Windsor Castle

Almost a 1000 years of age! Windsor Castle is one of the oldest castles in the world.

Construction started in the 11th century as a motte-and-bailey fortress. It was originally intended to oversee a strategic part of the River Thames, but in 1110, Henry I started to use Windsor castle as his residence. It’s used ever since by the reigning monarchs of England, making it the longest occupied palace in Europe.

With almost a thousand rooms that are close to 45.000 square meters, Windsor castle is one of the biggest residences in the world.

Running a palace like this requires quite some personnel. Around 150 of those lucky enough to work there, enjoy accommodation inside the castle.

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In terms of architectural style, Windsor Castle is quite unique. Here’s a quote about it:

It is in essence a Georgian and Victorian design based on a medieval structure, with Gothic features reinvented in a modern style. Since the 14th century, architecture at the castle has attempted to produce a contemporary reinterpretation of older fashions and traditions, repeatedly imitating outmoded or even antiquated styles. As a result, architect Sir William Whitfield has pointed to Windsor Castle’s architecture as having “a certain fictive quality”.

Wikipedia

Windsor castle beautifully combines the features of a fortification and a palace and the aforementioned “fictive quality” makes it even more worth a visit.

Should you go there, allocate at least an afternoon. Windsor castle occupies an area of 5.3 ha (13 acres) – in other words: It’s huge! So be sure to have enough time to be able to fully absorb the experience. For more information, you might also want to visit the official website.