, there is a newly built and very strong stone castle that is in picturesque ruins for the characters’ descendants in my early 19th century book, The Wild Child. Such fun to write!
The only castle that I ever toured was in Bavaria many, many years ago. I cannot remember the name of it, but it was beautiful. It seemed to be a more modern structure that the ones shown in the pictures in your blog.
The exhibit you mention sounds fascinating.
The only castle that I ever toured was in Bavaria many, many years ago. I cannot remember the name of it, but it was beautiful. It seemed to be a more modern structure that the ones shown in the pictures in your blog.
The exhibit you mention sounds fascinating.
The only castle that I ever toured was in Bavaria many, many years ago. I cannot remember the name of it, but it was beautiful. It seemed to be a more modern structure that the ones shown in the pictures in your blog.
The exhibit you mention sounds fascinating.
The only castle that I ever toured was in Bavaria many, many years ago. I cannot remember the name of it, but it was beautiful. It seemed to be a more modern structure that the ones shown in the pictures in your blog.
The exhibit you mention sounds fascinating.
The only castle that I ever toured was in Bavaria many, many years ago. I cannot remember the name of it, but it was beautiful. It seemed to be a more modern structure that the ones shown in the pictures in your blog.
The exhibit you mention sounds fascinating.
I MISSED that connection! Re-reads coming up!
I MISSED that connection! Re-reads coming up!
I MISSED that connection! Re-reads coming up!
I MISSED that connection! Re-reads coming up!
I MISSED that connection! Re-reads coming up!
Probably the castle that I see most frequently in my mind is Mad Ludwig’s Newschaunstein, one of his useless, never inhabited structures that nearly bankrupted his country! The photos show versions of everyone’s idea of a fairytale castle.
When we did a rapid 12-day tour of Great Britain, the castles we saw were mainly the ruined one. But the idea does fascinate me. I also like the stories where the castle seems to enclose the modern structure.
Probably the castle that I see most frequently in my mind is Mad Ludwig’s Newschaunstein, one of his useless, never inhabited structures that nearly bankrupted his country! The photos show versions of everyone’s idea of a fairytale castle.
When we did a rapid 12-day tour of Great Britain, the castles we saw were mainly the ruined one. But the idea does fascinate me. I also like the stories where the castle seems to enclose the modern structure.
Probably the castle that I see most frequently in my mind is Mad Ludwig’s Newschaunstein, one of his useless, never inhabited structures that nearly bankrupted his country! The photos show versions of everyone’s idea of a fairytale castle.
When we did a rapid 12-day tour of Great Britain, the castles we saw were mainly the ruined one. But the idea does fascinate me. I also like the stories where the castle seems to enclose the modern structure.
Probably the castle that I see most frequently in my mind is Mad Ludwig’s Newschaunstein, one of his useless, never inhabited structures that nearly bankrupted his country! The photos show versions of everyone’s idea of a fairytale castle.
When we did a rapid 12-day tour of Great Britain, the castles we saw were mainly the ruined one. But the idea does fascinate me. I also like the stories where the castle seems to enclose the modern structure.
Probably the castle that I see most frequently in my mind is Mad Ludwig’s Newschaunstein, one of his useless, never inhabited structures that nearly bankrupted his country! The photos show versions of everyone’s idea of a fairytale castle.
When we did a rapid 12-day tour of Great Britain, the castles we saw were mainly the ruined one. But the idea does fascinate me. I also like the stories where the castle seems to enclose the modern structure.
There’s a beautiful castle that is called Fairy Tale Castle. It’s Schloss Lichtenstein in the southwest of Germany.
I would love to see it. It was built between 1840 and 1842 in Neo-Gothic Style, so it’s not ancient, but a lovely edifice just the same.
There’s a beautiful castle that is called Fairy Tale Castle. It’s Schloss Lichtenstein in the southwest of Germany.
I would love to see it. It was built between 1840 and 1842 in Neo-Gothic Style, so it’s not ancient, but a lovely edifice just the same.
