Palaces

A palace is a grand residence, especially a royal residence or the home of a head of state or some other high-ranking dignitary, such as a bishop or archbishop.

The word itself is derived from the Latin name Palātium, for Palatine Hill, the hill which housed the Imperial residences in Rome. In many parts of Europe, the term is also applied to ambitious private mansions of the aristocracy. Many historic palaces are now put to other uses such as parliaments, museums, hotels or office buildings. The word is also sometimes used to describe a lavishly ornate building used for public entertainment or exhibitions.

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    Ak-Saray Palace

    Timur's Summer Palace, the “White Palace” was planned as the most grandiose of all Timur's constructions. It was started in 1380 by artisans deported by Timur from the recently conquered Khwarezm.

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    Alcazar of Seville

    The Alcazar of Seville is a royal palace in Seville, Spain, originally developed by Moorish Muslim kings. The palace is renowned as one of the most beautiful in Spain, being regarded as one of the most outstanding examples of mudejar architecture found on the Iberian Peninsula.

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    Alhambra

    The Alhambra the complete Arabic form of which was Calat Alhamra, is a palace and fortress complex located in Granada, Andalusia, Spain.

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    Anhak Palace

    The Anhak Palace is a royal residence of the Goguryeo kingdom that was built in 427 AD.

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    Archbishop’s Chateau, Kromeriz

    The first residence on the site was founded by bishop Stanislas Thurzo in 1497. The building was in a Late Gothic style, with a modicum of Renaissance detail. During the Thirty Years' War, the castle was sacked by the Swedish army (1643).

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    Augustusburg Palace, Bruhl

    The Augustusburg and Falkenlust palaces is a historical building complex in Bruhl, North Rhine-Westphalia, Germany, which have been listed as a UNESCO cultural World Heritage Site since 1984. Augustusburg Palace, Bruhl.

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    Bella Fay Castle (Palace), Simeria

    The castle was built at the beginning of the XIXth century. the building was damaged during the 1848 revolution but was rebuilt between 1870 – 1880.

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    Belvedere Palace, Vienna

    The Belvedere is a historic building complex in Vienna, Austria, consisting of two Baroque palaces (the Upper and Lower Belvedere), the Orangery, and the Palace Stables.

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    Blenheim Palace

    Blenheim Palace is a monumental country house situated in Woodstock, Oxfordshire, England. It is the principal residence of the dukes of Marlborough, and the only non-royal non-episcopal country house in England to hold the title of palace. The palace, one of England's largest houses, was built between 1705 and circa 1722. Blenheim Palace was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1987.

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    Brody Castle

    Brody Castle is a former fortress in the city of Brody, part of Lviv Oblast, Ukraine. The first information about the construction of the castle in Brody town refers to the 1580s.

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    Brukenthal Castle, Sambata de Jos

    Brukenthal Castle was built in Baroque style between 1750-1760 years, during the reign of Maria Theresa, by Count Jozef von Brukenthal, the brother of Samuel von Brukenthal on an area of 1700 ha.

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    Buchlovice Palace (Castle)

    Buchlovice castle is a castle situated about 10 km to the west of Uherske Hradiste, in south-east Moravia, Czech Republic. Its history is closely connected with nearby Buchlov Castle which grew more and more uncomfortable in the late 17th century, and that is why Jan Detrich of Petrwald decided to build a new castle.

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    Bzenec Chateau (Palace)

    Bzenec Chateau (Palace). The present appearance of the castle is already the third in its history. Originally, there used to be a fortress which was converted into a mansion for the aristocracy after the Old Bzenec Castle was ruined.

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    Castle (Palace), Zlin

    Initially a Gothic fort rebuilt in the second half of the 16th century in a Renaissance castle. Again rebuilt in the second half of the 18th century in Baroque style. Castle (Palace), Zlin.

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    Castle and Park, Krasiczyn

    Castle and Park, Krasiczyn. The castle in Krasiczyn is one of the greatest treasures of Renaissance in Poland and ranks among the most beautiful castles in Europe.

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    Castle building (The Palace), Bratislava Castle

    The castle building includes four towers (one on each corner) and a courtyard with a 80 m (260 ft) deep water well. The largest and tallest tower is the Crown Tower on the southwest corner.

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    Castle, Krasiczyn

    The castle in Krasiczyn is one of the greatest treasures of Renaissance in Poland and ranks among the most beautiful castles in Europe.

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    Castle, Veseli nad Moravou

    A former medieval water castle from the 13th century was rebuilt in the 16th century into a Renaissance chateau. In 1621 was the Chateau heavily damaged, riddled and set on fire. In the 2nd half of the 17th century was Castle reconstructed.

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    Catherine Palace

    The Catherine Palace is a Rococo palace located in the town of Tsarskoye Selo, 30 km south of St. Petersburg, Russia. It was the summer residence of the Russian tsars.

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    Degenfeld Castle, Balc

    Degenfeld-Schomburg Castle in Balc, built in the 19th century (1896 year), historic monument.

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    Diocletian's Palace

    Diocletian's Palace is an ancient palace built by the Roman emperor Diocletian at the turn of the fourth century AD, that today forms about half the old town and city center of Split, in Croatia.

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    Dolna Krupa Manor house and park

    The Dolna Krupa village is situated in the promontory of the Small Carpathians mountains, in the valley of the river Krupa. In the center of the village lies the Dolna Krupa Manor house built in classical style with a large English park.