Some say Germany has so many castles that no one has ever counted them, it's also believed that the country has some 25,000 burgs and schlosses with the Rhine Valley being a true gold mine for castle enthusiasts.

Italy boasts one of the finest examples of both medieval and Renaissance castles. Once fortified citadels for their lords, they changed their looks to become imposing residential palaces. Iconic dove tails and red-brick walls - this is what comes to your mind when you try to visualise them.

France has so many castles that you can't visit them all within your lifespan. From gloomy looking imposing Gothic and medieval fortresses to chic Loire valley chateaux - the country has a lot to offer to every castle lover

Spanish castles are a great tool to study the history of these lands. They combine old Moorish traits as well as young and developed Christian architectural traditions

The land of imposing castles built by the Normans, which transformed into well-protected residences with elegant and exquisite interiors surrounded by parks. Some of them are now well-landscaped ruins, others still belong to the descendants of noble families or are remodelled into exclusive hotels.

One of the world's best known castles are located in Austria. Some of them are still homes to ancient European aristocratic families. Others have turned to museums and can offer visitors a wide range of activities: from weddings and team building to falconry.

From Norman strongholds and royal fortresses in England, to the rugged and cold residences of Scottish clans, or Welsh former royal nests turned to ruins - the UK has all kinds of castles for any true castle enthusiast!

The Czech Republic is literally a land of fantastic castles. This is no wonder because this European country has exceptionally rich history. Some of the most impressive castles were built in the Middle Ages when the kingdom of Bohemia was part of the Holy Roman Empire with Prague being the imperial capital city.

Being right in the heart of Europe Slovakia fared through the turbulent history of the continent - former part of the Hungarian Kingdom, the country has preserved a lot of important castles and strongholds, which still keep centuries-old secrets and legends.

Belgium is a unique country which can boast its iconic mix of the Dutch and French traditions. The country has a lot of great chateaus, which have been in the hands of the same families for many centuries.

One may be surprised to learn that Russia - mostly known for its medieval kremlins - has castles too. Built by the Teutonic Order in the Middle Ages they are located in its westernmost region of Kaliningrad which was part of Germany's East Prussia before the end of WWII.

America can't boast many authentic castles. Still the country has some outstanding properties, which were built to look as authentic as possible. Imposing manors of the past are also an eye-catcher for every castle enthusiast.

Dario Sattui built a classic XIII century Italian castle in his wine estate in California's Napa Valley.

Built in the XV century by the Serbian Despot Stefan Lazarevic the monastery became a major cultural center of medieval Serbia and a true fortress constructed in line with the then latest military architecture trends of Western Europe and Byzantium.

Read about the castles, which are so picturesque that film directors could not resist their charm

It’s believed that Germany has some 25,000 castles and palaces - or burgs and schlosses. One of the greatest ones are located in the Rhine Valley which is a must-visit place for every castle lover. Here’re top 5 German castles which will make your heart beat really fast!

These top 5 castles in Portugal will not leave you unimpressed. Visit them to travel back in time to see the era of the Reconquista and feel the power of the mighty Order of the Knights Templar.

Check these 5 haunted castles in Europe to feel the parallel world with your skin or see – if you are lucky enough – the paranormal ‘presences’.

Cora and Marco Hecher of Burg Rheinstein have transformed Burg Sooneck in the Rhine Valley into a true family castle where any kid would love to have a birthday party!

Russian entrepreneur Oleg Kuzichkin, who used to own meat processing business, built this Gothic renaissance luxury hotel on the Volga to attract tourists to Samara region and revive it.