多巴达恩城堡，兰贝里斯，斯诺登尼亚国家公园，威尔士 Dolbadarn Castle, Llanberis, Eryri National Park (Snowdonia), Wales (© joe daniel price/Getty Images)

75载，风华正茂 75 and thriving

威尔士斯诺登尼亚国家公园迎来75周年

如果公园也能写生日手记，威尔士斯诺登尼亚国家公园一定有许多精彩故事可讲。今天是这座公园成立75周年，纪念它于1951年获指定为国家公园。斯诺登尼亚占地823平方英里，拥有九条山脉和74英里海岸线，栖息地类型从泥炭地、原生林地到高地景观不一而足。斯诺登山海拔超过3,500英尺，是斯诺登尼亚的最高点。附近的卡内道山脉和格利德赖山脉群峰耸立，卡代尔伊德里斯山则矗立在南部。这些受保护的景观为野生动物提供了栖息地，其中包括17处国家级自然保护区和56处特殊科学价值地点。

斯诺登尼亚的故事并不只有自然风光，多巴达恩城堡还为其增添了中世纪篇章。这座城堡由卢埃林大帝于13世纪建造，曾守卫穿越兰贝里斯山口的通道，后来还被用作关押一位威尔士亲王的监狱。高50英尺的圆塔至今仍是城堡最具辨识度的特色，俯瞰着附近的林帕达恩湖。

Eryri National Park (Snowdonia) in Wales turns 75

If parks could keep birthday diaries, Eryri National Park (Snowdonia) in Wales would have quite the story to tell. The park turns 75 today, marking the anniversary of its designation in 1951. Eryri stretches across 823 square miles, with nine mountain ranges, 74 miles of coastline, and habitats ranging from peatlands and native woodlands to upland landscapes. At more than 3,500 feet, Yr Wyddfa is Eryri's highest point. Nearby, the Carneddau and Glyderau add their own peaks, while Cadair Idris rises in the south. These protected landscapes provide habitats for wildlife and include 17 National Nature Reserves and 56 Sites of Special Scientific Interest.

And Eryri's story isn't just about nature. Dolbadarn Castle adds a medieval chapter. Built during the 13th century by Llywelyn the Great, the castle guarded the route through Llanberis Pass and later served as a prison for a Welsh prince. Its round tower, standing 50 feet tall, remains its most recognizable feature, overlooking nearby Llyn Padarn.

斋浦尔附近琥珀堡内的 Sattais Katcheri 大厅，拉贾斯坦邦，印度 Sattais Katcheri Hall in Amber Fort near Jaipur, Rajasthan, India (© R.M. Nunes/Getty Images)

可览美景的历史胜地 History with a view

印度拉贾斯坦邦斋浦尔附近的琥珀堡

大多数初次到访印度拉贾斯坦邦斋浦尔的游客都知道这座城市有“粉红之城”的美誉，但更早的王都以琥珀堡为中心。这个王朝的大部分政治与建筑史正是在那里书写的。琥珀堡的营建历时一个多世纪，始于1592年拉贾·曼·辛格一世统治时期，之后由历代卡奇瓦哈统治者续建；他们统治的王国后来成为斋浦尔土邦。王室于 1727 年迁往新规划的斋浦尔城，但琥珀堡仍继续承担礼仪功能。

从建筑上看，这座堡垒将拉杰普特式防御特色与受莫卧儿风格启发的拱门、庭院、彩绘表面和大理石装饰融为一体。图中的Sattais Katcheri大厅因其27根柱子而得名。这座建筑被认为曾用于行政事务。堡内还有觐见厅、王室庭院以及装饰华丽的镜宫。探索这片宏大的建筑群，感受“Padharo Sa”的热情好客，也别忘了留点肚子品尝一盘达尔巴蒂楚尔玛——烤小麦面团、扁豆和一种香甜松散的甜点。

Amber Fort near Jaipur, Rajasthan, India

Most first-time visitors know Jaipur, in Rajasthan, India, as the Pink City, but the earlier royal capital was centered on Amber Fort. That's where much of the dynasty's political and architectural history was shaped. The fort developed over more than a century, beginning under Raja Man Singh I in 1592 and continuing under later Kachwaha rulers who controlled the kingdom that eventually became Jaipur State. The royal family moved to the newly planned city of Jaipur in 1727, but Amber continued to serve ceremonial functions.

