Castles and Palaces

Palace of the Dukes of Braganza

Palace Of The Dukes Of Braganza: Best Tips For Visiting In 2023

Portugal / , ,

The Palace of the Dukes of Braganza is a ducal palace situated in the historic center of Guimarães, a few meters from Guimarães Castle. Mainly inhabited in the 15th century, this manor house is considered a unique architectural example in the Iberian Peninsula! The Palace of the Dukes of Braganza was commissioned by Dom Afonso, around 1420. Dom Afonso was the illegitimate son of King João I and accumulated the titles of 8th Count of Barcelos, 2nd Count of Neiva, and 1st Duke of Braganza!

Stock Exchange Palace

Stock Exchange Palace: Best Tips For Visiting In 2023

Portugal / , ,

The Stock Exchange Palace (in Portuguese, Palácio da Bolsa) is one of the most famous monuments in the city of Porto, receiving the visit of hundreds of thousands of tourists every year. In addition, as it’s located in the historic center of Porto, it has been part of the UNESCO World Heritage List since 1996! Intended to serve as the headquarters of the Commercial Association of Porto, the Stock Exchange Palace began to be built in 1842, on the site of the former Convent of Saint Francis!

National Palace of Queluz

National Palace Of Queluz: Best Tips For Visiting In 2023

Portugal / ,

The National Palace of Queluz is one of the most important palaces in Portugal, as it served as the residence of three generations of the Portuguese Royal Family. On top of that, it’s the most luxurious Portuguese palace of all, with architectural, landscape, and decorative elements from the Baroque, Rococo, and Neoclassicist periods! In addition to dozens of magnificent halls and rooms, the National Palace of Queluz is made up of numerous outdoor patios, lush gardens, and ornamental ponds!

Montjuïc Castle

Montjuïc Castle: Best Tips For Visiting In 2023

Spain /

Montjuïc Castle is a military fortress dating from 1640, which was converted into a military prison at the end of the 19th century and then into a military museum in 1963. Installed on top of the Montjuïc mountain in Barcelona, almost 200 meters high, Montjuïc Castle follows the so-called “Vauban style”. This model of fortification was created by the French military architect Sébastien Le Prestre de Vauban and stands out for the bastions at the ends – which often form a star!

Guimarães Castle

Guimarães Castle: Best Tips For Visiting In 2023

Portugal / ,

Guimarães Castle is one of the most beautiful castles in Portugal. Not to mention that it’s a National Monument, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and one of the 7 Wonders of Portugal Therefore, it’s only natural that this medieval castle is one of the most visited in the country! Guimarães Castle is linked to the foundation of Portugal, as a sovereign and independent nation. This is because its construction dates from the mid-10th century when the region belonged to the County of Portugal!

Castle of Torres Novas

Castle Of Torres Novas: Best Tips For Visiting In 2023

Portugal /

The Castle of Torres Novas is a very picturesque monument, located 115 km from Lisbon. Constructed in the Middle Ages, this military fortress helped to defend the southern border of the Kingdom of Portugal during the Reconquista. Unfortunately, part of the castle was destroyed in the Lisbon Earthquake in 1755 and the Peninsular War. Even so, the Castle of Torres Novas is the most popular tourist attraction in Torres Novas, because of its photogenic spots and the panoramic views over the city!

Best Castles in Europe

27 Best Castles In Europe (That You Should Visit This Year)

Europe /

Are you looking for the best castles in Europe to visit? Then you’re in the right place because this list brings together the best European castles, which you should see at least once in your life. Europe has an unparalleled architectural, historical, and cultural past. And these most beautiful castles in Europe are perfect for architecture lovers, history buffs, and cultural travelers. From medieval fortresses to romantic masterpieces, discover some of the most famous castles in Europe!

Palau de la Música Catalana

Palau De La Mùsica Catalana: Best Tips For Visiting In 2023

Spain / ,

The Palau de la Música Catalana (or Palace of Catalan Music, in English) is the most stunning concert hall I’ve ever seen in my life and the only one declared World Heritage by UNESCO. Built between 1905 and 1908 by the architect by Lluís Domènech i Montaner, this music auditorium is situated in Barcelona, Spain. Besides having formidable acoustics, the Palau de la Música Catalana is richly decorated with stained glass, mosaics, ceramics, sculptures, murals, and wrought iron elements!

Almourol Castle

Almourol Castle: Best Tips For Visiting In 2023

Portugal /

Almourol Castle (in Portuguese, Castelo de Almourol) is a unique monument in Portugal, as it was built on an islet in the Tagus River, about 135 km from Lisbon. A symbol of the Iberian Reconquista, it was founded by the Knights Templar as a military fortress. However, Almourol Castle lost importance over the centuries and ended up abandoned. Besides, the structure was damaged by the Lisbon Earthquake of 1755 – even though it was restored and adapted to the romantic taste in the 19th century!

Palau Güell

Palau Güell: Best Tips For Visiting In 2023

Spain / ,

Palau Güell is a building in Catalan Modernist style, which was designed by Antoni Gaudí. Built between 1886 and 1890, the palace is located in the historic center of Barcelona. When Eusebi Güell commissioned this first major work from Antoni Gaudí, the young architect was still far from becoming one of the most celebrated Catalan artists of all time. But the truth is that, after Palau Güell, Eusebi Güell became Antoni Gaudí’s most important patron and client!

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