There’s a beautiful castle that is called Fairy Tale Castle. It’s Schloss Lichtenstein in the southwest of Germany.
I would love to see it. It was built between 1840 and 1842 in Neo-Gothic Style, so it’s not ancient, but a lovely edifice just the same.
There’s a beautiful castle that is called Fairy Tale Castle. It’s Schloss Lichtenstein in the southwest of Germany.
I would love to see it. It was built between 1840 and 1842 in Neo-Gothic Style, so it’s not ancient, but a lovely edifice just the same.
There’s a beautiful castle that is called Fairy Tale Castle. It’s Schloss Lichtenstein in the southwest of Germany.
I would love to see it. It was built between 1840 and 1842 in Neo-Gothic Style, so it’s not ancient, but a lovely edifice just the same.
What an enjoyable post! Thank you, Andrea. I’ve visited Hearst Castle in California which is VERY different from the castles above.
What an enjoyable post! Thank you, Andrea. I’ve visited Hearst Castle in California which is VERY different from the castles above.
What an enjoyable post! Thank you, Andrea. I’ve visited Hearst Castle in California which is VERY different from the castles above.
What an enjoyable post! Thank you, Andrea. I’ve visited Hearst Castle in California which is VERY different from the castles above.
What an enjoyable post! Thank you, Andrea. I’ve visited Hearst Castle in California which is VERY different from the castles above.
Sue McCormick, the heroines of those two books have the same name, Meriel. The second Meriel has the petite size and fey quality of the first Meriel, but the flaxen hair of Adrian, her distant ancestor. The castle had often gone through the female line so surnames changed, but the location, in Shropshire, didn’t. Yes, I had fun with that!
Sue McCormick, the heroines of those two books have the same name, Meriel. The second Meriel has the petite size and fey quality of the first Meriel, but the flaxen hair of Adrian, her distant ancestor. The castle had often gone through the female line so surnames changed, but the location, in Shropshire, didn’t. Yes, I had fun with that!
Sue McCormick, the heroines of those two books have the same name, Meriel. The second Meriel has the petite size and fey quality of the first Meriel, but the flaxen hair of Adrian, her distant ancestor. The castle had often gone through the female line so surnames changed, but the location, in Shropshire, didn’t. Yes, I had fun with that!
Sue McCormick, the heroines of those two books have the same name, Meriel. The second Meriel has the petite size and fey quality of the first Meriel, but the flaxen hair of Adrian, her distant ancestor. The castle had often gone through the female line so surnames changed, but the location, in Shropshire, didn’t. Yes, I had fun with that!
Sue McCormick, the heroines of those two books have the same name, Meriel. The second Meriel has the petite size and fey quality of the first Meriel, but the flaxen hair of Adrian, her distant ancestor. The castle had often gone through the female line so surnames changed, but the location, in Shropshire, didn’t. Yes, I had fun with that!
Several years ago I was on a 10 day driving trip around Wales. We saw over 10 castles, in different conditions. A few had been built by Edward I’s architect and it was fascinating to see how each differed and the improvements he made.
It was so easy to close ones eyes and see the knights and ladies going about these castles.
Of course, Wales has over 600 castles, I guess I need another trip!
Several years ago I was on a 10 day driving trip around Wales. We saw over 10 castles, in different conditions. A few had been built by Edward I’s architect and it was fascinating to see how each differed and the improvements he made.
It was so easy to close ones eyes and see the knights and ladies going about these castles.
Of course, Wales has over 600 castles, I guess I need another trip!
Several years ago I was on a 10 day driving trip around Wales. We saw over 10 castles, in different conditions. A few had been built by Edward I’s architect and it was fascinating to see how each differed and the improvements he made.
It was so easy to close ones eyes and see the knights and ladies going about these castles.
Of course, Wales has over 600 castles, I guess I need another trip!
Several years ago I was on a 10 day driving trip around Wales. We saw over 10 castles, in different conditions. A few had been built by Edward I’s architect and it was fascinating to see how each differed and the improvements he made.
It was so easy to close ones eyes and see the knights and ladies going about these castles.
