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You may not have realized this, but the world is still full of stunning castles taken right out of fairy-tales, which make me want to remodel my house with a wall and tower. While the odds of me doing that are rather small, I can go out and visit one of these incredible wonders. Needless to say, there are a lot of beautiful castles in the world, but these are my favorites:

Mont Saint Michel, France

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This castle was built on an island just off the shore of Normandy and over the years served as a military stronghold, a prison and an abbey. One of France's most recognizable landmarks, Mont Saint-Michel and its bay are part of the UNESCO list of World Heritage Sites. With more than 3 million people visiting each year, it is one of the most popular attractions in France.

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Neuschwanstein Castle, Germany

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This 19th century Castle was built as a personal refuge for the reclusive king Ludwig the Second of Bavaria, and opened to the paying public immediately after his death in 1886. Located in Southwest Germany, the castle sits on top of a cliff ridge with its many towers, ornamental turrets, gables, balconies, pinnacles and sculptures. It's no wonder that this magnificent place was a model for the Sleeping Beauty Castle in Disneyland.

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Hohensalzburg Castle, Austria

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One of the oldest and best preserved castles in Europe, Hohensalzburg was built in the 11th century and expanded in the 14th century. With a length of 250 meters (820 ft) and a width of 150 meters (490 ft), it is also one of the largest medieval castles in Europe. The interior of the castle is just as beautiful as the outside, decorated with ancient furniture and paintings of vines and animals.



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