Palace Intrigue—33 Interesting Palaces in Europe

By Hank Schrader, USMA ’71, Europe Destination & Europe River Cruise Expert

www.dreamdestinations.com

I really enjoy palaces of Europe but find them hard to write about. I guess that is why I have never written a summary blog about the palaces of Europe.

Perhaps the reason is palaces are difficult to precisely define—there are often more than a residence of royalty or a bishop or an important person and are often confused with castles.

A starting point is that a castle was primarily built for defensive purposes (designed to resist an attack or defend access to others of the surrounding area), while a palace is a residence.

Most have many rooms, are ridiculously lavish, have manicured grounds with statues and fountains and exceptional gardens. However, there is a blurring caused by function between castles (mostly defensive structures) and other functions (once a palace but now an art gallery or a museum).

I will try and sort through this for you and provide some interesting details about palaces of Europe and why you might want to visit them.

This really only an overview—each palace probably deserves a separate blog.

Ready for my personal palace tour?—Let’s go!

What exactly is a Palace?

As stated above, a palace is residence, but certainly no ordinary residence. The owner is also a factor—a royal, head of state, elite person or key religious leader.

Then there must be a factor that makes the buildings and grounds special. Vast size, ornate, royal, imperial, splendid, gorgeous, grand, private, glorious, mysterious, ancestral, gilded, elegant, and impressive are just some words often used to describe a palace. It often is decorated with the finest artwork, frescoes, or ceiling paintings; and ornately furnished with the finest available materials. They are designed to impress and show the owner’s wealth and power.

There are usually gardens and special manicured areas, often with fountains and sculptures or statues that adds to the appeal of the palace. Access is usually limited and the owners are provided protection and a degree of seclusion.

Let’s take a tour of some important palaces of Europe!

2 Palaces that now are Famous Art Museums

The Palace of the Louvre in Paris and the Winter Palace in St. Petersburg are the best examples of a converted palace.

Louvre—with an unusual glass pyramid entrance to this world-renowned museum (the rest is an older style palace building), it displays many of the best art works in the world, to include Leonardo da Vinci’s Mona Lisa. It is the most visited museum in the world, has about 380,000 works of art and occupies over 650,000 square feet. This former royal palace became a museum in 1793 during the French Revolution and displayed many confiscated royal works of arts. The collection has expanded since then to become the premier art museum in the world. Not all areas are open to the public, and works of art also are often relocated around the museum or sent out on loan. This helps keep any visit to the museum “fresh.”

**Louvre Palace Exterior—to see the size of this palace look carefully at the people walking in the courtyard**

The Winter Palace--Hermitage Museum—in St. Petersburg, Russia. Some of the highlights—the Jordan Staircase leads to 1st floor & Western European works—da Vinci, Michelangelo, Valazquez, El Greco, Murillo. Goya, Rubens, Rembrandt, Cezanne, Matisse, Monet, Degas, Gauguin, Renoir Pissarro & Picasso. The 1812 Gallery, the Malachite Hall, the Gold Drawing Room, opulent Pavilion Hall, the gold Treasures Gallery, the Jewelry Gallery—the last two require extra fee. It is one of the top 3 art museums in the world. There are long entrance lines and a skip the line options are well worth the extra expense.

**Exterior Winter Palace, St. Petersburg**

**Jordan Staircase in the Winter Palace**

Castles that really are Palaces

The Alhambra, Buda Castle, Prague Castle, Peles Castle, and Windsor Castle are really more of a palace than castle and fall into this category; however all could be defended, especially the Alhambra and Windsor Castle.

The Alhambra is the Moorish citadel formed by a complex of palaces, gardens and forts in Granada, Spain. It consists of 4 areas. The defensive area, including the outer walls, is known as the Alcazaba. Inside the walled area, there are 2 palaces. Nazaries Palace is the Moorish palace and is a work of outstanding beauty. After the Moors surrendered in 1492, the Spanish later built the Palace of Carlos V and added a church. Outside the defensive walls are the Genalife gardens.