Of course, Wales has over 600 castles, I guess I need another trip!
Several years ago I was on a 10 day driving trip around Wales. We saw over 10 castles, in different conditions. A few had been built by Edward I’s architect and it was fascinating to see how each differed and the improvements he made.
It was so easy to close ones eyes and see the knights and ladies going about these castles.
Of course, Wales has over 600 castles, I guess I need another trip!
I grew up dreaming of castles, usually those on Victoria Holt’s dust jackets. The first time in London, I went to the Tower of London and then to Leeds Castle. Now I am living in the UK I vary my sightseeing, but I have seen my share of ruins, remodeled castles, and manor homes designed to look like castes. There is one FB page that I have liked that has an ongoing debate of what is and is not castle.
My current complaint about castles is that I have seen too many great halls that have been restored by the Victorians. Because that is/was the biggest, showishest room, I can see the need to update in the name of restoration, but they feel a little too pretty. The best was at Doune Castle; the exterior there is being restored but the interior was satisfying. Off to photoshop another castle picture now that I am inspired.
I grew up dreaming of castles, usually those on Victoria Holt’s dust jackets. The first time in London, I went to the Tower of London and then to Leeds Castle. Now I am living in the UK I vary my sightseeing, but I have seen my share of ruins, remodeled castles, and manor homes designed to look like castes. There is one FB page that I have liked that has an ongoing debate of what is and is not castle.
My current complaint about castles is that I have seen too many great halls that have been restored by the Victorians. Because that is/was the biggest, showishest room, I can see the need to update in the name of restoration, but they feel a little too pretty. The best was at Doune Castle; the exterior there is being restored but the interior was satisfying. Off to photoshop another castle picture now that I am inspired.
I grew up dreaming of castles, usually those on Victoria Holt’s dust jackets. The first time in London, I went to the Tower of London and then to Leeds Castle. Now I am living in the UK I vary my sightseeing, but I have seen my share of ruins, remodeled castles, and manor homes designed to look like castes. There is one FB page that I have liked that has an ongoing debate of what is and is not castle.
My current complaint about castles is that I have seen too many great halls that have been restored by the Victorians. Because that is/was the biggest, showishest room, I can see the need to update in the name of restoration, but they feel a little too pretty. The best was at Doune Castle; the exterior there is being restored but the interior was satisfying. Off to photoshop another castle picture now that I am inspired.
I grew up dreaming of castles, usually those on Victoria Holt’s dust jackets. The first time in London, I went to the Tower of London and then to Leeds Castle. Now I am living in the UK I vary my sightseeing, but I have seen my share of ruins, remodeled castles, and manor homes designed to look like castes. There is one FB page that I have liked that has an ongoing debate of what is and is not castle.
My current complaint about castles is that I have seen too many great halls that have been restored by the Victorians. Because that is/was the biggest, showishest room, I can see the need to update in the name of restoration, but they feel a little too pretty. The best was at Doune Castle; the exterior there is being restored but the interior was satisfying. Off to photoshop another castle picture now that I am inspired.
I grew up dreaming of castles, usually those on Victoria Holt’s dust jackets. The first time in London, I went to the Tower of London and then to Leeds Castle. Now I am living in the UK I vary my sightseeing, but I have seen my share of ruins, remodeled castles, and manor homes designed to look like castes. There is one FB page that I have liked that has an ongoing debate of what is and is not castle.
My current complaint about castles is that I have seen too many great halls that have been restored by the Victorians. Because that is/was the biggest, showishest room, I can see the need to update in the name of restoration, but they feel a little too pretty. The best was at Doune Castle; the exterior there is being restored but the interior was satisfying. Off to photoshop another castle picture now that I am inspired.
Andrea/Cara I share your admiration and fascination of castles. Thank you for writing about them! When a friend and I traveled through Scotland and Ireland last May, there seemed to be a castle around every corner! Me, I had stories running through my head about the inhabitants from long, long ago. Each castle has a unique history so full of intrigue, romance and unsolved mystery. Who wouldn’t love to travel back in time for a glimpse of a castle? It was when I read a William Morris trilogy as a young girl that my interest peaked about living in days of yore. Then, I picked up one of Susanna Kearsley’s books (A Winter Storm) and I was mesmerized, especially by the travel in time. Now, I need to read your books! Thanks again!
