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Showing posts with label Ghent. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Ghent. Show all posts

Ten Important Things To Do When You Visit Belgium

Belgium - a beautiful country that is quite appropriately dubbed as the "Battlefield of Europe." Indeed, Belgium has had its share of wars. It has endured the rages of greedy kings and ambitious warlords from all epochs, but no war can diminish this country's beauty, making it an ideal place to visit.



1) Have a Cup of Hot Chocolate



No Belgium vacation can be without a trip to the capital city's famous sidewalk cafes. It is absolutely essential to drop by any of the several cafes littered in Brussels City and have yourself a sip of Belgium's famous rich hot chocolate. If there's anything that the beautiful country of Belgium can offer you, it's your sweet tooth's utter satisfaction.



2) Participate in the Carnival of Binche



Be a smart tourist and visit Belgium at the time of year when it's most festive. During the month of February, Belgium hosts its most colorful festival ever, the Cranival of Binche. With Firework displays and music parades and colorful costumes and projectile oranges, this certainly is a festival worth participating in. This festival is even included in UNESCO's heritage list.



3) Follow the Gourmet Trail



One of the greatest things about the Belgians is that they know good food like the back of their hands, and Belgium is known for its fine cuisines that are heavily influenced by the different countries that surround it. Try eating Belgium's Mussels, a shellfish dish, and see if your tongue agrees with the Belgian taste. Also, why not try Belgium's French Fries. It is, after all, the original.



4) Have Fun with a Fluvial Cruise



Hop on any one of Belgium's colorful boats and cruise around Belgium's waterways to have a perfect view of the various cities and towns lining the coastline. You can try the Lys River, which will take you to Bruges or Ghent. You can also try the Escaut river to reach Tournai and Bossuit.



5) Exercise Your Inner Scholar



Belgium is a country that places high stock on good education. Visit Ghent or Leuven, Belgium's student cities, and hurl yourself into local coffee shop and strike a conversation with any of the university students. You'll be sure to find an intellectual conversation anywhere.



6) Party in Ghent



If you're the type who can party well into the night for days on end, then Belgium just has just the thing for you. Ghent City hosts the Gentse Feesten, a gigantic street festival which has everything from street dancing to theater to diverse musical performances. The Gentse Feesten happens on the 14th of July until the 23rd.



7) Frolic in the Flander Fields - the Westhoek



Have you ever wanted to run unfettered through beautiful flower fields and lush green plains? Well, your fantasy comes true in Belgium's Flander Fields where the Flander fields are not only beautiful but also rich in history. This is the only part of Belgium that wasn't captured during the world war due to the townsmen's ingenious plans of opening the flood gate.



8) Brussel's Oldest Citizen



Who would have thought that Brussel's Oldest Citizen is a little boy atop a fountain? The Mannekin-Pis, located in the Rue de l'Etuve, is probably the most popular tourist spot in the capital city. The Mannekin-Pis is a bronze statuette of Belgian irreverence, a sculpture of a little boy who is 'answering the call of nature' (e.g. taking a piss).



9) Where Great Men Once Walked



And you can't have a trip to Belgium without going to the Grand Place, a beautiful piece of architecture that has been around since the middle ages. This is where Marx and Engels once worked to write their Communist Manifesto.



10) Castle Hopping



And, if you're hungry for beautiful and diverse architecture, then Belgium surely is the place for you. Wallonia in Belgium has a huge collection of castles of every kind. They have fortresses and towers and everything you will ever need for your medieval fantasies. These castles have even become popular as honeymoon spots for newlyweds.

Article Source: http://jonathanwilliams.articlesbase.com/travel-articles/ten-important-things-to-do-when-you-visit-belgium-322745.html


About the Author

Jonathan Williams is the travel writer for Destination Guide TV - the place to share travel videos. Visit http://www.DestinationGuide.tv/belgium to view or share Belgium travel videos.

