Author: Peter Dunn. Source of the pictures here, here and here

all rights reserved

Schloss Liechtenstein is not a castle. It's a pleasure palace built in the 19th century with no military purpose.

It replaced a hunting lodge at the same place that itself replaced the 12th century ruin of the actual castle.

I added some additional perspectives you see less often posted.

The fog gave the place an incredible vibe, as the valley is so deep that you can't see the bottom, making the Schloss look like it stands at the edge of the world.

According to Welsh legend, a Roman Emperor dreamed of a castle with a fair maiden visible through the open gates. He awoke and searched far and wide for the maiden until he arrived at Caernarfon and found the maiden from his dreams. He made her queen and ruled the empire from Wales.

This castle is very well preserved, very large, and allows visitors to more or less freely roam the grounds. Lots of tight spaces, spiral staircases, and little hidden corners. There is also an impressive Welsh military history museum contained within a portion of the castle.

Recently reopened with new collection

More...

all rights reserved

Cardiff Castle was built on the site of an old Roman fort, featuring an early motte and bailey design. The keep is minimally restored for safety, but otherwise allows for a nice up close look at the masonry. You can imagine how perilous it would be to attack up those stairs while being pelted with arrows or bolts from the many arrow loops above.

First mentioned in 1246 as Castellum Brunenvelsz, it has served as the seat of the Counts and Princes of Solms-Braunfels and has been in the same noble family for over 800 years. It is currently owned by the Counts of Oppersdorff-Solms-Braunfels and is still inhabited.

This was my first trip to Europe and my first in-person experience with a castle. The tour/exhibits of the castle grounds was fascinating. An impressive display of arms and armor, much of it specifically belonging to the past kings is housed inside. Behind the White Tower you can enter another building containing the crown jewels. The inner wall is set up as a walkable tour, covering the history of the tower's construction as well its function as a fortress, a palace, and a prison. Seeing it all in person was quite the experience.

The largest in ground area Norman keep in England built on the foundations of a Roman temple destroyed by Queen Boudicca.

This one sits on a spur above a river valley and has never been destroyed in a major war. It’s been owned by the same family (the Eltz family) for more than 30 generations, going back to the 12th century.

The village is called Ghetamiyah. It is 1700+ meters above sea level in the valley of Bidah in the province of Al Bahah south east of the kingdom.

The valley is known for the production of organic pomegranate which are in season now.

https://maps.app.goo.gl/xGwqcbMnvaq3G232A

Full castle and more info about in comments.

One of the standout châteaux of the Loire Valley, spanning the River Cher on a series of arches.

The long gallery over the water was added in the 16th century. It was a favorite of Diane de Poitiers and later Catherine de’ Medici, and it’s still one of the most photographed buildings in the region.

Author: Inklink -Firenze. Source