Andrea/Cara I share your admiration and fascination of castles. Thank you for writing about them! When a friend and I traveled through Scotland and Ireland last May, there seemed to be a castle around every corner! Me, I had stories running through my head about the inhabitants from long, long ago. Each castle has a unique history so full of intrigue, romance and unsolved mystery. Who wouldn’t love to travel back in time for a glimpse of a castle? It was when I read a William Morris trilogy as a young girl that my interest peaked about living in days of yore. Then, I picked up one of Susanna Kearsley’s books (A Winter Storm) and I was mesmerized, especially by the travel in time. Now, I need to read your books! Thanks again!
Andrea/Cara I share your admiration and fascination of castles. Thank you for writing about them! When a friend and I traveled through Scotland and Ireland last May, there seemed to be a castle around every corner! Me, I had stories running through my head about the inhabitants from long, long ago. Each castle has a unique history so full of intrigue, romance and unsolved mystery. Who wouldn’t love to travel back in time for a glimpse of a castle? It was when I read a William Morris trilogy as a young girl that my interest peaked about living in days of yore. Then, I picked up one of Susanna Kearsley’s books (A Winter Storm) and I was mesmerized, especially by the travel in time. Now, I need to read your books! Thanks again!
Andrea/Cara I share your admiration and fascination of castles. Thank you for writing about them! When a friend and I traveled through Scotland and Ireland last May, there seemed to be a castle around every corner! Me, I had stories running through my head about the inhabitants from long, long ago. Each castle has a unique history so full of intrigue, romance and unsolved mystery. Who wouldn’t love to travel back in time for a glimpse of a castle? It was when I read a William Morris trilogy as a young girl that my interest peaked about living in days of yore. Then, I picked up one of Susanna Kearsley’s books (A Winter Storm) and I was mesmerized, especially by the travel in time. Now, I need to read your books! Thanks again!
Andrea/Cara I share your admiration and fascination of castles. Thank you for writing about them! When a friend and I traveled through Scotland and Ireland last May, there seemed to be a castle around every corner! Me, I had stories running through my head about the inhabitants from long, long ago. Each castle has a unique history so full of intrigue, romance and unsolved mystery. Who wouldn’t love to travel back in time for a glimpse of a castle? It was when I read a William Morris trilogy as a young girl that my interest peaked about living in days of yore. Then, I picked up one of Susanna Kearsley’s books (A Winter Storm) and I was mesmerized, especially by the travel in time. Now, I need to read your books! Thanks again!
I loved The Wild Child! Now, must go find your medieval—I somehow missed that one. (How did THAT happen!)
I loved The Wild Child! Now, must go find your medieval—I somehow missed that one. (How did THAT happen!)
I loved The Wild Child! Now, must go find your medieval—I somehow missed that one. (How did THAT happen!)
I loved The Wild Child! Now, must go find your medieval—I somehow missed that one. (How did THAT happen!)
I loved The Wild Child! Now, must go find your medieval—I somehow missed that one. (How did THAT happen!)
Oh, I love Mad Ludwig’s castle, Sue! I have a lovely, lavishly illustrated book on him (and the castle.) There is some question as to whether he was really “mad” or was the victim of skulduggery, if I remember correctly.
Oh, I love Mad Ludwig’s castle, Sue! I have a lovely, lavishly illustrated book on him (and the castle.) There is some question as to whether he was really “mad” or was the victim of skulduggery, if I remember correctly.
Oh, I love Mad Ludwig’s castle, Sue! I have a lovely, lavishly illustrated book on him (and the castle.) There is some question as to whether he was really “mad” or was the victim of skulduggery, if I remember correctly.
Oh, I love Mad Ludwig’s castle, Sue! I have a lovely, lavishly illustrated book on him (and the castle.) There is some question as to whether he was really “mad” or was the victim of skulduggery, if I remember correctly.