Your Guide to Holidays in Brussels

Brussels is the capital urban place of Belgium; with the bigger Brussels arena as the capital of the European Union. Brussels takes its root as a place from the 10th century in advance it gradually flourished as a trading post along with Ghent, Cologne, and Burges, since all these large towns lie along the Siene River. It was the home of aristocrats, diplomats, and royalty until it became the middle of governance of Belgium in the 19th century.

There is no shortage of out of this world places to eat and drink when reviewing a list of Brussels tourism options. Fine eating is a real art form in Brussels, but there are also many quaint caf's and public houses littered from the word go the urban place. The main dining and eating areas in Brussels are Avenue Louise and surroundings, suburb Sainte-Catherine called the fish market, majestic' quarter and the Ilot Sacr, and point du rich Sablon. There are myriad eating establishments in Brussels, all with attractive interior settings and impartially fine eating opportunities for travellers looking to get a bite to eat.

When it comes to spots of interest, Brussels has many diversity. Museums and galleries, traces and monuments, churches, gardens and parks, cinemas, and markets represent some of the must-drop by sites in the place. The Beaux Art Museum and the coincident Art Museum, the Belgian Comic Strip Museum, the Brewery Museum, and The Horta Museum are some of the greater important museums in Brussels. Illustrious features include terrific dwelling, Arc de Triomphe, and Parc du Cinquantenaire. As for gardens and parks, site du Petit Sablon and Brussels Park are a breath of fresh air.

Other than seeing museums, famed vantage points, and churches, one can also adore a panoramic view of the city and its surroundings from the top of the Atomium, which is a model of an iron molecule's nine atoms magnified 165 billion times. In the summer, one can take part in a unique activity christened 'Death Ride' from the top sphere of the Atomium. You should not miss the unique shopping experience at Brussels' elevated flea market - The March aux Puces-Vlooienmarkt in vicinity du Jeu de Balle-Vossenplein.

Brussels is one of the spots to go for citizens who are fans of flicks, especially art films. There are countless sites where one can go to engage in some peaceful yet satisfying film viewing. Actors Studio, Styx, Cinema Nova, and Arenberg are only a inconsiderable of the cinemas that are favorite all over Belgium, and at times, even Europe. Shopping in Brussels is a bit inconvenient as shops are normally closed on Sundays and Mondays, but the diversity of the goods more than makes up for the short open-time of the stores. From films, books, and especially chocolate, the shopping in Brussels does not frustrate.

A world class destination in Belgium

Great beers, waffles and french fries is what comes to many people's minds when they think of Belgium. The country is often maligned by the uninitiated who have never sampled the delights that are offered by world class cities such as Bruges and Brussels, but for those in the know it is regarded as a first class destination in Europe.

It takes only a few hours to get from London to Belgium thanks to the high-speed Eurostar trains and so the country has become extremely accessible both to holiday makers from the UK as well as those simply looking for a weekend getaway.

Despite being a tourist magnet and overcrowded for most of the year, the medieval city of Bruges is the country's most popular destination and with its picturesque houses, canals and bridges it is not hard to see why. For beauty and atmosphere you'd be hard pushed to find anywhere else that compares in Belgium. Of course if you are looking for a bit more action, then consider the city of Ghent which is located between Antwerp, Bruges and Brussels. This university town has carved out a reputation for fun thanks to the various festivals held throughout the year.

If you are planning a trip over to Belgium but understandably do not want to be bothered taking a lot of bulky luggage with you then don't worry, because this is where an online parcel delivery company can help out. Rather than having to heft about large items, simply send them over in advance. It really couldn't be simpler to get your things over to Belgium when you go through a reputable courier company that has a solid reputation and years of experience delivering to destinations all over Europe and the rest of the world.

Always make sure before you send anything abroad however that you check it does not fall into a prohibited items category. There are certain goods that customs officials will not allow into Belgium, and there are also a number of goods that courier companies refuse to carry. Many items are obvious, such as explosive materials and firearms, but there are some other less obvious ones. If you are new to sending packages to Belgium then do make sure you check with the courier company first.