**Alcazaba defensive wall of the Alhambra**

Nazaries Palace is special place. I especially liked the Fountain and Courtyard of the Lions. In the heart of the palace, the only people entitled to view this area was the sultan, his harem and the most trusted servants. The detail on the walls is unique and stunning.

Buda Castle, in Budapest Hungary, overlooks the city from its elevated position atop Castle Hill. It is often referred to as the Royal Palace. Today it is home to 2 museums, the National Gallery and the Budapest History Museum.

Prague Castle--In spite of many wars and fires, the Prague Castle (Prague, Czech Republic) has grown into a unique architectural complex. It contains the Gothic St. Vitus Cathedral, a convent, several towers and many palace wings. It includes the only privately owned building in the complex, Lobkowicz Palace, with its highly acclaimed museum (art works, porcelain, firearms and musical instruments).

Peles Castle is a Neo-Renaissance castle in the Carpathian Mountains, near Sinaia, Romania. It is on a medieval route linking Transylvania and Wallachia. It was built between 1873 and 1914. Many rooms have a theme-- there is a Concert Hall, a Music Room (India), Turkish Salon, Great Salon (Italy), the Council Room (Switzerland), and the Moor Hall. Rooms have great art works, Murano crystal chandeliers, German stained-glass windows and Cordoba leather-covered walls. It was the first European palace to have electricity. We really enjoyed our small group tour of this palace.

Windsor Castle was built by the command of William the Conqueror in the late 11th century. It has been the home to 39 monarchs of England and is the oldest royal residence still in continuous use in the British Isles. Visitors can tour the State Apartments, Queen Mary's famous dolls' house, St George's Chapel, and the Albert Memorial Chapel. Located in Windsor, England, and it can be visited in a day trip from London.

This is my favorite castle/palace in the UK.

**Changing of the Guard Windsor Castle. This is where the royals stay when at the castle**

Odd Palaces

Although named a palace, these two just are not true palaces.

The Palace of the Parliament—The People’s House—this imposing structure is the second largest building in the world, after the Pentagon. This huge structure has 1,100 rooms; is 12 stories high; and has 8 underground levels. It was commissioned by Ceausescu during his systemization plan (1972). It is built in a distinct, plain socialist style. This popular attraction, located in Bucharest, Romania and is fascinating for its size, but just is not ornate enough to be a true palace.

**Palace of the People Bucharest, Romania**

The Palace of Westminster is better known by its current name—the House of Parliament of England. It houses the House of Commons and the House of Lords. It has over 1,100 rooms, 100 staircases and 3 miles of corridors. There are 3 towers on this Gothic style building—the 323 foot Victoria Tower, the 315 foot Elizabeth tower, more commonly known as Big Ben, and the 299 foot octagonal Central Tower.

**Elizabeth Tower that is more commonly known as Big Ben**

**A good view of the Palace of Westminster from the Thames River**

Themed Palaces

Some palaces are more a theme site than a real palace—a fantasy rather than a residence to rule and impress others. I think 3 qualify here—Neuschwanstein, Kronborg, and Pena Palace.

Neuschwanstein—this is the fantasy castle and palace world of Ludwig II, the King of Bavaria. The palace is located on a hill above the village of Hohenschwangau near Füssen in southwest Bavaria, Germany. It was not a traditional palace designed as a residence for a ruler—it was a retreat so Ludwig could escape into a dream world. Neuschwanstein in English is “New Swan Stone Castle.” You must take a tour to visit—it takes about 35 minutes. Only 14 rooms were completed—some of the original plans called for 200 rooms.

**View of the hills around Neuschwanstein**

Kronborg Castle—this is the fictional site of Hamlet’s home, but it is a real castle that is more palace than castle. Kronborg Castle was built on the narrowest point between Denmark and Sweden to exact tolls from passing ships. An annual Hamlet festival is held in the castle. The statue of Holger Danske, a powerful Viking, who is known as the national hero of Denmark, is also inside the castle. It is the largest renaissance castle in Europe.