Oh, I love Mad Ludwig’s castle, Sue! I have a lovely, lavishly illustrated book on him (and the castle.) There is some question as to whether he was really “mad” or was the victim of skulduggery, if I remember correctly.
Germany has very romantic fairy tale castles, while the British ones are more real fortresses. Both are wonderful!
Germany has very romantic fairy tale castles, while the British ones are more real fortresses. Both are wonderful!
Germany has very romantic fairy tale castles, while the British ones are more real fortresses. Both are wonderful!
Germany has very romantic fairy tale castles, while the British ones are more real fortresses. Both are wonderful!
Germany has very romantic fairy tale castles, while the British ones are more real fortresses. Both are wonderful!
LOL! Americans have to improvise!
LOL! Americans have to improvise!
LOL! Americans have to improvise!
LOL! Americans have to improvise!
LOL! Americans have to improvise!
Oh, Shannon, I envy you being able to jaunt around and visit so many castles. Yes, the Victorians did a lot on remodelling that looks all wrong. it’s a tough balance, as the original rooms were rather primitive. Doune Castle sounds wonderful. Will add it to my “Visit” list next time I get across the Pond.
Oh, Shannon, I envy you being able to jaunt around and visit so many castles. Yes, the Victorians did a lot on remodelling that looks all wrong. it’s a tough balance, as the original rooms were rather primitive. Doune Castle sounds wonderful. Will add it to my “Visit” list next time I get across the Pond.
Oh, Shannon, I envy you being able to jaunt around and visit so many castles. Yes, the Victorians did a lot on remodelling that looks all wrong. it’s a tough balance, as the original rooms were rather primitive. Doune Castle sounds wonderful. Will add it to my “Visit” list next time I get across the Pond.
Oh, Shannon, I envy you being able to jaunt around and visit so many castles. Yes, the Victorians did a lot on remodelling that looks all wrong. it’s a tough balance, as the original rooms were rather primitive. Doune Castle sounds wonderful. Will add it to my “Visit” list next time I get across the Pond.
Oh, Shannon, I envy you being able to jaunt around and visit so many castles. Yes, the Victorians did a lot on remodelling that looks all wrong. it’s a tough balance, as the original rooms were rather primitive. Doune Castle sounds wonderful. Will add it to my “Visit” list next time I get across the Pond.
So glad you enjoyed the post, Denise! I love the Scottish and Irish castles. The settings are usually so dramatic. Hard not to be inspired to think of stories to fit them. Ass you say, so full of romance and intrigue!
So glad you enjoyed the post, Denise! I love the Scottish and Irish castles. The settings are usually so dramatic. Hard not to be inspired to think of stories to fit them. Ass you say, so full of romance and intrigue!
So glad you enjoyed the post, Denise! I love the Scottish and Irish castles. The settings are usually so dramatic. Hard not to be inspired to think of stories to fit them. Ass you say, so full of romance and intrigue!
So glad you enjoyed the post, Denise! I love the Scottish and Irish castles. The settings are usually so dramatic. Hard not to be inspired to think of stories to fit them. Ass you say, so full of romance and intrigue!
So glad you enjoyed the post, Denise! I love the Scottish and Irish castles. The settings are usually so dramatic. Hard not to be inspired to think of stories to fit them. Ass you say, so full of romance and intrigue!
The ruins of a medieval castle were found in my town and part of it was rebuilt, so it can be visited. Unfortunately, there were not enough funds for a whole reconstruction, but it’s still very nice to spend some time there, especially since there’s a splendid garden around it.
Probably the most famous castles in my country (Romania) are the Bran Castle, known as ‘Dracula’s’, even though it wasn’t Vlad the Impaler’s main stronghold, and the Hunyadi (Corvin) Castle (near Hunedoara). I haven’t visited the latter yet, but in pictures it looks pretty impressive.
In the region where I live (Moldavia) there are several ruined castles from Stephen the Great’s time. The most spectacular one is probably the Neamt Castle.