When you are considering shipping to Belgium then make sure you find a courier company that can get your parcel to Belgium in one piece.

An Affluent Belgium

Situated in Northern Europe, bordering North Sea, between France and the Netherlands, Belgium, as a country that can boast of rich historical past, dating back to the middle ages. The country is studded with museums and historical sites- Museum of Musical Instruments (Old Brussels), The Bastogne Historical Center, Tresor du Prieure d'Oignies(Namur) and Grand Place(Brussels). There are also a lot of World Heritage Sites in Belgium. Besides these, Belgium also has a large number of Sacred and Religious places.


Belgium is a highly industrialized nation in the world and comes within top ten trading rank. Its economy is primarily service oriented with a high per capita income and a very productive labor force. Citizens of most European nations do not require any documents to enter the country, people from Australia, Canada, Japan, New Zealand and USA do not require a visa for visits up to three months. The average daily expenses for a tourist will be anywhere above $35, depending upon the circumstances but staying in Brussels will be much more expensive.The major cities in Belgium are Antwerp, Brussels, Bruges, Dinant, Genk, Ghent, Hasselt, Leuven, Liege, Namur, Oostende. Spa, and Waterloo.


Though the period from May to September is excellent for visiting Belgium, the summer (July to September) is a good time to visit Brussels. For foreigners, safety is not a big concern in Belgium. Except a few areas in Central Brussels, and the outskirts of Antwerp, most areas are safe for foreigners. Tourists will have to be quite cautious in vacant streets and places and while traveling alone at night. Among the big hotels, BHC Group (Espace53), Café Bergenhof, Kelly's Irish Pub and O'Reilly's Irish Pub Brussels are the most famous.


During the festive season, Burges Ice Festival is quite famous, with ice pieces sculpted from no less than 300,000 kgs of crystal ice and 400 tons of pure snow. The treasure-trove of icy masterpieces is a specialized thermal tent, where the temperature is kept at a constant -5 degrees C. At Brussels Rhythm and Blues Club, non-stop live music with men in Blue and the Witness can be had for the tourists. 

Late evening at the Brussels museums comprise all conceivable subjects, from the most classical to the funniest, from artistic to the scientific passing by technology, industry, history, exoticism and even gastronomy. All hotels in Brussels have an extensive home page with pictures, prices and rooms descriptions so that we can have a good idea of what the accommodation looks like. Web sites available for booking in about 750 hotels in Belgium and there is a wide variety to choose from.

Ghent Belgium

Ghent, Belgium is a friendly university town that is full of ancient buildings and history. If Bruges is a city filled with tourists looking for a time warp, Ghent is a city full of students and locals just living life... Like Bruges it started as a port, but unlike Bruges, it still is an important port. It's a city of flowers with a flourishing flower export trade.

It has museums and ancient architecture, but it's a modern city. True, the city center is a pedestrian area that is like a museum to early Flemish architecture... and a testament to the city's medieval might, but it's surrounded by a real life city. The tourist brochures say it has more historic sites than Antwerp and is more down-to-earth "real" than Bruges. While I love Bruges, I think I agree with them.

It's not high on a lot of tourists lists, but it deserves to be. Though I admit, the only reason we went to Ghent in the first place was because we had hosted a student from the university one summer in the U.S. As a tourist, it's the old city center you want to visit. You'll find a wealth of history to explore within the outline of the old city walls. You'll see impressive Gothic sites, such as dramatic St. Bavos's Cathedral and the Castle of the Counts. The city's medieval core is cradled within a loop of the River Leie, which surrounds the old town like a moat.

It's a big city... Belgium's fourth largest, but you'll only be dealing with the center. The historical center is divided into "areas". To find your way around on the tourists maps you need to become familiar with these areas.... don't worry, there's no quiz and it's not hard. The historical city center is in the area called Toren-site. To the north is Patershol, which contains a lot of the best restaurants. To the south is the Kunstenkwartier, where most of the universities' 50,000 students congregate. There are numerous waterways passing through the city center. The city started as a settlement on the Scheldt and Lys (Leie) Rivers. But you don't need to know all the rivers and canals.... just know that all this water makes the city pretty.

