Windsor Castle is the residence of the royal family

England is famous for its huge number of absolutely unique old castles. Many of them are still residential. But the most famous, the largest and oldest is the Windsor Castle - the main residence of the English royal family for a very long time.

The structure was erected on top of an artificial hill and at first was a reinforcement of wooden structures. For many centuries, the famous Windsor Castle has been rebuilt many times. Almost all the rulers changed its appearance, but the round hill created by Wilhelm remained untouched. Fortress, located thirty kilometers from the capital of the country - London - and very close to the magnificent waterfront of the Thames, was an important Norman object.

In 1170, King Henry II built for the first time on this territory stone buildings, which were almost completely destroyed by Edward the Third, who was born here. He erected a new round castle in the center of the fortress. The main building of its building has been preserved so far, although with significant changes. At the end of the fourteenth century (1461-1483), during the reign of Edward the Fourth, the construction of the main church of the castle was begun, which was completed by King Henry the Eighth. He is buried in the territory of the famous castle with nine other English monarchs.

Windsor Castle keeps many secrets from the history of Great Britain. In times of civil War in England, the troops of the famous Oliver Cromwell won the fortress and used it as the headquarters. The defeated Charles the First was taken into custody in the castle. He was executed and buried there in 1648.

The monarchy was rebuilt in 1660. Almost immediately Windsor Castle begins to experience one of the most ambitious reconstructions in its history. In an effort to create a kind of Versailles castle in France, Charles II laid many beautiful shady avenues in the complex.

After the death of Charles II for the unknown reasons, the following monarchs preferred to live in other castles and palaces of England. Only during the reign of George the Fourth was the restoration of the castle started. The architects of the king did the impossible - they turned the ancient castle into a stunning Gothic palace, which is perfectly preserved today. The height of the towers was significantly increased, original decorative elements were added, which successfully combined the buildings of different styles and eras.

Today, Windsor Castle is still the main residence of the royal family, but most of it is accessible for tourists.

Visitors can watch the solemn change of the guard of honor, which is guarded by the castle. The spectacle is truly fascinating! Undoubtedly, Windsor Castle (photo can be seen below) is the greatest monument of history, culture, architecture of England. In addition, its majestic halls store the most valuable exhibits of painting, antique furniture, and unique decorative ceiling designs amaze imagination.

In 1992, a fire destroyed some of the royal apartments open to visitors, but all of them were carefully restored and restored.

To see all this splendor, you need to buy vouchers to the UK and fly to London, where regular tours to the famous castle are held.