• The Czech Republic and Slovakia are home to some of the most impressive castles of the world.castle image by Krzysztof Gebarowski from Fotolia.com
  
  Europe is home to some of the most magnificent castles in the world. The Czech Republic and Slovakia (formally Czechoslovakia) of central Europe have the most castles per square mile in the world, according to czechcastles.com. This makes the region a prime tourist country for castle lovers, with a handful of castles that you will not want to miss. These castles are popular because of their historical significance, architecture and artifacts.
  
  

Prague Castle

• Prague Castle is one of the Czech Republic's most well-known castles. This is because it stands as the largest castle complex in the entire world, spanning approximately 70,000 square meters (210,000 square feet), according to the Prague Castle official website. Overlooking the Vltava River, the castle was founded around 880 A.D. and usually is attributed to Prince Bořivoj of the Premyslid Dynasty (Přemyslovci). The castle was used by Czech kings until around 1400 and reached its pinnacle during the reign of Charles IV. The castle is used today as a presidential office, but also houses museums and cathedrals.
  
  Department of Tourism
  Pražský hrad
  119 08 Praha 1
  +420 224 37 3368
  hrad.cz/en/prazsky_hrad/navsteva_hradu.shtml
  
  

Blatna

• Blatna castle dates to 1250 as a fortress in the Roman style. Around 1400, the South Bohemian castle was renovated extensively. The remodel included transforming the moat into a scenic lake. The castle has undergone other additions and renovations since that time as it passed through the hands of the Rozdražov, Serény and the Hildprandt families, being completed to the current form by architect B. Grueber in the 1850s. The castle houses several well-known salons and has been undergoing renovations for preservation since 1993.
  
  Zámek Blatná
  Na příkopech 320
  388 01 Blatná
  +420 383 422 934
  zamky-hrady.cz/1/blatna-e.htm
  
  

Buchlov

• Buchlov Castle is approximately the same age as Blatna Castle, as it is thought to have been built sometime around 1230. This castle generally has been privately owned by the lords of the region, including the Zeratin and Berchtold families. In the 19th century, the castle was opened to the public as a museum. The furnishings in the castle all date from between the 15th and 19th century, and visitors can take both short and extended tours. Two highlights of this gothic style castle are the library and the Egyptology collections. Cultural events also are hosted at the castle.
  
  Státní hrad Buchlov
  Polesí 418
  687 08 Buchlovice
  +420 572 595 161
  hrad-buchlov.cz
  
  

Hluboka

• Hluboka is different from other Czech castles due to its vast number of restorations. Built around 1250, it was a Renaissance chateau, then it was transformed to the Baroque style, and today it has a traditional English feel. This castle is described by czechcastles.com as having a "fairy tale"-like appearance. The highlight of this castle is the collections of the families who have owned the castle in the past. Furniture, paintings, tapestries, and arms all are part of these collections, and czechcastles.com calls attention to the woodwork and carvings.
  
  Státní zámek Hluboká nad Vltavou
  Bezručova 142
  373 41 Hluboká nad Vltavou
  Czech Republic
  +420 387 843 911
  zamek-hluboka.eu/en/