The ruins of a medieval castle were found in my town and part of it was rebuilt, so it can be visited. Unfortunately, there were not enough funds for a whole reconstruction, but it’s still very nice to spend some time there, especially since there’s a splendid garden around it.
Probably the most famous castles in my country (Romania) are the Bran Castle, known as ‘Dracula’s’, even though it wasn’t Vlad the Impaler’s main stronghold, and the Hunyadi (Corvin) Castle (near Hunedoara). I haven’t visited the latter yet, but in pictures it looks pretty impressive.
In the region where I live (Moldavia) there are several ruined castles from Stephen the Great’s time. The most spectacular one is probably the Neamt Castle.
The ruins of a medieval castle were found in my town and part of it was rebuilt, so it can be visited. Unfortunately, there were not enough funds for a whole reconstruction, but it’s still very nice to spend some time there, especially since there’s a splendid garden around it.
Probably the most famous castles in my country (Romania) are the Bran Castle, known as ‘Dracula’s’, even though it wasn’t Vlad the Impaler’s main stronghold, and the Hunyadi (Corvin) Castle (near Hunedoara). I haven’t visited the latter yet, but in pictures it looks pretty impressive.
In the region where I live (Moldavia) there are several ruined castles from Stephen the Great’s time. The most spectacular one is probably the Neamt Castle.
The ruins of a medieval castle were found in my town and part of it was rebuilt, so it can be visited. Unfortunately, there were not enough funds for a whole reconstruction, but it’s still very nice to spend some time there, especially since there’s a splendid garden around it.
Probably the most famous castles in my country (Romania) are the Bran Castle, known as ‘Dracula’s’, even though it wasn’t Vlad the Impaler’s main stronghold, and the Hunyadi (Corvin) Castle (near Hunedoara). I haven’t visited the latter yet, but in pictures it looks pretty impressive.
In the region where I live (Moldavia) there are several ruined castles from Stephen the Great’s time. The most spectacular one is probably the Neamt Castle.
The ruins of a medieval castle were found in my town and part of it was rebuilt, so it can be visited. Unfortunately, there were not enough funds for a whole reconstruction, but it’s still very nice to spend some time there, especially since there’s a splendid garden around it.
Probably the most famous castles in my country (Romania) are the Bran Castle, known as ‘Dracula’s’, even though it wasn’t Vlad the Impaler’s main stronghold, and the Hunyadi (Corvin) Castle (near Hunedoara). I haven’t visited the latter yet, but in pictures it looks pretty impressive.
In the region where I live (Moldavia) there are several ruined castles from Stephen the Great’s time. The most spectacular one is probably the Neamt Castle.
Castles are definitely magic. It’s impossible to look at one and not start dreaming of knights and dragons. I actually stayed in one many years ago in Ireland. It was a real castle that had been restored fairly accurately (though with indoor plumbing!) and turned into a B&B. That was where I learned that those crenelations on the towers had a real function.
Lovely post. It’s making me feel a real longing for a castle, but I’m afraid I’ll have to just conjure one up out of my imagination.
Castles are definitely magic. It’s impossible to look at one and not start dreaming of knights and dragons. I actually stayed in one many years ago in Ireland. It was a real castle that had been restored fairly accurately (though with indoor plumbing!) and turned into a B&B. That was where I learned that those crenelations on the towers had a real function.
Lovely post. It’s making me feel a real longing for a castle, but I’m afraid I’ll have to just conjure one up out of my imagination.
Castles are definitely magic. It’s impossible to look at one and not start dreaming of knights and dragons. I actually stayed in one many years ago in Ireland. It was a real castle that had been restored fairly accurately (though with indoor plumbing!) and turned into a B&B. That was where I learned that those crenelations on the towers had a real function.
Lovely post. It’s making me feel a real longing for a castle, but I’m afraid I’ll have to just conjure one up out of my imagination.
Castles are definitely magic. It’s impossible to look at one and not start dreaming of knights and dragons. I actually stayed in one many years ago in Ireland. It was a real castle that had been restored fairly accurately (though with indoor plumbing!) and turned into a B&B. That was where I learned that those crenelations on the towers had a real function.
