Cool Castles

These castles from around the world amaze and inspire 值得一遊的超酷城堡 . 世界各地的城堡帶給人無比驚奇與靈感.

Castles have long been a favorite setting for dramatic stories and events, fact and fantasy alike. Their architecture catches your attention, and their history pulls you in. Their rooms tell tales and offer mystery that will fuel your imagination. If you get the chance, here are six amazing castles you'll definitely want to visit.

Neuschwanstein Castle, Germany
This is arguably the most famous castle in the world and with good reason. It was the inspiration for the Sleeping Beauty Castle at Disneyland.  King Ludwing II of Bavaria commissioned the ornate palace in the late 1800s, but he died before it was completed. It was opened to the public a few weeks later, and nearly 60 million have visited since.

Bran Castle, Romania
Have you heard of Bram stoker's Dracula? This 13th-century castle has been called an ideal setting for the famous novel. But there are no vampires here - the castle is now a museum. In it you can find art and furniture collected by Queen Marie of Romania, and weapons and armor from the 14th to 19th centuries.

Segovia Castle, Spain
Its shape makes this castle unusual. It's built like a giant boat with two rivers flowing around it, joining at its "bow. " built in 1120 as a fort, it has served as a prison, Royal Artillery College and museum.

Chateau de Versailles, France
This estate was "upgraded" to a castle in the 1600s when it become home to the Court of France. Fans
of French history will love seeing the magnificent decor that represents the French kingdom at its greatest.

Prague Castle, Czech Republic
Prague Castle is the largest ancient castle in the world. Sections were built in the 9th century. Over the centuries, rulers made small additions, and the castle grew. Today. Prague Castle's design contains every architectural style of the last 1,000 years.

Himeji Castle, Japan
Eighty-three wooden buildings stand together to form this amazing castle built in the 14th century. Equally amazing is the winding network of paths leading to the main castle area. These were for defense - enemies wondered these paths and often came to dead ends.

The world's castles are full of interesting history. Find one and explore for yourself!


Grammar Tips:
Castles have long been a favorite setting for dramatic stories and events, fact and fantasy alike.
"Have long been " - is short for "have been for a long time."
The senior citizens of this neighborhood have long been the moral support of our community development projects.
The dragon and phoenix have long been a part of Chinese wedding symbols.

Vocabulary Tips:
architecture -建筑，或是建筑风格。the way the building is made.
*The cathedral is famous for its unique architecture.
architect -建筑师。
architectural -有关建筑的。
*The architectural details of this building are very delicate.
arguably (adv) - possibly could be.
arguable  (adj) - 有论据的，可以论证的，可以说是。。， 有理由说。。
*Renee is, arguably, the best sales representative we ever had. 最佳业务代表。。
*Paris is arguably the center of fashion for the world.
commission -委任，任命。pointed specific person to do it.
*Sean was commissioned to be the manager of this overseas branch office. 。。被任命为海外部门的经理。
commission (n) - 任命令
*The commission for the new ambassador is still a secret. 新大使的任命令至今还是个秘密。
inspire - give idea to create something. not a copy or exactly same.
Vampire - people died than became alive, became an evil drink people's blood to live. 吸血鬼。
estate -地产，庄园。土地上的。
*The couple's estate in France is now worth over $5,000,000.
*Roger is planning to build a school on his estate.
real estate -不动产，房产。
*Brad owns several pieces of real estate in Europe.
de'cor -decoration, design. 装饰，装璜。
*This hotel is famous for its stylish and de'cor. 时尚和装璜闻名。
*The theme of the party de'cor is "Tropical Paradise." 装璜得主体。。
* Dean claims his pool table is part of his home decor. 撞球桌是他家装璜得一部分。
defense - to protect you, to stay away, not to fight with someone. 防御，防范， 防卫。防护。保护。
*The barriers were set up as a defense against the protesters.
*He claimed that his actions were purely in self-defense.
*The budget spent on national defense is astronomical.
fort - building that protect city.
artillery - 重型有轮子的大炮，武器。

Chat Room:
public (adj) -大众。
the public (n) - 加定冠词“”-人民，社会大众。
the general public -一般大众。
..was opened to the public. 对大众开放。
in public - 当众，在众人面前。
The lovers kissed in public. 这对恋人在众人面前，当众接吻。
go public with something -将某一件事揭发并公诸于世（大众）
go public-
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bow (v) - (bao) - 鞠躬。
Bow before the king -
bow out - (bao out) -放弃，退出。
He bowed out of the game when he hurt his leg.
bow - (bao) -船头。
the bow of the ship -
bow (n) (bo) - 弓箭。
it's "bow" -
bow -蝴蝶结。
bow tie -蝴蝶领结。


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