Castle of the Counts is an imposing fortress type castle in the heart of the city -- The Gravensteen area or "Gravensteen-site". This imposing castle was RE-built in 1180 (and then restored in the 19th century). It overlooks the city from it's battlements high up on the keep and you get a great panoramic view of the city from the tower. There is an authentic medieval district in the shadow of the Castle ... It is still partially surrounded by a medieval moat. The area called Toren-site is the historical heart of the city. This is where you'll find Saint Bavo Cathedral with the Ghent Altarpiece - The Mystic Lamb by Hubert and Jan Van Eyck. This famous multi-section altarpiece was completed in 1432, and is worth a look whether you're an art lover or not.

Walk over St. Michael's Bridge, also in the heart of town... in the Graslei-site. The Graslei is one of the most scenic places in Ghent's old city center. From the bridge, you'll have a wonderful view of the skyline of Ghent with the three impressive towers of St Nicholas' Church, the Belfry with its bell tower, and Saint Bavo Cathedral. If all of these areas make the city sound spread out... it's not; at least not the historical center. You won't get lost in Ghent... pedestrian signposts are everywhere. So stop and explore this historic Dutch city; you'll be glad you did.

Belgium: The home of chocolates

Unlike the title, Belgium is much more than just the chocolate-box of the world, but that is not something coming as too much of a surprise to tourists, particularly to those who have been there. The country is more than 175 years into its independent existence, and is hardly showing signs of ageing! True, there have been valiant attempts to alter its downtrodden image, but the change has taken shape in a most natural manner. There are quite heavy impressions of medieval architecture uncannily preserved here. Coming to the cities, Brussels and Antwerp lead the pack, followed by Bruges, which is pleasant despite, and also because of, the fact that there are scores of tourists perpetually present here at every single day of the year. Ghent, on the other hand, is a slightly scaled down version of the more dynamic cities of the country, so to speak. Once a city that rivalled Paris in its splendour, Ghent is today happier playing second fiddle to cities like Brussels.

Belgium is an undisputed leader when it comes to moral freedom. Gays and lesbians have been given equal rights compared to heterosexuals, while Euthanasia, a concept that is condemned and criticised in most parts of the world, was legalised in 2002. The topics of discussion over a couple of Duvels, the country's signature pale ale produced in the town of Breendonk, are aplenty, which is also one of the reasons why the country is having one of the most social environments in the world.

Brussels certainly has a split personality in every sense of the word. The competition rages on in many forms – Flemish v/s French, unique v/s boring and happening v/s historic. Eurocrats and red tape set aside, the point of conflict, so to speak, are not just limited to the predictable ones. However, it is this healthy disparity in the times of globalisation that sets the mood for a tourist's unforgettable sojourn in Brussels. The city is also known for its café culture, Art Nouveau architecture and fine dining options. Surreal art also comes to life here, in the northern suburb of Jette, to be specific. The variation in architecture ranges from the age-old Grand Place to the new-age Art Nouveau façades. In the midst of all this, the quality of life is superb – great shopping, numerous choices for eating, 'out of the world' chocolates, and an enviable pub culture.

Known as the unsung city of the Flanders, Ghent is situated between Brussels, Bruges and Antwerp. A canal city that is as visually spectacular as it gets, it has more often than not been ignored by tourists, and that is why those who choose to tread the road not taken are rewarded handsomely. Sitting on the junction of the Scheldt and Leie rivers, the crowning glory of Ghent is the Het Gravensteen castle. Having an illustrious history, thanks to King Charles V, the city today is the capital of the Oost-Vlaanderen province, and also Flander's biggest university town.

To constantly stay in contact with family and friends while in Belgium, there is no better service provider than Matrix, as up to 80% savings are assured, with fantastic savings on every call and network coverage among the best in the world.

