Royal residences in Europe and Asia have inspired writers from Shakespeare, who set Hamlet at Kronborg Castle in Denmark, to Henry James, who admired Switzerland’s lakeside Château de Chillon. In James’s day, wealthy Americans crossed the Atlantic for a grand tour of Europe, visiting the great monuments and castles of the Old World. Today, these opulent palaces are still some of the world’s most popular tourist destinations, offering contemporary visitors a glimpse into the past.
You can’t spend a night in these palaces, (though there are many others that have been converted to hotels), but you can visit them and soak in their architectural splendor and rich history.
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Châtea de Versailles
Where: Versailles, France
The Château de Versailles was originally built as a hunting lodge, but became the opulent palace celebrated in film and literature under Louis XIV, who moved his entire court from Paris to Versailles. Although peasants stormed it during the French Revolution, visitors today can see how the Sun King and his court lived thanks to extensive restorations. Walk through the Hall of Mirrors, where balls were hosted, the State Apartments, Private Apartments, and the elaborately fashioned grounds with fountains, gardens, and mazes. The Opéra de Versailles, which still performs shows today, is one of the world’s most amazing opera houses. Don’t miss the Hameau de la Reine, a rustic cottage built on the palace grounds where Marie Antoinette used to go to escape the hectic court life and pretend to be a shepherdess.
Insider Tip: A visit to Versailles could be a full day excursion and is easily reachable on the RER from Paris.
Plan Your Trip: Visit Fodor's Versailles Guide
Palazzo Pitti
Where: Florence
The opulent Palazzo Pitti, across the Arno from Florence’s main sights, once housed the dukes of Tuscany and the king of Italy. Acquired by the Medicis in 1549, the family transformed it into a splendid Renaissance palace full of fine furnishings and art. Today, it houses several museums: the Museo degli Argenti, Museo delle Porcellane, Galleria del Costume, and the Galleria d’Arte Moderna. The Galleria Palatina is the most remarkable, with an impressive collection of portraits by Titian and some of Raphael’s most beautiful paintings.
Insider Tip: Be sure to leave enough time to wander the splendid Boboli Gardens. Then, cross the Ponte Vecchio to the Piazza della Signoria.
Plan Your Trip: Visit Fodor's Florence Guide
Alhambra
Where: Granada, Spain
Poised high above Granada, on Spain’s Costa del Sol, the Alhambra was built in the 13th century for the kings of the Nasrid Dynasty. With its many courtyards and gardens, the Alhambra stands as an example of Arab influence on the architecture of Southern Spain. All throughout the complex, which includes the Alcazaba fortress, the Nasrid palace, and the Generalife ancient summer palace, carvings feature Arabic writing and motifs. Walk through the impressive palace to the Court of the Lions, which was once the heart of the harem, used only by the king, his wives, and most faithful servants, to admire the intricate carvings and fountains.
Insider Tip:Advance tickets are recommended, as there is a great demand and a limited number of tickets available per day.
Plan Your Trip: Visit Fodor's Granada Guide
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