Castle of Penela - Portugal

© Guia Turístico do Norte

Sent by "Martinha"

"Castle of Penela (Portuguese: Castelo de Penela) is located in a Penela town in Penela Municipality in Coimbra District, Portugal. The castle was built on a hill dominating the area and used to be a stronghold protecting Coimbra in times of Reconquista. Castle of Penela and the neighboring castle Montemor-o-Velho are both fine examples of defensive structures of that period.

The origins of the name are controversial and are attributed by some authors to ancient Celtic tribes. According to a local legend, King Afonso I (Afonso Henriques) exclaimed to incite his troops storming the stronghold: Coragem! Já estamos com o pé nela! (Courage! We have already set a foot in it!). A more plausible hypothesis is, however, that penela is a diminutive of penha, a place selected to build a fortress on." In: Wikipedia

Edinburgh Castle, Scotland - United Kingdom (UNESCO WHS)

UNESCO #728; © Photo: Ian Mills

 Sent by "joana122"

UNESCO #728; © Photo: Colin Baxter

"Edinburgh has been the Scottish capital since the 15th century. It has two distinct areas: the Old Town, dominated by a medieval fortress; and the neoclassical New Town, whose development from the 18th century onwards had a far-reaching influence on European urban planning. The harmonious juxtaposition of these two contrasting historic areas, each with many important buildings, is what gives the city its unique character." In: UNESCO

Castle of Sesimbra - Portugal

© Francisco Más

Unused, sent by "gracinha"

"Sesimbra Castle is built upon an ancient Moorish Castle, probably conquered by D. Afonso Henriques in 1165. The castle was increasingly abandoned, because of the Portuguese Discoveries that began in the 16th century. D. João IV was forced to renew it, following the Restoration fights. He ordered the construction of the ravelins, adapting the castle to newest artillery techniques. Part of the castle was devastated by the 1755 earthquake. In 1930, it was recovered by the Portuguese State. " In: Lifecooler

Sintra - Portugal (UNESCO WHS) (Postcrossing Meeting in Sintra)

Adrienne from New Zealand visited Portugal and met some of the Portuguese Postcrossers in Lisbon and Sintra.

© Rufino & Rufino

The Mouros Castle, sent by "gminiscp"

© Rufino & Rufino

Regaleira Palace, sent by "PilotOne"

© Gustav A. Wittich

Monserrate Palace, sent by ninocas

"In the 19th century Sintra became the first centre of European Romantic architecture. Ferdinand II turned a ruined monastery into a castle where this new sensitivity was displayed in the use of Gothic, Egyptian, Moorish and Renaissance elements and in the creation of a park blending local and exotic species of trees. Other fine dwellings, built along the same lines in the surrounding serra , created a unique combination of parks and gardens which influenced the development of landscape architecture throughout Europe." In: UNESCO

Eilean Donan Castle in Scotland - United Kingdom

© Roman Michnowicz

Sent by joana122, a fantastic view of this castle!

"As one of the most iconic images of Scotland, Eilean Donan is recognised all around the world. Situated on an island at the point where three great sea lochs meet, and surrounded by some majestic scenery, it is little wonder that the castle is now one of the most visited and important attractions in the Scottish highlands.

Although first inhabited around the 6th century, the first fortified castle was built in the mid 13th century and stood guard over the lands of Kintail. Since then, at least four different versions of the castle have been built and re-built as the feudal history of Scotland unfolded through the centuries.

Partially destroyed in a Jacobite uprising in 1719, Eilean Donan lay in ruins for the best part of 200 years until Lieutenant Colonel John MacRae-Gilstrap bought the island in 1911 and proceeded to restore the castle to its former glory. After 20 years of toil and labour the castle was re-opened in 1932. " In: Eilean Donan Castle

PT-234774 - Óbidos Castle

© Forways

PT-234774 sent by "nunoftferreira" 

I've been in Óbidos two time! Is a lovely village, specially during the Chocolate Festival! 

"Each July Óbidos castle hosts a traditional Medieval Market. For two weeks the castle and the surrounding town recreate the spirit of medieval Europe.

Flowing banners and heraldic flags set the mood together with hundreds of entertainers and stall holders dressed as merchants, jugglers, jesters, wandering minstrels, soldiers and more. Visitors can shop at the traditional handcrafts fair or watch medieval shows, horse displays and a costumed parade that winds its way through the streets. There are also displays of jousting knights and armed combat.

Spit roasted hog, hearty soups, rabbit, lamb, cod, quail, sausages and other grilled meats are just some of the many medieval style meals on offer from dozens of "taverns" and stalls spread throughout the market. Drinking from pewter tankards and eating from wooden trencher all adds to the experience." In: Wikipedia

CZ-94594 - Horní Cerekev Castle

© Ing. Josef Ebr (photo & design)

CZ-94594 sent by "PepaEbr"

"Originally a fortress had plenty owners. In 2nd half of 16th century was the fort rebuilt in Renaissance style, later reconstruction was made in 1734th. Today the castle is a two-storey building, in private property, serves as the dwelling-house." In: Wikimapia

During the search I also some websites saying that this castle was for sale.

FR-38040 - Loire Valley (UNESCO)

© M. Gauthier (photo) / M. G. Editions

FR-38040 sent by "cabie_kurae"

A fantastic place!

"The Loire Valley is an outstanding cultural landscape along a major river which bears witness to an interchange of human values and to a harmonious development of interactions between human beings and their environment over two millennia. It is noteworthy for the quality of its architectural heritage, in its historic towns such as Blois, Chinon, Orléans, Saumur and Tours, but in particular in its world-famous castles, such as the Château de Chambord." In: UNESCO

Map card of castles - Portugal

© Dias dos Reis (photos) / Edig

unused

A map postcard with some of the portuguese castles in Montalegre, Bragança, Melgaço, Longroiva, Sortelha, Castelo de Vide, Abrantes, Chaves, Lindoso, Évoramonte, Sintra, Belver, Belmonte.

BY-35572 - Nesvizh Castle (UNESCO)

© ?

BY-35572 sent by "Jorik"

This card shows an aerial view of Nesvizh, with the Corpus Christi Church in the meddle and the Castle on the top.

"The Architectural, Residential and Cultural Complex of the Radziwill Family at Nesvizh is located in central Belarus. The Radziwill dynasty, who built and kept the ensemble from the 16th century until 1939, gave birth to some of the most important personalities in European history and culture. Due to their efforts, the town of Nesvizh came to exercise great influence in the sciences, arts, crafts and architecture. The complex consists of the residential castle and the mausoleum Church of Corpus Christi with their setting. The castle has ten interconnected buildings, which developed as an architectural whole around a six-sided courtyard. The palaces and church became important prototypes marking the development of architecture throughout Central Europe and Russia." In: UNESCO

Castle of Villalonso - Spain

© Ediciones Arribas

unused, bought in Zamora (Spain)

"Not far from the town of Toro, near the road to Medina de Rioseco, stands the castle of Villalonso, perhaps one of the best conserved in the province of Zamora.

The castle is clear model of the type of stately castles which were built in large numbers in the border provinces of Valladolid and Palencia during the 15th century." In: Castles.nl