The Most Important Attractions of Belgium

Surrounded by France, Germany, Luxembourg and the Netherlands, Belgium thrills the guest with its varied views: the rivers and passes of the Ardennes create a strong contrast with the vast plains that occupy a great area of the country, the majestic forests from the German and Luxembourg borders with the never-ending sand beaches of the northern coast. In Belgium, you will come across a land that is extraordinary through its old towns, with countless castles and sanctuaries that will leave remarkable memories.

BRUSSELS

Brussels it's the place where you will be stunned to hear lots of unfamiliar languages. It has not long ago acquired the „international city” status, aside from being the „capital” of the European Union and United Nations. In Brussels lives a great diversity of people, from public servants and eurocrats to immigrants from Congo, Northern Africa or Turkey, who supported the cultural and culinary variety of the place. Contemplating above towers and modern city's remarkable boulevards, you will ascertain that Belgium's old soul is still whole, persisting in the vintage districts of modest workers or in the conservative neighborhoods.

There are two languages that are being used in Belgium: Flemish, the language of the German origin citizens from the north, and French. While on the streets of this beautiful city you should pay great concern to detail: traditional shops with extraordinary building details, sumptuous walls built in Art Deco style, doors and gates enhanced with really special sculptures, altars slipped in the facades of buildings at the corner of the street, bearing the image of the Virgin Mary.

"The soul" of Brussels is the Grand-Place market, built in Baroque and Gothic styles, where you can witness the parade of  families descendants at the beginning of July or you can entertain yourself with theater plays or open air concerts. In the south you will discover the area known as The Template, where the pre-nineteenth century Belgian spirit has been retained just about . In the north you will discover the old labor neighborhood of Marolles, where street names today denote skill types that were undertook by their former inhabitants.

A tripper that has a weakness for beautiful should not skip a visit to the Museum of Art, home of some of the most important works of Pieter Breughel - including the acclaimed Fall of Icarus - and of Peter Paul Rubens, and to the Museum of Modern Art, which prouds itself with the work of Pablo Picasso, Henry Moore, Salvador Dali or Francis Bacon.

GHENT

Ghent is the Flemish capital of the country, built in Gothic and Renaissance style, with a population of only 230,000 inhabitants. Majestic is the buildings construction from Graslei, the city's old port. There are two rivers, Leie and Lieve, that overpass this area. From the St. Michielsbrug bridge, the view is superb: in the north you will recognize the Gravensteen castle, home of Flemish counts between ages 9-12, where you can still contemplate an ample range of torture instruments. The other castle, Geraard of Duivelsteen, dated from the13th century, has the same inauspicious notoriety.

BRUGES

This stylish Flemish city saw an important progress since the Middle Ages. Through this port, the town became a critical commercial transit of goods from Italy, the Far East, England or Russia. Bruges was famous all over the world for its wool products and the particular skill of its upholstery masters. The renowned Markt market dates from the 13th century; climbing its 366 stairs, you will examine the remarkable view of this old city. Heilige Bloed Basiliek Basilica will speak to you about the times of the second crusade, when the Patriarch of Jerusalem – says the legend – brought some drops of blood of Jesus to the Count of Flanders.

The Most Essential Lures of Belgium

Encompased by France, Germany, Luxembourg and the Netherlands, Belgium excites the visitor with its miscellaneous panoramas: the rivers and passes of the Ardennes create a strong contrast with the ample plains that take up a wide area of the country, the majestic forests from the German and Luxembourg borders with the endless sand shores of the northern coast.

In Belgium, you will discover a land that is impressive through its well-known towns, with countless castles and cathedrals that will leave lasting memories.

BRUSSELS
Brussels
Brussels it's the place where you will be shocked to hear lots of unfamiliar languages. It has recently obtained the „international city" status, apart from being the „capital" of the European Union and United Nations. In Brussels you will meet a wide range of people, from bureaucrats and eurocrats to citizens from Congo, Northern Africa or Turkey, who supported the cultural and culinary variety of the place. Looking past skyscrapers and contemporan city's sumptuous boulevards, you will find that Belgium's archaic soul is still complete, living in the old-fashioned districts of mere workers or in the bourgeois neighborhoods.

