A medieval journey through the fairytale castles of Europe
History has had the power to leave a trail of places that, over the years, they have become real gems . Some, the work of good deeds and others, of terrible wars, currently many of them are pilgrimage and tourism sites. Castles have played an important role over time , as a hiding place, protection, fortress or simply as a residence.
Some of them became authentic works of art, however, the passing of the years does not forgive. Due to numerous battles or simply due to abandonment, many were left in ruins, offering the traveler the only power to imagine what they were like.
Thanks to BudgetDirect , imagination has become reality. A team of designers and architects have worked for seven of the most popular ruined castles in Europe rise from the ashes, through 3D images which return them to their original form.
Castles that had a tragic end, like Menlo's, come back to life
**A MEDIEVAL JOURNEY **
Through animations that recreate its natural appearance, Budget Direct takes us on a journey across Europe. From Croatia to Romania, passing through Scotland or Slovakia , these castles inhabited by kings and queens, regain their glory years , and that medieval and charming aspect, capable of bewitching any of its visitors.
The first stop takes place in Samobor, Croatia . His castle was built between 1260 and 1264 on a hill 220 meters high . Was built by Czech King Ottokar II of Bohemia although a multitude of owners paraded through its corridors. Although it was created in a Romanesque-Gothic style, it ended up becoming a Baroque castle at the end of the 18th century. Now you can see its peaked roofs, its triangular patio and its high tower.
As great fortresses or as residences, the castles were true works of art.
The subject of disputes was also Gaillard Castle, in Les Andelys, France . Its magnitude meant a construction that lasted two years, from 1196 to 1198 . Its owner was Richard I, King of England, and his goal was to protect the Duchy of Normandy from the hands of Philip II, King of France. After finally being invaded by its enemy and changing hands during the Hundred Years War, it finally Henry IV had it destroyed in 1599 . The current result is an army of towers with pyramidal roofs that constitute a true fortress.
Another of the largest complexes in Europe was Spiš Castle, in Slovakia, from the 12th century . It was the residence of aristocrats and for many years owned by the head of the Spiš region. Despite being destroyed by fire, it was used in movies like Dragonheart or The Last Legion..
The story of Dunnottar Castle in Scotland is worthy of a movie . The most important thing is that it belongs to the period between the 5th and 7th century , which was invaded by vikings , that the very William Wallace (Braveheart) recovered it in 1297 and that they hid there scottish crown jewels . Its privileged site surrounded by water makes it a place straight out of a story.
Menlo Castle in Galway is another one of those charming places . He belonged to a family of English nobles during the 16th century and had a tragic end when he was destroyed by fire in 1910 . The vegetation that covers its walls make it a place that almost seems to be haunted.
Castles such as Dunnotar were used to store important treasures, such as the crown jewels of Scotland
Finally, Poenari Castle, in Romania, was the residence of Vlad Dracula , inspiration of the popular character, who was enchanted by the location of the fortress, on a cliff. Between mountains, it also rises Olsztyn Castle in Poland , protagonist in numerous Swedish wars and famous for its 35-meter tower, which served many years as a prison.
Thus, these stories that seem to be taken from fiction, come to life again thanks to architecture and design. It is no longer necessary to invent the appearance of these castles, just imagine what it would be like to live within those walls and embark on a journey full of legends of knights, nobles and kings.
Kings and queens, conquerors and even Vlad Dracula himself, these castles look like something out of a fairy tale.