{"id":636,"date":"2020-08-06T17:08:30","date_gmt":"2020-08-06T07:08:30","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/worldheritagejourney.com\/?p=636"},"modified":"2023-12-18T18:45:56","modified_gmt":"2023-12-18T08:45:56","slug":"best-world-heritage-castles-in-europe","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/worldheritagejourney.com\/best-world-heritage-castles-in-europe\/","title":{"rendered":"6 Best World Heritage Castles in Europe"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Europe is home to some of the world’s most amazing castles. So it’s not surprising that some of the best World Heritage castles are in Europe. Located in every part of the continent, these beautiful UNESCO listed castles are as impressive as they are varied. There are so many that it’s hard to decide on the most impressive World Heritage castles in Europe, but we’ve done our best! So read on, for our guide to Europe’s best World Heritage castles. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

And of course, don’t forget to check out World Heritage Journey on YouTube <\/a>for the latest videos. You can also follow us on Facebook, where we post about interesting World Heritage Sites<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n

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Cit\u00e8 de Carcassonne – World Heritage Site<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

The immense walled city and castle of Carcassonne in southern France is definitely one of the best World Heritage castles in Europe. Located near Toulouse in Occitanie, Carcassonne was an important fortress and settlement even back during the Roman era. Much of what what’s visible today was built during the 13th and 14th centuries, when the walls were expanded and reconstructed. The heavily fortified towers were also added around this time.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Entering Carcassonne’s main gate<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Interestingly, the castle had mostly fallen into ruin by the mid-19th century, and the French government proposed demolishing it entirely. Thankfully, locals managed to save the castle, and it was restored over a 20-year period by architect Eug\u00e8ne Viollet-le-Duc. He was also responsible for restoring Notre-Dame in Paris<\/a>, which occurred around the same time.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Crossing the moat and passing under the walls of Carcassonne with its 52 towers, there’s a surprisingly large fortified town. Don’t miss the 12th century Basilique Saint-Nazaire with its exquisite stained-glass windows, or the imposing Count’s Castle. Southern France is a beautiful part of the world, and Carcassonne is a genuine highlight.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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