Sheep graze near the ruins of Clifden Castle in Ireland

Neuschwanstein Castle, situated in the Bavarian Alps, is considered one of the world’s most recognisable architectural landmarks.

The Taj Mahal is not merely India’s most famous landmark, but one of the most perfect architectural masterpieces in the history of humankind. This snow-white mausoleum, built on the banks of the River Yamuna on the orders of Emperor Shah Jahan in memory of his beloved wife Mumtaz Mahal, has been astonishing visitors for several centuries with its perfect symmetry and beauty.

Bran Castle, towering majestically atop a cliff in the very heart of Transylvania, has firmly established itself as Romania’s most sinister and mysterious place. In this article, we’ll look beyond the façade of Bram Stoker’s dark legends, explore whether the real Count Vlad Țepeș ever actually stayed here, and examine the secret passages, labyrinths and true history of this unique castle.