Pena Palace is a fairy-tale land residence high on hilltop overlooking Sintra, Portugal. This fantasy palace is very colorful and a mix of architectural styles. This palace has great rooms and is one of the best visits in Europe. Although the rooms may seem small for a palace, they are wonderfully decorated. The best rooms for us where the Chapel, the Dining Room, the Noble Room, both King and Queen Bedrooms and the Kitchen.

Really Big Palaces

The largest palaces in Europe are perhaps the most important (I have listed them from largest to smallest but all are really big!).

Hofburg—the imperial palace and former residence of Franz Joseph and other members of the Habsburg (sometimes spelled Hapsburg) dynasty is a complex of buildings that house a number of Vienna’s most impressive sights. It has 2,600 rooms. You can tour some rooms. It now houses 3 museums and is the current residence of the President of Austria.

Buckingham Palace has 775 rooms on a 40 acre site in London, England. The Queen of England still lives here. On tour you can see some of the 19 State Rooms (the 2 best are the White Drawing Room and the Throne Room), the Picture Gallery, the massive Ballroom and the Grand Staircase. There is also the famous Changing of the Guard at Buckingham Palace—only during spring, and summer—sometimes every other day and cancelled in very wet weather. The ceremony starts at 1130, it is free, but go early. Huge crowds sometimes make it hard to see.

**Changing of the Guard Ceremony Buckingham Palace**

Topkapi Palace--It was home to all the Ottoman sultans for a period of nearly four centuries. Topkapi Palace is in the European half of Istanbul, Turkey. This splendid palace is a museum now. The Treasury of the Museum of Topkapi Palace is considered one of the most celebrated treasuries in the world.

Versailles—this is the palace that every King wanted—opulent, innovative rooms like the stunning Hall of Mirrors, gardens, statues and fountains made of gold—there never has been a palace that displayed the wealth and power of the royals like Versailles. It has 2,143 windows, 1,252 fireplaces, 67 staircases and 5 chapels. The gardens and fountains are exceptional. It deserves a full day and is a relatively easy day trip from Paris, France.

My favorite room is the Hall of Mirrors. It is 250 feet long, with 17 windows and has stunning garden views. There are 17 arched mirrors combined with 24 candelabras; busts of Roman Emperors; along with painted ceilings telling the story of the Sun King’s battle victories. It was often filled with noble ladies in silk gowns, and men in wigs and fine clothes who loved to look at themselves in the mirrors. This is the room where the Treaty of Versailles was signed that ended World War I.

Royal Palace of Stockholm—has over 600 rooms, covering 7 floors and several sections of the Royal Palace are open to visitors. This includes the treasury, which houses the Swedish crown jewels and the Hall of State, where the king’s silver throne gleams. The changing of the guard ceremony takes place daily at noon.

**Cannons outside the Royal Palace of Stockholm**

Hampton Court Palace—this is the 500 year old palace of Henry VIII and his favorite residence. It is just outside London, England and an easy day trip. It has 1,000 rooms and impressive gardens on the 60 acres of this palace. 2 of the best areas are Henry’s State Rooms and the Tudor kitchens. This is a really worthwhile place to visit and we recommend it.

Schönbrunn Palace—this palace of 1,441 rooms was the summer residence of the Habsburgs and is located in Vienna, Austria. About 40 of the rooms and their furnishings are open to the public. Tours include the apartments of Maria Theresa, Emperor Franz Joseph and his wife Elizabeth (Sisi) and the Arch Duke Franz Karl, as well as the Blue Staircase, the Mirror Room and the Hall of Ceremonies. There are also lavish gardens. It is a must see for most folks.

