The Opinionated Travelogue of a Photo Maniac
History can be strange and fascinating sometimes. Especially when political intrigue, jealousy, and revenge are involved. But what would a castle be without all that? Château de Chenonceau is perhaps the most beautiful castles in France. But without its unique history, it would probably be just another castle in the Loire Valley. The story of Chenonceau is pretty much …
Château de Chenonceau, a Testament to the Power of WomenRead More
If it wasn’t for the glorious and world renowned Neuschwanstein just a stone-throw away, the Hohenschwangau Castle might have never achieved its fame. Schloss Hohenschwangau, as the Germans call it, is best known as the childhood home of King Ludwig II of Bavaria. The castle was built by King Maximilian II, Ludwig’s father, on the ruins of the Fortress Schwanstein.
Our trip to the Loire Valley castles started in the city of Blois which is without doubt the gateway to the châteaux in the region. Not surprisingly, the first castle we visited was the famous Château de Blois. Although not as spectacular as Chambord or Chenonceau, the castle’s appeal goes beyond its beauty. Château de Blois …
Château de Blois – Exploring the Favorite Residence of the Kings of FranceRead More
But for the gigantic and lavish Palace of the Popes, Avignon might have never risen to fame. The austere-looking fortress (Palais des Papes) was the residence and ruling place of 9 popes, who reigned in Avignon for nearly 70 in the 1300’s. But how did the French city of Avignon become a papal city? Why Avignon and not …
Avignon’s Palace of the Popes: a Papal City Without PopesRead More
Standing on an island in the middle of the Indre River, about 15 miles (24 km) southwest of Tours, lies one of the finest châteaux of the Loire Valley: the Château Azay-le-Rideau.
Château d’Azay-le-Rideau – a Hidden Gem in the Loire ValleyRead More
Chateau de la Napoule is not your typical French castle. In fact, the old medieval fortress in Mandelieu, France, shares neither the sophistication nor the glory of its famous sisters in the Loire Valley. A Brief History of Château de la Napoule Chateau de la Napoule was erected as a military fort in the 14th …
Château de la Napoule – the Destiny of an Enchanted CastleRead More
Located in the in southwestern Transylvania, the Citadel of Alba Iulia is one of Romania’s most recognizable places, a landmark whose history goes back 2000 years. Also known as Alba Carolina, the Citadel was one of most representative fortresses in Romania and also in Eastern Europe.
Alba Iulia Citadel – the Most Beautiful Vauban Fortress RomaniaRead More
There are many reasons why people like to visit Romania, like the stunning scenery, old medieval towns, or legendary castles and fortresses. But not many visitors are aware of the authentic old villages in the region of Transylvania which remained unchanged in structure for hundreds of years. There are seven villages with fortified churches in …
Biertan Fortified Church – the Anatomy of a Church-FortressRead More
You cannot visit the town of Amboise and its impressive château without also visiting nearby Chateau du Clos Luce. Château du Clos Lucé has nothing of the extravagance of the Loire Valley castles. In fact, it is not even a castle in the real sense of the word. On the other hand, it can brag about something …
Château du Clos Lucé – in the Footsteps of Leonardo da VinciRead More
