Rick Steves Reveals The Major Difference Between The Types Of Ancient Castles In Europe

Europe is a place where history never stopped happening. Everywhere you turn in the Old World, you'll find yourself stepping back in time and walking in the footsteps of the past. From two-thousand-year-old Roman theaters to ancient temples dedicated to long-forgotten gods, almost every country in Europe is draped in a cloak of rich stories and powerful, dramatic history. 

For many travelers, it's the historic castles that conjure up the majestic, foreboding ambiance of Europe's past most spectacularly. European travel expert Rick Steves says that "castles send the imagination soaring", and he's not wrong. There's something magical, thrilling, and almost unreal about exploring these imposing fortifications, and there are superb examples across Europe, from the fairytale spires of Sintra in Portugal, decked out in beautiful pastels, or the stunning Gothic castles of the UK, to the chilling Bran Castle in Transylvania, supposed home of Count Dracula. 

But not all castles are created equally. Steves says that "some of Europe's castles are fairy-tale wonderful (such as Neuschwanstein in Bavaria), [while] others are massive, crumbling hulks". He highlights the importance of doing research before setting off for a visit, so that you aren't disappointed. You might be looking forward to some fortified medieval magnificence from the Age of Chivalry, and end up touring an exquisitely decorated, elegant chateau, filled with court portraits and Louis XVI furniture. So if you are planning to visit one of Steves' favorite castles, here are some things you might need to know.

Steves describes Europe's castles as falling into one of two categories: "medieval fortresses (built to withstand sieges) and castle-palaces (residences and luxury châteaux for royalty and nobility)". Medieval castles can range from small fortifications perched on top of a convenient hill, like the tiny, squat fortresses sprinkled around Spain, or the towers in the Scottish Borders and Welsh Marches, to gigantic hulks like Bamburgh in northern England or Corvin Castle in Romania.

These stunning, brutal constructions were a fundamental part of medieval warfare, designed to house soldiers, withstand sieges, and protect the local populace. Medieval castles were places where people lived, but they were mostly weapons of war and part of a complex system of control and domination.

Europe's castle-palaces are something else entirely. When gunpowder began to be used as a weapon of war, castles were made obsolete, as even the sturdiest of walls could be reduced to rubble with a few cannons. Castles became status symbols and places to live, rather than fortifications, and so were designed in a far more intricate, ornate, and delicate way. The most famous examples of this sort of palace are the French castles of the Loire Valley, but there are plenty of other exquisite spots around Europe to discover. These include Neuschwanstein Castle, in Germany, the inspiration for Disneyland's Sleeping Beauty Castle, the pink and yellow turrets of Pena Palace in Sintra, Portugal, and the opulent magnificence of the Palace of Versailles near Paris, France.

Steves' advice for European castle sightseeing doesn't stop at deciding which type you want to see. He also points out that while some castles are amazing tourist destinations, like England's Warwick Castle, "which hosts jousting competitions, catapult demonstrations, museums of medieval armor and artifacts, and well-stocked gift shops", others are "massive crumbling hulks", unfurnished halls, or not much more than a few scattered piles of stones and a ditch with a ticket booth. 

This is why doing your research and coming prepared is key. It's worth seeing what attractions are on offer, if the castle offers guided or self-guided tours, and if there are any exhibitions or original artifacts to look at. It's also worth being ready for quite a bit of walking — whether it's the long galleries and spiral tower staircases of picturesque palaces or the ruins of a looming fist of medieval stone, comfortable footwear is a must!