Architecturally, the fort combines defensive Rajput features with Mughal-inspired arches, courtyards, painted surfaces, and marble detailing. The Sattais Katcheri Hall, seen in the image, takes its name from its 27 pillars. The structure is associated with administrative purposes. The fort also includes audience halls, royal courtyards, and the ornate Sheesh Mahal. Explore the sprawling complex, experience the warmth of 'Padharo Sa,' and save room for a plate of dal baati churma—baked wheat dumplings, lentils, and a sweet crumbly dessert.

邓塞弗里克城堡遗址, 安特里姆郡, 北爱尔兰 Ruins of Dunseverick Castle, County Antrim, Northern Ireland (© Krzysztof Rogalski/Getty Images)

最后一堵墙矗立着 The last wall standing

北爱尔兰邓塞弗里克城堡遗址

在邓塞弗里克城堡，历史仿佛就悬挂在原地——确切地说，就悬挂在原地。残垣断壁依附在大西洋上方的玄武岩峭壁上，证明即使是废墟也能屹立不倒。两千年前，这里是爱尔兰五大道路之一——斯莱格·米德卢赫拉（Slige Midluachra）的终点，这条道路连接着通往塔拉山（Hill of Tara）王室的旅人。据说，公元5世纪，圣帕特里克曾到访此地，并为当地居民奥尔坎（Olcán）施洗。传说中，用于为爱尔兰国王加冕的“命运之石”（Lia Fáil）就是从这片海岸被带往苏格兰的。

维京人在9世纪末袭击了这里。1642年，苏格兰陆军军官罗伯特·芒罗将军破坏了城堡，后来在克伦威尔征服爱尔兰期间，城堡又遭到进一步破坏。然而，一座小塔楼一直屹立到1978年，最终被海水吞没。

如今，在国民信托的管理下，这里免费开放，保留着原始风貌，令人耳目一新——距离巨人堤道仅几步之遥。没错，这里是一处遗址——但它拒绝悄然消逝。

华城堡的古城墙，水原，韩国 Old city wall of Hwaseong Fortress, Suwon, South Korea (© aomam/Getty Images)

设计与秩序相结合 Design meets discipline

韩国水原华城堡的古城墙

当夜幕降临在韩国水原，这里所呈现的华城堡古城墙证明了一点：功能并不一定会削弱美感，反而可以孕育出美。华城建于1794年至1796年间，由朝鲜王朝的正祖下令修建，它不仅仅是一道防御屏障，更是一种“以石为策”的体现——一场以务实为导向、兼具深层个人动机的改革尝试，旨在打造一个更加精简、高效运作的国家。正祖修建华城，一方面是为了纪念他的父亲，另一方面也意在强化这个追求更智慧治理体系、而不仅仅依赖加厚城墙的王国。

这座走在时代前沿的韩国城防杰作，将创新巧妙地融入于外表之中。华城堡全长约3.5英里（约5.7公里），并未刻意对抗地形，而是顺应山势与地貌自然延展。城墙沿线设置的棱堡扩大了防御覆盖范围，瞭望塔兼具信号传递功能，隐蔽城门便于灵活通行，滑轮等装置则显著提升了建造效率。1997年，华城被联合国教科文组织列入世界文化遗产名录，整体保存状况极为完整，并且至今仍在“运转”之中——它不仅可行、可观，更融入了当地的日常生活。白天是防御体系的历史见证，夜晚则化作充满诗意的文化景观。

Old city wall of Hwaseong Fortress, Suwon, South Korea

As night settles over Suwon, South Korea, the old city wall pictured here shows that function doesn't necessarily cancel out beauty—it can create it. Built between 1794 and 1796 under King Jeongjo of the Joseon Dynasty, Hwaseong Fortress was more than a barrier. It was policy in stone: a reform minded push for a leaner, better-run state, driven by practicality and a deeply personal motive. Jeongjo ordered its construction to honor his father while strengthening a kingdom that wanted smarter systems, not just thicker walls.

Ahead of its time, this masterpiece of Korean fortification hid innovation in plain sight. Rather than wrestling with the landscape, the roughly 3.5-mile wall follows its curves. Bastions widened defensive coverage, watchtowers doubled as signaling points, concealed gates allowed discreet movement, and pulley systems quickened construction. Recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1997, the site is remarkably intact—and still very much in motion. Hwaseong remains walkable, watchable, and woven into daily life. Defense by day, poetry by night.