Amalienborg Palace & Square—Queen’s residence—there is a changing of the guard when she is present at noon. Located in Copenhagen, Denmark, the palace consists of 4 rococo mansions. There is a museum in the palace, which displays some rooms and beautiful items belonging to the royal family.

The Royal Palace of Amsterdam is located on Dam Square in Amsterdam, the Netherlands. It is both a city Hall and a Royal Palace. It was built during the Dutch Golden Age and opened in 1655. It is open to visitors when not being used for official state functions.

Smaller but Impactful

Peterhof—the palace is probably the finest display of waterworks in the world. It is 18 miles west of city of St. Petersburg. A tour of the palace and grounds is best reached by hydrofoil boat from a pier opposite the Winter Palace. The Grand Peterhof Palace and Grand Cascade are at the center of the World Heritage-listed ensemble of gardens and palaces. Laid out in accordance with Peter the Great's wishes, the complex was completed in 1725 and is in many ways reminiscent of Versailles.

**Samson Fountain Peterhof. This symbolizes the defeat of Sweden by Russia during Peter the Great’s reign**

The National Palace in Sintra, Portugal is located in the center of town and has wonderful themed rooms, including the Swan Room, the Magpie Room, the King’s Bedroom and the Stag Room. It was built in the 14th century and was the favorite summer residence of the Portuguese kings.

Grand Master’s Palace—in Valletta, Malta, was the headquarters of the Knights of St. John for more than 2 centuries. It is now the House of Representative of Malta and features grand staterooms and the Knight’s armory. The knight’s armory is one of the finest collection of weapons and armor in all of Europe.

**Courtyard Grand Master’s Palace Malta**

Doge’s Palace—once the seat of government of Venice, the palace of justice, and the home of the Doges, the palace is a maze of grand halls that hold treasured works of art, including Tintoretto’s famed Paradise in the Hall of the Great Council. The Doge of Venice was the supreme authority of the Republic of Venice but was elected and not considered a royal. It is now a museum.

Blenheim Palace—is the ancestral home of Winston Churchill. It is located in Woodstock, England and is a grand palace to visit. Highlights of the place are the great hall (67 feet tall room), Sir Winston Churchill’s birth room, the West and South Corridors, the Green and Red Drawing Rooms, the Green Writing Room, the Saloon, the First, Second and Third State Rooms, the Long Library (my favorite room), and the Chapel. The Park and Gardens are also excellent.

Religious Palaces

These 2 are special for very different reasons.

The Palace of the Popes in Avignon, France was once the religious center of the Catholic Church--for about 100 years, this was the home of the Popes. In 1305 the cardinals elected Frenchman Clement V as Pope and he declined to move to Rome in the Vatican—he feared the dangerous conditions and unrest in Italy. After 4 years, in 1309, he moved his court to the papal enclave at Avignon. 9 Popes reigned in Avignon and they increasingly fell under the influence of the French crown. This schism of the Catholic Church was finally resolved in 1417, when the court was moved back to the Vatican. This is a rather austere palace.

Würzburg Residence Palace is located in Würzburg, German. The palace has over 300 rooms and was the home of the prince-bishops. The gardens and sculptures are exceptional. You can tour 40 rooms of this impressive building. The baroque palace was built in about 24 years and features 2 impressive sights—the huge staircase area (at 23 meters high) with the world’s largest fresco painting and the Imperial Hall.

Würzburg Residence Palace Exterior — **Würzburg** **Residence Palace Exterior**

Würzburg Residence Palace Gardens — **Würzburg** **Residence Palace Gardens**

The Château’s of the Loire Valley

Château de Chambord—this former hunting lodge has 440 rooms, 365 fireplaces and 84 staircases and was designed to impress visitors. On first sight, it does just that—this place is massive. 80 of the rooms are on display. This is a great example of French Renaissance architecture. There are 4 main areas of interest of this palace.

