Lost’s Favourite Palaces

Along with having been to a few castles, I’ve been to a few palaces.

What’s the difference? Fortification.

A palace is not well fortified, a simple wrought iron or steel gate isn’t going to keep out an army. A castle or a fort will; or should if it’s a good one.

Either way, it’s a place where royalty can and has lived, and believe me when I say there are some spectacular examples. These are my top five favourites!

#1. Versailles

This palace is not to be missed! With several smaller palaces situated within the grounds and with splendor and history to be found at every turn, it’s such a beautiful place I can’t help but love it. A half day tour of this place simply won’t do!

#2. Nymphenburg

What can I say I love a big palace. Nymphenburg was inspired by Versailles, so if you love one you’ll probably love the other. It too has various smaller palaces around the grounds, the most beautiful of which is the hunting lodge, Amalienburg, which Maximillian the Second built for his wife upon the birth of his son, Ludwig the Second.

#3. Hampton Court

This palace evolved with time, and so while the front is very much in the red brick Tudor style the back is a regency era palace and garden. If you only have time to see one palace in England, devote a day to Hampton Court. You’ll get many eras in one and it’s worth every minute it takes to explore, so if you get the chance to visit don’t miss it!

#4. Linderhof

Versailles both directly and indirectly inspired this palace too. Ludwig the Second built this palace to get away from people, and considering it’s both surrounded by the Bavarian forest and has a table that could be raised from the floor below so he’d never have to see his servants, I’d say he accomplished the desired effect!

#5. Louvre

While it may not function as a museum palace like the others on this list do, the Louvre is still very much worth the visit; for both art and architecture. Pro-Tip, look up pieces that you’d like to see and find out where they’re located before your visit. It takes a LONG time to walk from one end of the palace to the other, you’ll want a plan!

Are there any palaces you love and would like to visit? Let me know in the comments!