新天鹅堡，巴伐利亚州，德国 Neuschwanstein Castle, Bavaria, Germany (© www.fredconcha.com @ All Rights Reserved/Getty Images)

巴伐利亚的瑰宝 Bavaria's gem

新天鹅堡，巴伐利亚州，德国

新天鹅堡的诞生源于巴伐利亚国王路德维希二世的浪漫构想——一个由中世纪神话与歌剧场景交织而成的梦境居所。城堡隐身于山林之间，塔尖纤细，精巧的石饰让整座建筑宛如漂浮在山谷之上。虽然建造始于十九世纪，但这座宫殿始终未完全竣工，因此也增添了一层淡淡的神秘。

今天，我们所看到的，是德国巴伐利亚新天鹅堡令人震撼的风貌，这座城堡每年吸引数以百万计的游客。最初的设计远比现存规模更加宏伟，其中包括一座从未建成的华丽宝座厅。即便未完工，这座宫殿仍让人得以一窥一位国王的幻想世界——一个由传说与艺术辉煌塑造的理想国度。

新天鹅堡中隐藏着许多耐人寻味的巧思，为它增添了独特而迷人的氛围。即便岁月流转，它依旧是想象与奇迹的象征，吸引着游客走进一个由梦境与永恒织成的世界。

Neuschwanstein Castle, Bavaria, Germany

The story of Neuschwanstein Castle begins with the dreams of King Ludwig II of Bavaria, who imagined a retreat inspired by medieval legends and grand operas. Set among mountains and forests, the castle rises with delicate towers and intricate stonework that seem to float above the valley. Although construction started in the nineteenth century, the palace was never fully completed, which adds to its aura of mystery.

Today, we admire the impressive beauty of Neuschwanstein Castle, Bavaria, Germany, a destination that attracts millions of visitors each year. The original plans were far more ambitious and included a grand throne room whose throne was never built. Even in its unfinished state, the palace offers an extraordinary glimpse into the imagination of a monarch who longed for a world shaped by myth and artistic splendor.

Neuschwanstein Castle is filled with curiosities that enrich its enchanting atmosphere. Despite the passage of time, Neuschwanstein remains a symbol of imagination and wonder, inviting travelers to step into a world shaped by dreams and enduring beauty.

布兰城堡入口, 布拉索夫, 罗马尼亚 Entrance of Bran Castle in Bran, Brașov, Romania (© blue sky in my pocket/Getty Images)

在万圣节的魔咒之下 Under the Halloween spell

万圣节快乐！

今夜，万圣节的魔咒笼罩大地——而地球上仅有少数地方能与罗马尼亚的布兰城堡比肩，承载着如此深邃的谜团。这座建于14世纪的堡垒历经战火洗礼，见证君王更迭与帝国兴衰。但在此地，传说比历史更响亮。这座城堡坐落于以阴森传说闻名的特兰西瓦尼亚与昔日由弗拉德三世·德古拉统治的瓦拉几亚之间，散发着令人心悸的遗迹气息。弗拉德的残暴名声启发了布拉姆·斯托克1897年创作的小说《德古拉》。尽管故事背景并非布兰城堡，但它巍峨的轮廓与关于弗拉德幽灵出没的传闻，让真实与传说交织模糊，永远将这座城堡与人类最持久的传说之一紧密相连。

故事书的篇章之外，布兰城堡还低语着许多幽灵传说。据当地传闻，哀伤的白衣女子在庭院中飘荡；被封墙困住的僧侣脚步声在墙后回响；看不见的孩子们嬉闹的笑声在走廊间流转。闪烁的幽光、骤起的寒意与无形之声的传闻，更添几分不安。值此万圣之夜，布兰城堡的灵魂已超越石砌的躯壳。记忆在此扭曲成神话，现实与超自然的界限变得惊心动魄地模糊。

Happy Halloween!

Tonight, Halloween casts its spell—and only a few places on Earth carry a mystery quite like Bran Castle in Romania. The fortress was built in the 14th century and has withstood wars, monarchs, and shifting empires. But here, legends speak louder than history. Perched between the regions of Transylvania—renowned for its chilling tales—and Wallachia, once ruled by Vlad III Dracula, the castle evokes a haunting legacy. Vlad's ruthless reputation inspired Bram Stoker's 1897 Gothic novel 'Dracula.' Though the story is not set at Bran Castle, its looming form and persistent rumors of Vlad's presence blur fact and legend, forever linking it to one of humanity's most enduring tales.

