Palaces, which previously housed kings and queens, were built to display power and might as well. As a result, kings and emperors built opulent summer homes in competition with one another and amassed priceless art collections to adorn their endless halls and royal apartments.
The former royal residences feature stunning architecture and works of art in addition to lovely lawns and gardens with numerous magnificent fountains and flowerbeds on display. Because of their enormous artistic, cultural, and historical value, these magnificent palaces are currently among the most popular tourist destinations and museums available.
15. Grand Palace
On the banks of the Chao Phraya River, in the heart of Bangkok, is where you’ll find the Grand Palace. The vast structure, constructed in 1782, and its enormous gardens were originally used as a residence by the ancient Thai kings.
The palace is home to a number of magnificent buildings, lavish courtyards, and charming pavilions, all of which showcase exquisite examples of traditional Thai architecture. The palace is currently only partially open to the public. The highlight of the location is without a doubt the Temple of the Emerald Buddha, the most important Buddhist site in all of Thailand.
14. Lake Palace
The Lake Palace, formerly a summer residence and retreat for members of the Mewar royal dynasty in India, is now a luxurious hotel. The glittering white palace, located in Udaipur, often known as the “City of Lakes,” was built between 1743 and 1746. The palace, which is enchantedly perched on an island in the middle of a lake, is a very lovely sight.
Its opulent domes and facades are dreamily reflected in the nearby waters. The hotel offers visitors magnificent pavilions and courtyards in addition to lush gardens, cheery twinkling fountains, and opulently furnished suites. Because of its serene setting and magnificent architecture, Lake Palace is truly lovely to behold.
13. Peterhof Palace
“The Russian Versailles” is the term used. In terms of grandeur, size, and majesty, Peterhof Palace unquestionably rivals the palace of the Sun King. The palace, together with its exquisitely landscaped gardens, is located close to Saint Petersburg on the shores of the Gulf of Finland.
Between 1709 and 1756, Peter the Great constructed the opulent palace as a showpiece and a representation of Russia’s progress and westernization. The Throne Chamber and Chesma Hall stand out as two of the outstanding examples of the excellent construction and furnishings found in each room.
The Grand Cascade is properly titled, and visitors can also meander amid the numerous fountains and flowerbeds that line the façade, which is very breathtaking.
12. Mysore Palace
With its intricate façade, delicate arches, and imposing marble domes, India’s Mysore Palace is incredibly beautiful. The palace, one of seven in Mysore, aptly known as “the City of Palaces,” was built between 1897 and 1912 to showcase the Wadiyar dynasty’s incredible wealth and power.
Despite the fact that the city is home to a huge number of amazing monuments and landmarks, Mysore Palace receives the most tourists.
11. Palais des Papes
The Palace of the Popes in Avignon, an imposing-looking fort and opulent palace, was formerly home to the leaders of the Catholic church. Because of its influential residents, the palace had to project authority and prestige. It once rank among the largest Gothic buildings in all of Europe.
The palace is an important historical and architectural monument that is intriguing to visit. Charming chapels covered in frescoes and murals are protected by its sturdy towers and solid walls. After the papal residence was relocated back to Rome in 1378, the palace gradually fell into disrepair. Later, Napoleon’s troops used it as a barracks and prison.
10. Buckingham Palace
For many years, Buckingham Palace in London served as the residence of the British kings. It is one of the most well-known and frequently photographed buildings on earth. It was initially built in 1703 as a spacious townhouse, and throughout time it underwent a series of renovations and additions. The famous facade was built in 1911.
The palace has 775 rooms in total, many of which are furnished with priceless artwork, antique statues, and opulent furniture. The most impressive of these are the staterooms. Every August and September, these serve as the guest quarters for foreign heads of state while they are in London.
9. Schonbrunn Palace
Schonbrunn Palace, which is outside of Vienna, is one of Austria’s most popular tourist destinations. Emperor Franz Joseph I was born in the magnificent Rococo home, which was once the Hapsburgs’ summer residence. It is painted a vivid yellow color.
There are only 40 of its 1,441 rooms that are open to the public, but even those are lavishly decorated and have beautiful ballrooms, exquisite sculptures, and exquisite tapestries.
Its extensive gardens are also enjoyable to explore. The magnificent botanical garden and orangerie are situated next to the oldest zoo in the world, which was formerly the imperial menagerie.
8. Potala Palace
The Potala Palace, one of Tibet’s most important and striking structures, is perched atop Marpo Ri hill in the center of the Lhasa Valley in a truly epic location. Although older buildings have stood there since at least the 7th century, the stunning red and white palace that served as the Dalai Lamas’ former winter residence was completed in 1649.
