The most impregnable fortresses and castles of Europe

The main task of the builders of ancient fortresses, castles and monasteries to make them as safe as possible, the least reachable for enemies. They were built high in the mountainous terrain, in remote areas, they could pass only with the help of experienced conductors. However tempting and attractive today are those of buildings, luring tourists with its mysteries and beauties.

Slovenia, bled castle. Amidst stunning scenery, created by the dense forests, stretching around lake bled, one of the rocky cliffs, just breaking in the area of open water, stands the eponymous castle, built in 1004. Its architectural composition was varied under the influence of epochs. So in the middle ages were built towers and powerful fortification walls. The oldest is the tower, created in the Romanesque style. With her in the old days was carried out a patrol on the surrounding spaces. Stone staircase leading to the entrance, still can be found only by using Windows Explorer. Today, the castle houses a historical Museum, a space you can explore with a guide or independently. Tourists especially like to come to the castle at sunset when it is illuminated by light, creating a atmosphere for the play of the imagination.

Czech Republic, the castle Trosky. To the public opened one of the most mysterious, the former in the long neglect, the castle Trosky, located in the outskirts of Prague. Numerous fires did not leave any documents showing its construction. The first mention of the castle Dating to the 14th century, however, according to scientists, it is much older. In its construction were used the volcanic rock, as it is located on the cliffs between two extinct volcanoes. Most popular the castle acquired in the 19th century, when it was discovered and became the owner Alois. His frequent guests were the representatives of the creative elite, inspired by the views from the towers of the castle. Today, tourists can plunge into the world of antiquity, visiting ancient building, and enjoy a very picturesque view around.

Italy, Pitigliano. An entire ancient city preserved in Tuscany. It is still inhabited by a few people, to a greater extent, the Jews. So sometimes Pitigliano called "the little Jerusalem". There is not a single modern building, the whole town covered with the spirit of antiquity and history. The reason for such long-term preservation of the settlement is obliged by choice of the construction site: its inaccessibility ensured cliffs that are and its fortification walls. All houses and streets are literally carved into the mountains. Master builders of the fortified city were the Etruscans, they tried to protect their lives from the invaders. Today a walk in the city of Pitigliano will turn you into a journey into the past.

Germany, Liechtenstein castle. In the German Alps among rocks and forests, there is a small but amazingly beautiful building — the castle Liechtenstein. From the first glance, the question arises whether it is possible to climb to the top. The castle, built in the 13th century, stands on the peaked rock. To get to it, lovers have to overcome a set of stone steps, pass over the gorge on the suspension bridge. The castle was rebuilt many times. An impressive modern look it acquired in the days of Duke Wilhelm of Urach. Those who truly are passionate about history, and is not afraid to climb mountains, breathtaking picture of the surrounding forest and mountain ranges.

Portugal, the Pena Palace. This lock a little over 150 years. However, it looks like the architectural structure of the middle ages. The wound in the rocky area there is an old monastery, but it was abandoned long ago, and nothing prevented the king Fernando to build in 1840, the impressive castle, around which still grow a variety of plants. For the sake of the natural landscape and the interior of the Palace and we get a lot of fun.

Slovenia, Predjama castle. The age of chivalry will take you a visit Predjamski castle built in 1202. Its impregnability is demonstrated by the fact that the excursions there are accompanied by speleologists. You can get there only via the top entrance, in the literal sense, from above. Once there was another secret entrance, but eventually it collapsed and its place is unknown. Moreover, tourists are allowed to come to the castle only from may to September. This is due to living in the rocky openings bats. For their quiet winter sleep noise is not allowed. The rest of the castle open to the public and conduct historical pageants with jousting tournaments and banquets.

France, the chapel Saint-Michel d Egil. It never ceases to amaze historians small chapel, built on top of a hill in a small town of France, Le-Puy-EN-Velev 962. The initiator of construction of religious shrines became the Bishop of Puy, who decided to mark thus the return of one of the Holy pilgrims of Michael. The chapel is a steep stone staircase of 268 steps. Archaeologists periodically conduct research on a modest, but rich in secrets of area buildings. All the finds are exhibited in the main chapel for viewing everyone.