Beyond the pages of storybooks, Bran Castle whispers many other haunted narratives. According to local accounts, the sorrowful White Lady drifts through the courtyard; a monk's muffled steps echo from behind the walls that sealed him in; and the playful laughter of unseen children carries through the corridors. Reports of flickering lights, sudden chills, and disembodied voices heighten the unease. On this Halloween, Bran Castle rises beyond the stones that shape it. Here, memory twists into myth, and the line between reality and the supernatural grows thrillingly thin.

博尼法乔城堡，科西嘉岛南部，法国 The citadel in Bonifacio, Southern Corsica, France (© Marc Dozier/Getty Images)

永恒的建筑 Built to last

博尼法乔城堡，科西嘉岛南部，法国

位于科西嘉岛南端边缘的博尼法乔，隔着狭窄的海峡遥望撒丁岛，石灰岩峭壁高耸于海浪之上。最初，这里并非风景如画的旅游胜地，而是作为沿海防御工事而建立，在数百年间守护着地中海最繁忙的航道之一。公元828年，托斯卡纳的博尼法斯二世创建了博尼法乔公社，这里逐渐成为商人、士兵与水手聚集的地方，各方人群共同推动了城镇的发展。博尼法乔分为两部分：老城区（又称上城）位于高耸的悬崖之上，坐落在最初的城堡围墙内；而下方的滨海区则沿着狭长的海湾分布，拥有港口、海边住宅和日益发展的山谷社区。

在博尼法乔，城堡是不可错过的地标。这座城堡最初建于9世纪，后来不断扩建。如今，游客可以漫步在宁静的街道、古老的军事建筑与鹅卵石铺就的小巷中。周边还有“海洋公墓”、阿拉贡国王台阶，以及如今作为小型博物馆开放的旗帜堡垒等景点，等待人们前来探索。

The citadel in Bonifacio, Southern Corsica, France

Set at Corsica's southern edge, Bonifacio looks out across a narrow strait to Sardinia, its limestone cliffs towering above the waves. Bonifacio didn't begin as a picturesque tourist destination—it was originally established as a coastal fortification and has spent centuries guarding one of the Mediterranean's busiest sea lanes. Established in 828 CE by Boniface II of Tuscany, the commune gradually became a meeting point for traders, soldiers, and sailors—each group contributing to the evolution of the town's structure. Bonifacio is divided into two sections, with the 'vieille ville' (old town)—also known as 'la Haute Ville' (the Upper City)—standing on a high cliff within the original citadel walls. Below, the marine area lines the narrow inlet with harbors, waterfront homes, and a growing valley community.

While here, the Bonifacio Citadel is a must-see. First built in the 9th century and expanded over time, it invites visitors to wander through quiet passageways, old military buildings, and cobblestone streets. Nearby, you can explore the Marine Cemetery, climb the King of Aragon's Stairway, and visit the Bastion de l'Étendard, now home to a small museum.

邓路斯城堡，安特里姆郡，北爱尔兰 Dunluce Castle, County Antrim, Northern Ireland (© DieterMeyrl/Getty Images)

岩石上的城堡 Castle on the rocks

邓路斯城堡，安特里姆郡，北爱尔兰

如图所示的邓路斯城堡，是否让你仿佛置身于《权力的游戏》？那是因为它正是剧中“派克城”——葛雷乔伊家族领地的现实灵感来源。该城堡建于13世纪，坐落于北爱尔兰安特里姆郡，曾是安特里姆·麦克唐纳家族的据点。该家族是苏格兰麦克唐纳氏族的一个分支，在15世纪至17世纪期间在爱尔兰政治中扮演了重要角色。1690年博因河战役后，该家族的势力衰落，由于缺乏资金维护，城堡逐渐荒废成废墟。

邓路斯城堡流传着各种传说，其中最著名的是关于女妖的传说。相传，麦奎兰勋爵唯一的女儿梅芙·罗反对一桩包办婚姻，被父亲囚禁在城堡的一座塔楼中。某晚，梅芙·罗与她的恋人乘船私奔，途中却遭遇猛烈风暴，双双葬身海底。当地人说，至今仍能听到她在塔楼中凄厉的哭声在风中回荡。如今，游客们可以走进这座饱经风雨的中世纪古堡遗迹，想象当年在此上演的盛宴与战斗。如果城堡本身还不足以打动你，那么眼前这片盖世海岸的壮丽景色，定会让你驻足凝望。

Dunluce Castle, County Antrim, Northern Ireland

If Dunluce Castle, pictured here, feels like something straight out of 'Game of Thrones,' that's because it is the real-life inspiration for Pyke, the seat of House Greyjoy. Built in the 13th century, this castle in County Antrim, Northern Ireland, was once a stronghold of the MacDonnells of Antrim, a branch of the Clan MacDonnell that played a key role in Irish politics from the 15th to the 17th century. The family's fortunes declined after the Battle of the Boyne in 1690, and with little money for upkeep, the castle gradually fell into ruin.