Lovely post. It’s making me feel a real longing for a castle, but I’m afraid I’ll have to just conjure one up out of my imagination.
Castles are definitely magic. It’s impossible to look at one and not start dreaming of knights and dragons. I actually stayed in one many years ago in Ireland. It was a real castle that had been restored fairly accurately (though with indoor plumbing!) and turned into a B&B. That was where I learned that those crenelations on the towers had a real function.
Lovely post. It’s making me feel a real longing for a castle, but I’m afraid I’ll have to just conjure one up out of my imagination.
They all sound wonderful, Oana-Marie! Thanks for sharing.
They all sound wonderful, Oana-Marie! Thanks for sharing.
They all sound wonderful, Oana-Marie! Thanks for sharing.
They all sound wonderful, Oana-Marie! Thanks for sharing.
They all sound wonderful, Oana-Marie! Thanks for sharing.
Oh, how fun to have stayed in a real one! Castles really are magical, but like you, for now I’m going to have to use my imagination since I’ve no travel plans for Europe. Sigh.
Oh, how fun to have stayed in a real one! Castles really are magical, but like you, for now I’m going to have to use my imagination since I’ve no travel plans for Europe. Sigh.
Oh, how fun to have stayed in a real one! Castles really are magical, but like you, for now I’m going to have to use my imagination since I’ve no travel plans for Europe. Sigh.
Oh, how fun to have stayed in a real one! Castles really are magical, but like you, for now I’m going to have to use my imagination since I’ve no travel plans for Europe. Sigh.
Oh, how fun to have stayed in a real one! Castles really are magical, but like you, for now I’m going to have to use my imagination since I’ve no travel plans for Europe. Sigh.
I LOVE castles!! Here in Ireland we have quite a few, some of them in ruins but a few still in tact which run as businesses. One I really love is in County Limerick. It’s called Bunratty Castle. It’s a tourist attraction and is very popular. In the grounds is a recreation of a village of the time. People dressed in costume work there and you can visit it all. It truly is wonderful and I’ve visited it a number of times. (Actually time I went again)!!
Lovely post. Thanks for reminding me of something I enjoy.
I LOVE castles!! Here in Ireland we have quite a few, some of them in ruins but a few still in tact which run as businesses. One I really love is in County Limerick. It’s called Bunratty Castle. It’s a tourist attraction and is very popular. In the grounds is a recreation of a village of the time. People dressed in costume work there and you can visit it all. It truly is wonderful and I’ve visited it a number of times. (Actually time I went again)!!
Lovely post. Thanks for reminding me of something I enjoy.
I LOVE castles!! Here in Ireland we have quite a few, some of them in ruins but a few still in tact which run as businesses. One I really love is in County Limerick. It’s called Bunratty Castle. It’s a tourist attraction and is very popular. In the grounds is a recreation of a village of the time. People dressed in costume work there and you can visit it all. It truly is wonderful and I’ve visited it a number of times. (Actually time I went again)!!
Lovely post. Thanks for reminding me of something I enjoy.
I LOVE castles!! Here in Ireland we have quite a few, some of them in ruins but a few still in tact which run as businesses. One I really love is in County Limerick. It’s called Bunratty Castle. It’s a tourist attraction and is very popular. In the grounds is a recreation of a village of the time. People dressed in costume work there and you can visit it all. It truly is wonderful and I’ve visited it a number of times. (Actually time I went again)!!
Lovely post. Thanks for reminding me of something I enjoy.
I LOVE castles!! Here in Ireland we have quite a few, some of them in ruins but a few still in tact which run as businesses. One I really love is in County Limerick. It’s called Bunratty Castle. It’s a tourist attraction and is very popular. In the grounds is a recreation of a village of the time. People dressed in costume work there and you can visit it all. It truly is wonderful and I’ve visited it a number of times. (Actually time I went again)!!
Lovely post. Thanks for reminding me of something I enjoy.