The enormous structure’s sacred halls, ceremonial chambers, and more than 10,000 shrines are thought to contain more than 200,000 statues, which are dispersed throughout. An iconic representation of Tibetan Buddhism, the Potala Palace is a striking building encircled by mighty mountains.
7. Chateau de Chambord
The Chateau de Chambord in the Loire Valley is without a doubt one of the finest specimens of French Renaissance architecture. Francis I commissioned its ornate and beautiful design, which serves as a hunting lodge and proudly exhibits the monarch’s immense wealth and authority.
Although many of its magnificent furnishings were stripped and removed during the French Revolution, visitors can still delight in exploring its opulent halls and chambers. Overall, the chateau’s turrets and towers are an impressive sight, especially when contrasted with the lush lawns and reflective moat that surround it.
6. Hawa Mahal
The English name of the Hawa Mahal, noted for its majestic and ornate facade, is charmingly “the Palace of Winds.” The majority of its beautiful red and pink sandstone pillars, arches, and domes were constructed in 1799, and they include exquisite pillars, arches, and domes.
Although there are lovely buildings and courtyards for visitors to explore as well as an excellent archaeological museum at the palace, the honeycomb-like exterior of the palace attracts the most attention. The highlight of any visit to the palace is undoubtedly the magnificent bays, which span five floors and are decorated with elaborate latticework and stained glass windows.
5. Topkapi Palace
From Topkapi Palace, which is situated in a beautiful area on the shores of the Bosphorus, the sultans used to rule the Ottoman Empire. The palace, built in 1459 by Mehmet the Conqueror, features numerous pompous and magnificent halls with exquisite Islamic art and architecture.
Along with the palace’s breathtaking halls and courtyards, visitors can explore the glittering gems and jewels of the Imperial Treasury and the endless and opulent apartments of the Imperial Harem. One of Istanbul’s most popular tourist attractions, Topkapi Palace, is now a stunning museum.
4. Palace of Versailles
Louis XIV built Versailles, which had originally been a hunting lodge, into one of the largest and wealthiest residences ever constructed. The Sun King improved and expanded it before eventually turning it into his royal house and the seat of his government.
Many of the most valuable artworks and artifacts in the palace were removed after the French Revolution and placed in the Louvre, but after extensive renovations and restorations, the palace has been brought back to its former splendor.
It is one of the most popular tourist destinations in France thanks to the opulent Royal apartments, the sparkling Hall of Mirrors, and the Royal Opera. Due to its wonderful fountains and flowerbeds, its stunning gardens are also well worth seeing.
Considering all of the historical, cultural, and architectural events that have transpired within the Palace of Versailles’ gleaming halls, it is one of France’s most significant historical, cultural, and architectural treasures.
3. Alhambra
The Alhambra, built atop a plateau with a view of Granada, has long been regarded as one of the most well-known and recognizable palaces on Earth. The vast complex, which was constructed in the 13th century by the Nasrid sultans, proudly exhibits a wide range of absolutely exquisite Andalusian architecture, with ornate embellishments and motifs wherever you look.
Its lovely gardens, formidable defenses, and colonnade-lined courtyards make for pleasant strolls, and the Museum of Fine Arts is home to an amazing collection of artwork that visitors are welcome to peruse.
Just a few of the many highlights are the magnificently carved columns and charming pavilions of the Court of the Lions and the meticulously maintained flowers and fountains of Generalife.
2. Winter Palace
The Winter Palace, which previously served as the royal residence of the Russian tsars, is now home to the renowned Hermitage Museum. It is said to have 1,500 chambers, each of which is intricately planned and adorned, within its seemingly unending green and white walls, which were built in the Elizabethan Baroque style.
The palace is the perfect example of the size and scope of Imperial Russia’s power, not to mention the stunning artwork and architecture on display.
But in 1917, the Winter Palace was stormed in one of the key moments of the Russian Revolution, ending the monarchy and empire. Currently, Saint Petersburg’s top attractions include the palace and museum.
1. Forbidden City
Since it was built in 1406, the Forbidden City has dominated and outlined the heart of Beijing and all of China. From their respective royal residences, the emperors of the Ming and Qing dynasties ruled over their immense empires.
The palace complex, which spans a sizable area and is encircled by a tall wall and a wide moat, is made up of about 980 distinct buildings. Just two of the many magnificent examples of Chinese palace architecture on display here are the Palace of Heavenly Purity and the Hall of Supreme Harmony.
The Palace Museum has looked after the Forbidden City since the last emperor abdicated in 1925, and it provides visitors with an amazing collection of artworks and artifacts to enjoy.