See the most incredible castles in Europe! - For much of human history, castles were built as strategic fortresses to defend against enemies. Others were used for government residences and some for military strategy. Nowadays these castles have become points of interest for tourists. These structures are beautiful and feature fascinating architecture. Check out Europe's most beautiful castles!

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Peleş Castle (Romania) - This beautiful castle is found in the Romanian city of Sinaia. Of the 168 rooms in the castle, only 35 are open to the public. Some of the highlights include: Holul de Onoare (Hall of Honour), Mare de Arme (Arsenals), De Teatru (Playhouse), and Salonul Turcesc (Turkish Parlour).

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Peleş Castle (Romania) - Built under the orders of King Carol I, it took ten years to finish (1873 - 1883). It was first used a summer residence by the Romanian royal family. The Italian neo-Renaissance gardens contain designs by Wilhelm Knechtel.

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Bojnice Castle (Slovakia) - This old castle dates back to the twelfth century. It is now home to one of the most-visited museums and a major tourist attraction in Slovakia. Today it may be built out of rock and marble, but the Bojnice Castle was originally just a wooden fortress.

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Bojnice Castle (Slovakia) - In 1945 the castle was confiscated by the Czechoslovak government. Five years later the castle suffered a terrible fire, and was then rebuilt by the government as a museum.

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Coca Castle (Spain) - This imposing gothic fortress was built in the fifteenth century by the archbishop of Seville. This place is so impressive and well-preserved that it became an historical Spanish landmark on 3 June 1931.

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Coca Castle (Spain) - In 1954, it was handed over to the Ministry of Agriculture, becoming a center of engineering studies. Today you can visit it and enjoy its unusual architecture.

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Bodiam Castle (England) - This is a quadrangular castle in East Sussex, England. Built in 1385 by Sir Edward Dalyngrigge, a former knight of Edward III. The objective was to defend the surrounding area from French invasion during the Hundred Years' War.

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Bodiam Castle (England) - Recent studies suggest the castle was built as a display of power rather than defensive strategy. The castle is very well preserved and one of the most beautiful in Europe.

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Ksiaz Castle (Poland) - The third-biggest castle in Poland is located on a cliff beside the Pelcznica river. Construction was completed in the thirteenth century under the orders of Bolko I. The Ksiaz Castle is also the setting of a lot of spooky stories.

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Ksiaz Castle (Poland) - It was built in the thirteenth century but has been destroyed and rebuilt several times. Nevertheless the beautiful natural scenery that surrounds it remains the same.

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Bran Castle (Romania) - Today it is a tourist attraction and a must-see. In the winter it is spectacularly beautiful, with snow all around it.

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Bran Castle (Romania) - This castle is commonly known as 'Dracula's Castle' as it was Dracula's residence in Bram Stoker's book. It was built by the Teutonic Order of Knights and sits on the border between Transylvania and Wallachia.

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Lincoln Castle (England) - Completed in 1068, Lincoln Castle, in Lincolnshire, was built upon an old Roman fortress. It was an impressive medieval fortress and served as a prison in the Georgian and Victorian eras.

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Lincoln Castle (England) - William the Conqueror, the first Norman king of England, lived there for a while. In modern times the castle has appeared in lots of films and series, like Downton Abbey.

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Eltz Castle (Germany) - Located in the hills between Koblenz and Trier, this imposing medieval castle is one of the most beautiful and best-preserved castles in the world.

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Eltz Castle (Germany) - The castle's advantageous position made it possible to see both sides of the Eltz valley, so it has remained safe and secure until today.

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Mont Saint-Michel (France) - This castle was fortified during the thirteenth century and was part of a block including three other historic citadels: Aigues-Mortes, Carcassonne and Avignon, and is located at the mouth of the Couesnon River in Manche, France.

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Mont Saint-Michel - It was considered a medieval wonder, situated on a rocky island that looks like something out of a fairytale. The architecture is really well preserved and welcomes lots of tourists.

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Malbork Castle (Poland) - This castle is situated around 60km from Gdansk (Poland). It was originally named Mary's Castle, just like the city that grew around it.

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Malbork Castle (Poland) - Founded by the Teutonic Order in 1274, Malbork Castle was designated a World Heritage Site by UNESCO in 1997. It is a beautiful castle that is definitely worth a visit.

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Windsor Castle (England) - Located in Berkshire (England), this brash fortification is one of the most famous on the planet. Aside from its architecture it is a royal residence.

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Windsor Castle (England) - During the English Civil War it was used as a base by Charles I. In the second world war it was a hideout for the royal family.

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Trakai Island Castle (Lithuania) - Trakai Island Castle, dating back to the fourteenth and fifteenth centuries has the unique status as the only castle in Eastern Europe built on an island. It was a strategic fortress, royal residence, and today is an important tourist attraction.

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Trakai Island Castle (Lithuania) - Construction of the fortress began in the fourteenth century under the orders of Kestutis, mostly being completed by 1409. It was restored after World War II to its 15th century style.

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Spiš Castle (Slovakia) - The Spis castle is one of the biggest medieval structures in central Europe. If you like history, seeing breathtaking sights, and happen to be passing through Slovakia, this is a must-see.

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Spiš Castle (Slovakia) - Built between the thirteenth and fourteenth centuries in romantic and gothic architecture, the castle has been a UNESCO World Heritage Monument since 1993.

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Hohensalzburg Castle (Austria) - 250 meters in length and 150 meters wide, it is one of the biggest medieval castles in Europe. It is located in the Austrian city of Salzburg and was built in 1077 by archbishop Gebhard.

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Hohensalzburg Castle (Austria) - The huge walls that circle the fortress were raised by the prince and archbishop Burkhard II in 1462. During World War I, it was used to house Italian prisoners and later Nazi activists.

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Predjama Castle (Slovenia) - The castle was built in 1274, under a natural rock formation in the region of Inner Carniola.

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Predjama Castle (Slovenia) - It is as beautiful in summer as in winter and definitely worth a visit to appreciate its architecture and learn more about this country's history.

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