There are stunning palaces all over the globe that allow you to explore the past or present opulent homes of royalty. They are a great place to study fabulous architecture and view historical art and artefacts. Here are the world’s most spectacular palaces:
The Louvre Palace
The Louvre Palace is in Paris, France and it is also one of the most famous national museums in the world. The museum has been open since 1793 to the public and it attracts more than eight million visitors each year. It is a stunning building that is filled with some of the most famous sculptures, artefacts, and art in the world. Give yourself at least a day to wander through this fascinating place.
Tokyo Imperial Palace
If you are planning a holiday to Japan, then Tokyo should definitely be on your itinerary. The Tokyo Imperial Palace is a short walk from the Tokyo train station and it sits on the former site of Edo Castle. It is surrounded by massive walls and moats and it is right in the middle of Tokyo. You can join guided tours to explore the grounds of the Palace, but no interior rooms are available to the public. The palace was destroyed during World War II, although fortunately it was rebuilt.
Forbidden City
The Forbidden City is located in the heart of Beijing and it was the imperial palace from 1420 to 1912. It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is the largest palatial structure in the world. It is a great place to explore Chinese history and culture. There are 9999 rooms filled with ancient artefacts and you can wander through the Palace Museum, the Meridian Garden, and many other fantastic areas.
Buckingham Palace
Buckingham Palace is the current home of The British Royal Family and it is located in London, England. It was built in 1703 and purchased by King George III in 1761 for Queen Charlotte. It was enlarged during the 19th Century and became the London residence of the British monarch in 1837 upon the accession of Queen Victoria. During the summer months you can join a tour of the palace. The palace has 775 rooms, a grand staircase, and you can also view the throne room. The gardens are also open to the public and it is the largest private garden in London.
Potala Palace, Lhasa
The Potala Palace in Lhasa, China was once the winter residence of the Dalai Lamas and the seat of the Tibetan government. It was designated a World Heritage Site in 1994. It is an architectural wonder that is 13 storeys high and it situated on top of Red Hill. The palace has more than 1000 rooms that are filled with wondrous sights. There are many chapels, prayer rooms, and golden stupas that will leave all visitors to the palace in awe.
The Alhambra
The Alhambra is in Granada, Andalusia, Spain and it is a stunning example of Islamic architecture. During peak time more than 6000 tourists visit each day and this stunning fortress should not be skipped. The fortress is 26 acres and you can explore palaces, buildings, towers, courtyards, and gardens for hours. It is a good idea to get a guide who can help you understand the history of this stunning structure.
