The Alhambra Palace
I had the privilege of going through several castles in southern Spain, the most notable being the Alhambra Palace in Granada (built between the 9th and 13th century, depending on your resources, and restored and updated in the 14th century). This castle is quite elaborately built, but the architect is unknown. The detailing of the ornamental mosaic inside the main building is quite remarkable and beautiful. The ornamented walls, archways and columns are really something to see. Also, within the building structures are courtyards, reflecting pool, gardens and fountains.
In 1492 the Alhambra became the home of King Ferdinand and Queen Isabel, who as you may recall, gave Christopher Columbus money and permission to sail to the new world.
Biltmore Estate
Another mansion/castle that I toured was a little closer to home in Asheville, NC. called the Biltmore Mansion on the Biltmore Estate. This was fun to go through because it was all furnished and was actually about 6-7 different levels because there are 2 basement levels. There is even a full size olympic swimming pool under the house. We were not allowed to tour the entire house, but what we did see was pretty grand. Then we drove a couple miles around the estate to the Biltmore winery and had a very social and relaxing wine tasting. The wine was really good.
Neuschwanstein Castle
Bavaria, Germany
One of the most photographed castles in the world is in the Bavarian Alps in Germany, built in 1869 by Kind Ludwig ll. Neuschwanstein Castle served as the inspiration for the Sleeping Beauty Castle at Disneyland. Neuschwanstein appears prominently in television and several films.
My sister and her husband visited Bavaria, Germany many years ago and was able to photograph this castle from afar.
I have never visited this castle, nor have I ever been to Germany, but maybe someday. . . . .
4 comments:
Nice Pic's...I've been to quite a few Castles myself....some lesser known one's (Castille Di Aviano, Italy) and some of the Bigger ones (The Tower of London). I have an appreciation for them and the wonderful pictures they make. Check my blog for my "Going Places" label...I'll get some on there from Iceland, Austria, Italy...Nice Blog by the way!
Oh yeah...my kin folk are from Wayneville (NC)...my uncle's a big mason there and actually got contracted to fix one of the wings at Biltmore!!!
Thanks for your comments, Angel of war. I will check out your blog, too. Interesting about your uncle.
A lot of the smaller lesser known castles in southern Spain are in ruins and stand out in the fields and hills. We'd be driving along and see one, park our car on the side of the road, climb the fence and check it out. It was a lot of fun.
This is great info to know.
Post a Comment