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The building is really monumental, and if you are disappointed by haunted Dracula’s castle Bran, be sure to set off in Hunedoara.

Fortress was founded here in the 13th century and up to 17th century was reconstructed and modified. At first in the 14th century by its owner, a general and Regent-Governor of the Kingdom of Hungary – John Hunyadi, and later in the 15th century by his son, Matthias Corvinus. Further alterations were no such significant. Inside the castle is a museum where you can find more information about the history of the castle.

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There is no railway in Hunedoara, but you can take a bus from the nearby Deva. As I wrote, Hunedoara is a relatively small city, so finding the castle would not be a problem – you can go from the bus station along the main street up to the dirty river, go over bridge and you should see the towers of the castle.

Corvin Castle is open every day but the opening hours vary depending on the season. Basic admission is 10 Ron (approx. €2,3).

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Among the most beautiful castles – not only in Britain but also in Europe – we can find the Leeds Castle in Kent, UK. It was built back in 1119 as a Norman fortress on the spot where the manor house stood already two hundred years before.

During its long existence, Leeds Castle served as the residence (also as the refuge) for the kings, deluxe residences for six medieval English Queens, exhibition of Henry VIII. and much more. The interesting is, that the castle was inhabited up to the 80′s of the last century.

Photo licensed under the Creative Commons, created by Herry Lawford

The castle is surrounded by the massive walls which protect also a huge garden full of trees, shrubs and flowers. The romantic character is supplemented by the large moats, built long ago to hide the estate from the eyes of simple villagers.

Today, it has only an aesthetic function, as well as an aviaries, that are now a home for over a hundred endangered species of birds. Curiosity of the whole area is treacherous maze of hedges, with a sort of mound in the middle.

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At the entrance, you will receive a card, with the important facts about the castle’s history and description of everything interesting regarding the castle rooms, including the authors of pictures etc. Although the current design was influenced by many minor changes and especially by the gradual expansion, the most of the internal equipment is original.

In Leeds Castle you can see – amongst others – the royal bedroom of Catherine of Valois, or a library and room of Lady Baillie. Also noteworthy is the restaurant named after Henry VIII., who frequently visited the castle. During a visit, you can also visit the Maiden’s Tower, which was built in Tudor times as the castle’s bakery and brewhouse beer. Now the premises of the Maiden’s Tower hold various exhibitions.

The only task of Leeds Castle is to impress every visitor and I’m sure that you will be impressed as well.

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Vianden castle has been owned by the family of the Grand Duke of Luxembourg until 1977 when it was donated to the state. Since then it has undergone extensive exterior and interior refurbishment. For its scenic beauty it is often visited by huge number of tourists, but also by Hollywood filmmakers. Vianden castle has a beautiful view to the medieval town of Vianden, which was, in the past, very fond of French writer Victor Hugo. Local museum and a copy of a bust by Roden remind writer’s visits on the river Our.

Vianden is the birthplace of King John the Blind (John of Luxembourg). In 1310 he became Count of Luxembourg and after the marriage to Elisabeth of Bohemia (Czech: Eliška Přemyslovna) he became King of Bohemia. John of Luxembourg is today a popular historical figure in Luxembourg and weighed very much like his son Charles IV. in the Czech Republic.

Photo licensed under the Creative Commons, created by Roger Wollstadt

Vianden castle is accessible through the whole year.

02.01 – 28.02 10.00 – 16.00
01.03 – 31.03 10.00 – 17.00
01.04 – 30.09 10.00 – 18.00
01.10 – 31.10 10.00 – 17.00
01.11 – 31.12 10.00 – 16.00

Basic admission fee is €7,50 (2010). There is also interesting culture programme that includes exhibition, jazz concert etc…

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