The most famous feature of this place is the double helix staircase that allows people to use them without being seen by others. The second area of great interest is the furnished apartments of the first floor. The third area is the keeps—the vaulted rooms of the second floor. The roof (4th area) is quite unique—it has 11 different types of towers, 3 unique style chimneys and various columns and spires.

**Château de Chambord furnished apartments**

Château Chenonceau—built over the Cher River, this is a fairy tale looking palace. As you approach the palace, the forecourt has the Marques Tower, the old keep of the fortified castle that was demolished as the new chateau was built.

My favorite room was the 200 foot long Gallery. It instantly reminded me of the Hall of Mirrors in Versailles except with 18 windows instead of mirrors. The Gallery is actually the bridge over the river Cher. The dazzling chandeliers and tufa and slate floor of black and white tiles is stunning. It would be easy to imagine a wonderful evening ball here—there would be plenty of room to dance and socialize and this was exactly how this area was used by the royals for lavish parties

Château du Clos Lucé—located in Amboise, this complex is famous as the last home of genius Leonardo da Vinci, where he spent his last 3 years. In 1516 Leonardo traveled to France and among the items he brought was his painting the Mona Lisa and accepted a position working for the King of France as an engineer, painter and architect. Chateau du Clos Luce is an interesting look at Leonardo’s creativity—each room seems to emphasize his talents for painting, building and inventing. The models of some of his inventions and ideas are really well done.

**Leonardo’s Studio Château du Clos Lucé**

**Display of one of Leonardo’s War Machines Château du Clos Lucé**

Palaces on my Bucket List

Several rank here but there are 2 stand outs—these are places I still have to visit.

Catherine Palace--built by the same architect as the Winter Palace in St. Petersburg, the Catherine Palace is a gilded rococo masterpiece, and home of the famous Amber Room. This is in a village of Pushkin (named after the famous poet) and sometimes also call Tsarskoye Selo (Tsars Village) because of the parks and palaces built there in the 1700’s by empresses Elizabeth and Catherine.

Sanssouci—the palace of Fredrick the Great is translated as “Without Care, or carefree.” Built in 1747, it is small (only 10 main rooms) compared with other royal palaces but has excellent terraced gardens and the rooms are interesting. This palace of the Prussian royal is located in Potsdam, Germany, about 16 miles from Berlin. It was the summer place for Fredrick, and his retreat from the pressures of ruling in Berlin and his royal ceremonies and duties.

My Final Thoughts

Wow—I hope you enjoyed this tour as much as I enjoyed writing it!

This is an amazing collection of palaces but by no means the only one’s worth seeing in Europe. The hardest part of writing this was whittling down to a manageable number. Also, everyone has different tastes, so this may just be a starting place for your exploration. We would be proud to help you see any of these or other European palaces.

We are travel experts, ocean and river cruise experts, and Europe destination experts. We have first-hand knowledge of almost anywhere you want to visit in Europe. We know our products and the vendors who sell them to you. We have designed special tours for dozens of clients, led several and will continue to find just the right vacation that will exceed your expectations.

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Whatever your Dream Destinations are, we are here to help you get the best possible vacation based on what is important to you! We will provide you high quality, expertly planned travel. Please give me a call 713-397-0188 (Hank) or email me at hschrader@dreamdestinations.com. We want to help you: Savor life…make memories…Visit Dream Destinations! Your journey begins here!

HANK is a certified Western European Destination Specialist (DS) who has been traveling to Europe for 49 years. He is also an Accredited Cruise Counselor (ACC), conferred by the Cruise Line International Association (CLIA). This recognized expert in cruise and leisure travel is a retired Army Officer, and taught World Geography for 8 years. He is a `71 graduate of West Point and has earned 2 master’s degrees. His other Certifications:

AmaWaterways River Cruise Specialist
Viking River Cruise Specialist
Scenic River Cruise Specialist
Emerald Waterways Specialist
Avalon Waterways Specialist
Brit Agent

Palace Intrigue--33 Interesting Palaces in Europe

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