World's most beautiful castles | #Luxembourg #Vianden #Europe #Tourism | Luxembourg (Europe) | Scoop.it

What is it about castles that fascinates so many people around the globe?


A lot of the allure derives from the history and human drama that played out within the walls, as well as the astonishing architecture that features on so many castles. But they're also romantic and somewhat mystical, places that spark our imagination and conjure visions of long-ago knights in shining armor and powerful warrior queens.


"Because they combine two functions, they are far more interesting than fortresses or palaces," says Marc Morris, author of "Castles: Their History and Evolution in Medieval Britain."
"What makes a castle a castle is that it combines the functions of defense and dwelling -- it's a fortification and a stately home rolled into one. Creating a building which is both comfortable and defensible is difficult. The ingenious ways in which castle-designers reconciled this balance is always intriguing."


Although we normally associate castles with European history, it's actually an architectural form found around the world -- in nations as varied as Japan and India, Morocco and Mexico.
Many are now hubs of living history where modern visitors can watch jousting and other ancient combat forms, listen to medieval music or watch artisans demonstrate the arts, crafts and everyday skills of a thousand years ago.

 

Learn more / En savoir plus / Mehr erfahren:

 

https://www.scoop.it/t/luxembourg-europe/?&tag=VIANDEN

 

https://www.scoop.it/t/luxembourg-europe/?&tag=tourism

 

https://www.scoop.it/topic/luxembourg-europe/?&tag=Castles