Royal palaces are really places not only for royal people to live but also works of architects that carry the spirit of the country’s rich history, culture, and art. It is a journey from the interiors of palaces to the huge gardens revealing the luxury of their life mode and even more—the majesty of their reigns. About eight palaces in the world with no match, you will now read.
1. Versailles, France
Perhaps, the most famous royal palace ever is the Palace of Versailles. The place was a hunting lodge, located outside of Paris, and was changed by King Louis XIV of the 17th century into a splendid palace. The biggest attraction here is definitely the gilded Hall of Mirrors, unbelievably beautiful gardens, and mighty sun-powered fountains. Versailles is the embodiment of the absolutism monarchy and the magnificence of the French court.
2. Buckingham Palace, United Kingdom
Buckingham Palace, situated in London, serves as the official residence of the British monarch. A truly iconic building with a grand front view and extensive gardens, the place is one of the few structures recognized all over the globe. The palace’s State Rooms, those which open to the public in summer, feature more than one collection of invaluable works of art, furnishing, or treasure. The Changing of the Guard, held just in front of the palace, is a fascinating spectacle and is the thing one has to see at least once in a lifetime.
3. Alhambra, Spain
In Granada, Spain, the Alhambra enjoys a pride of place for its moral beauty and its line of unique Masterpieces of the Oral and Intangible Heritage of Humanity. Initially, a military fortress, the place was later turned into a royal palace for the Nasrid dynasty who had been exiled from there. Its marvelous tilework, the glamorous courtyards, and far-reaching views that take in the Sierra Nevada mountains are what the Alhambra is well known for. The Generalife gardens of the palace are the paradise-like site, equipped with terraced walkways and overgrown with green leaves.
4. Forbidden City, China
The Forbidden City located in Beijing, China, was the imperial palace of both the Ming and Qing Dynasties for more than 500 years. The vast complex covers almost 1,000 buildings and it is entirely surrounded by a wide moat and massive walls. The wonderful halls, the splendid gardens, and the very detailed decorations of the Forbidden City are the reflections of Chinese emperors’ rich and powerful status. Today it is a museum and a UNESCO World Heritage site which draws millions of tourists each year.
5. Palace of Pena, Portugal
The Palace of Pena, located in Sintra, Portugal, is a delightful mixed-dye living example of Gothic, Renaissance, and Moorish architecture atop a hill. It was built in the 19th century as a summer spot for the Portuguese royal family. The vivid colors, playful design, and the ability to view across the city make it one of the most peculiar royal palaces in the world.
6. Topkapi Palace, Turkey
For almost 400 years, Topkapi Palace in Istanbul was the living residence of Ottoman Sultans. This elegant set of buildings is a most notable reflection of the Sultan’s wealth, as shown by the ornate courtyards, stately pavilions, and unique tilework. The palace is also home to a number of valuable treasures, including the famous Topkapi Dagger and the Spoonmaker’s Diamond. The harem that used to be the living place of the sultan’s wives and concubines is certainly the most thrilling section of the palace.
7. Mysore Palace, India
The mesmerizing Mysore Palace stands in Karnataka, India, and is a perfect example of Indo-Saracenic architecture, being a blend of Hindu, Muslim, Rajput, and Gothic styles. The palace was the residence of the Wadiyar dynasty and is famous for its large durbar hall, delicate carvings, and colorful stained glass windows. The palace is lighted up with several thousands of bulbs which gives out a striking effect during the annual festival of Dasara.
8. Peterhof Palace, Russia
Many times described as the “Russian Versailles,” the St. Petersburg Peterhof Palace was constructed by Peter the Great as a place where he could stay during the summer. The palace is famous for its very beautiful Baroque style, gilded halls, and vast gardens with many fountains and sculptures. The Grand Cascade, a progression of fountains and falls, all the way to and into the Gulf of Finland sea, is clearly one of the most breathtaking sights in Peterhof.
