Fairytale castles surround the stories of films and series, but many of them are not only in fiction and on cinema screens. The booking survey showcases six real destinations that have inspired some of the most beloved cartoons of all time.
From castles full of towers to ancient palaces. Check out the full list below!
Germany: Neuschwanstein Castle
Located in Bavaria, Neuschwanstein Castle is a historic 14th-century building located in the Bavarian Alps. In addition to being one of the most photographed castles in the world, it served as the inspiration for one of the major attractions in Florida’s most famous theme park.
Its turrets and perforations also influenced the classic 1959 cartoon castle, which tells the story of a princess doomed to sleep for 100 years after her finger is pricked with an enchanted, disturbed spindle.
French: Monty Saint-Michel
In Normandy, Mont Saint Michel inspired the story of Rapunzel. The UNESCO World Heritage Site is one of the most beautiful tourist sites in France.
High tide periodically makes the place cut off from the mainland, but the more adventurous can arrive during low tide. When the tide rises, the rocky outcrop is surrounded by water and turns into a very mystical and attractive island, especially during sunrise.
Spain: Alcázar Segovia
Alcázar de Segovia’s powerful castle inspired the villain’s castle in “Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs,” the world’s first color and sound cartoon, released in 1937.
About an hour and a half north of Madrid, this royal residence is one of the most visited historical sites in Spain, thanks to its imposing position on top of a rocky outcrop.
Scotland: Eilean Donan Castle
In the United Kingdom, the 13th-century Eilean Donan Castle inspired the red-haired Princess Merida’s “Brave”. The film tells the story of this Scottish princess determined to write her own destiny.
Suíça: Chillon Castle
Next to Lake Geneva, the Château de Chillon is the inspiration for the Prince’s Castle from “The Little Mermaid,” a design created in 1989.
In the story, originally written by Hans Christian Andersen, the little mermaid Ariel exchanges her voice for a chance to become human and win over her beloved prince.
In real life, the mansion is surrounded by a natural moat. Open to the public, in the building you can learn about the castle’s long history and admire the views of the Alps.
China: Forbidden City
Built in 1420 by the third emperor of the Ming dynasty, the Forbidden City in Beijing is a palatial complex in the center of the imperial city, inspired by the musical Mulan.
Created in 1998, the animation depicts a young Chinese woman disguised as a man to replace her father in the army.
Today, the Forbidden City, once an imperial palace for two Chinese dynasties (Ming and Qing), is a museum of Chinese historical art.
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