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Château de Chenonceau – the second most visited castle in France

Claire — Sun, 13 Nov 2011 13:12:44 +0000

Château de Chenonceau is one of the most elegant castles in France. It is situated in the Loire valley, approximately 240 km southwest of Paris. It is popular among visitors for its magnificent architecture and beautiful surroundings.

Photo licensed under the Creative Commons, created by Gilles Messian

Château de Chenonceau, in comparison to the other castles of the Loire, has a very calm and majestic appearance. It may be surprising that the castle is the work of women (was built and reconstructed according to the wishes of several noble women), therefore the castle is also known as the “Château des Dames” (Castle of women). For example, Catherine de Medici added amazing yew maze and a rose garden. Madame Dupin changed the castle to a center of fashion in the 18th century.

Château de Chenonceau is standing on the site of the former water mill. It has been built between the years of 1513 and 1521. The current form of the castle dates back to the 16th century. In the years of 1556 – 1559 its typical bridge arches were added to the castle and connected the banks of the river.

In the castle you can admire the beautiful tapestries, magnificent paintings and original tile floors. No wonder that after Versailles it is the second most visited castle in France.

Photo licensed under the Creative Commons, created by Gilles Messian

The castle is open to the public, and features the magnificent interiors and beautiful gardens. There are even restaurants and galleries. It is also home to various regular exhibitions and concerts. Before visiting the Château de Chenonceau you can download audio guide of the castle from the official website of Château de Chenonceau.

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Palace of Versailles – one of the most famous monuments in Europe | France

Claire — Mon, 03 Oct 2011 11:47:53 +0000

One of the most famous monuments on the European continent is also the French Palace of Versailles (Château de Versailles), which was built in the 17th century by King Louis XIII as a hunting lodge. Soon after that the entire French elite began to come here for the lavish hunting. A major reconstruction of the castle was done during the reign of his successor, Louis XIV, also known as the Sun King. He changed the palace to more luxurious one to become a great seat of the royal court.

Photo licensed under the Creative Commons, created by David Baron

Palace of Versailles is also an important symbol of the Great French Revolution, when in 1789 the nobility was expelled from there to Paris, and executed by the guillotine.

Beautiful castle is admired mainly for its unique architecture and large surrounding gardens, which are really amazing. Many rulers in other European countries later attempted to imitate the construction of their residences just according to this French chateau; for example, Viennese palace Schönbrun.

During an excursion in the Château de Versailles you definitely do not miss the spectacular tour of the royal apartments and beautifully decorated chapel. The complex has really got a lot of rooms, wings and associated buildings, so if you want to see everything it takes you almost all day.

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Very interesting is a unique Hall of Mirrors, but you should visit also the Museum of History, which shows you all the important events that are associated with this place. I have to say that they are terribly much.

In the gardens you can find many fountains and statues. The best time to visit the gardens is in the summer during the summer musical and water festival Les Grandes Eaux Musicales, when the fountains are turned on and chamber music bands play in the gardens.

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Esterházy Palace – one of the most beautiful and largest castles in Hungary

Claire — Mon, 30 May 2011 07:48:44 +0000

Esterházy Palace is one of the largest and most beautiful castles of Hungary. The castle is located in the village Fertőd at the western part of the country, close to the Austrian borders. In the mid 18th century, Miklós Esterházy rebuilt a hunting lodge to the Baroque – Rococo palace. The castle is called also the Hungarian Versailles.

The complex consists of the palace with 126 rooms, opera house, Diana’s Temple, the Temple of Venus, the Hermitage, the Chinese pavilion, dance hall, puppet theatre and a large French garden. The castle was a home of the Austrian composer Joseph Haydn for almost thirty years. Even Empress Maria Theresa lived here in 1773.

After the death of Count Esterházy, the family left and the castle remained empty for nearly a whole century. During the Second World War, the chateau served as a hospital and was damaged. In the past few years the castle has been partially renovated and rebuilt into a hotel. Today there are 26 rooms available.

There is a museum and music hall. Every year it hosts International Music Festival and Weeks of music.

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