Dunluce Castle is steeped in legend, including the tale of its banshee. Maeve Roe, the only daughter of Lord MacQuillan, defied an arranged marriage and was locked away in the castle's turret. One night, as Maeve Roe and her lover fled by boat, a fierce storm struck, dragging them both to a watery grave. Locals say her ghostly cries still echo from the turret. Today, visitors can explore the windswept remains of this medieval fortress, imagining the feasts and battles that once took place here. And if the castle itself isn't impressive enough, the views over the Causeway Coast certainly are.

维朗德里城堡，卢瓦尔河谷，法国 Formal garden at Château de Villandry, Loire Valley, France (© Mint Images/Getty Images)

几何之美绽放于此 Geometry in bloom

维朗德里城堡花园，卢瓦尔河谷，法国

这边的草地确实更绿，尤其是当那一边是维朗德里城堡时。虽然法国卢瓦尔河谷遍布令人惊叹的城堡，但维朗德里城堡却与众不同，它并非以高耸的塔楼或中世纪的雄伟气势取胜，而是以花园闻名。这座城堡建于 16 世纪，由弗朗索瓦一世国王的财政大臣让·勒·布雷顿所建，目的就是为了令人印象深刻。与为战争而建的防御性城堡不同，维朗德里城堡的设计注重舒适，拥有大窗户和开阔、宜人的布局。城堡的花园分布在不同的梯田上。每个梯田有独特的主题。装饰性花园展示了如图所示的几何图案。水景花园则提供宁静的休憩之所，而蔬菜园则将日常作物打造成艺术展示。

在历经一段艰难时期后，破败不堪的维朗德里城堡于 1906 年被西班牙医生若阿基姆·卡瓦略及其妻子、美国钢铁帝国的女继承人安·科尔曼购得。他们对历史和园艺的热爱促成了城堡的全面修复，如今他们的后代仍在维护这座庄园。这些花园随季节更替而变化，确保每次造访都有不同的体验。无论是否擅长园艺，都很难不为其中的精巧布局所折服。

Formal garden at Château de Villandry, Loire Valley, France

The grass truly is greener on the other side—especially when that side is Château de Villandry. While the Loire Valley in France is packed with stunning châteaux (French for castles), Villandry stands apart, not for its towering turrets or medieval might, but for its gardens. Built in the 16th century by Jean le Breton, a minister to King Francis I, Villandry was always meant to impress. Unlike fortified castles built for war, it was designed for comfort, featuring large windows and an open, welcoming layout. Its gardens are arranged across terraces with distinct themes. The ornamental garden showcases geometric patterns like the one pictured here. The water garden offers a serene retreat, and the vegetable garden turns everyday crops into artistic displays.

After a challenging period, the dilapidated Château de Villandry was purchased in 1906 by Spanish doctor Joachim Carvallo and his wife, Ann Coleman, an heiress to an American steel empire. Their passion for history and horticulture led to a full restoration, and their descendants continue to maintain the estate today. These gardens change with the seasons, ensuring that no two visits are exactly alike. Whether you have a green thumb or not, it's hard not to admire the precision at play.

卡拉奥拉城堡，格拉纳达，西班牙 (© Ugo Mellone/eStock Photo)

梦幻城堡！

卡拉奥拉城堡，格拉纳达，安达卢西亚，西班牙

在瓜迪克斯地区，群山与山谷之间，坐落着拉卡拉奥拉小镇，一座宏伟的文艺复兴时期城堡便矗立于此。这座建筑瑰宝建于16世纪，由第一代塞内特侯爵修建，既具备坚固的军事防御功能，又融入了意大利宫殿的优雅风格，是西班牙最早的文艺复兴建筑之一。

春天游览拉卡拉奥拉可谓一场视觉盛宴：附近的山谷被盛开的樱花点缀成粉白色的海洋，勾勒出令人难忘的景色。此外，这里靠近内华达山脉和阿尔普哈拉山区，是自然与历史爱好者的理想目的地。前往拉卡拉奥拉，探索这个格拉纳达的角落，感受历史与美景交相辉映的魅力。