There are two languages that are being used in Belgium: Flemish, the language of the German origin settlers from the north, and French. While on the streets of this beautiful city you should give great awareness to detail: old stores with extraordinary constructive specifics, sumptuous walls built in Art Deco style, doors and gates adorned with really special sculptures, temples slipped in the walls of buildings at the corner of the street, bearing the image of the Virgin Mary.

"The soul" of Brussels is the Grand-Place market, built in Baroque and Gothic styles, where you can witness the march of patriciate families descendants at the beginning of July or you can delight yourself with theater plays or outdoor concerts. In the south lies the area known as The Template, where the pre-nineteenth century Belgian essence has been preserved just about intact. In the north you will perceive the old labor neighborhood of Marolles, where street names today signify competence types that were practiced by their former tenants.

A tripper that has a weakness for sublime should not neglect a stopover at the Museum of Art, home of some of the most important works of Pieter Breughel - including the renowned Fall of Icarus - and of Peter Paul Rubens, and to the Museum of Modern Art, which prouds itself with the work of Francis Bacon, Salvador Dali, Henry Moore and Pablo Picasso.
Ghent

GHENT

Ghent is the Flemish capital of the country, built in Gothic and Renaissance style, with a population of only 230,000 inhabitants. Impressive is the buildings construction from Graslei, the city's old port. There are two rivers, Leie and Lieve, that overpass this area. From the St. Michielsbrug bridge, the landscape is sublime: in the north you will contemplate the Gravensteen castle, home of Flemish counts between ages 9-12, where you can still admire a large range of torture instruments. The other castle, Geraard of Duivelsteen, dated from the13th century, has the same malevolent notoriety.
Bruges
BRUGES

This classy Flemish city went through a serious growth since the Middle Ages. Through this port, the town became a great commercial transit of goods from Italy, the Far East, England or Russia. Bruges was famous all over the world for its wool products and the rare talent of its upholstery masters. The well-known Markt market dates from the 13th century; climbing its 366 stairs, you will contemplate the distinguished sight of this old city. Heilige Bloed Basiliek Basilica will speak to you about the times of the second crusade, when the Patriarch of Jerusalem - according to the legend - brought some drops of blood of Jesus to the Count of Flanders.

Ten Important Things To Do When You Visit Belgium

Belgium 'a beautiful country that is quite appropriately dubbed as the Battlefield of Europe. Indeed, Belgium has had its share of wars. It has endured the rages of greedy kings and ambitious warlords from all epochs, but no war can diminish this country's beauty, making it an ideal place to visit.

1) Have a Cup of Hot Chocolate

No Belgium vacation can be without a trip to the capital city's famous sidewalk cafes. It is absolutely essential to drop by any of the several cafes littered in Brussels City and have yourself a sip of Belgium's famous rich hot chocolate. If there's anything that the beautiful country of Belgium can offer you, it's your sweet tooth's utter satisfaction.

2) Participate in the Carnival of Binche

Be a smart tourist and visit Belgium at the time of year when it's most festive. During the month of February, Belgium hosts its most colorful festival ever, the Cranival of Binche. With Firework displays and music parades and colorful costumes and projectile oranges, this certainly is a festival worth participating in. This festival is even included in UNESCO's heritage list.

3) Follow the Gourmet Trail

One of the greatest things about the Belgians is that they know good food like the back of their hands, and Belgium is known for its fine cuisines that are heavily influenced by the different countries that surround it. Try eating Belgium's Mussels, a shellfish dish, and see if your tongue agrees with the Belgian taste. Also, why not try Belgium's French Fries. It is, after all, the original.

4) Have Fun with a Fluvial Cruise

Hop on any one of Belgium's colorful boats and cruise around Belgium's waterways to have a perfect view of the various cities and towns lining the coastline. You can try the Lys River, which will take you to Bruges or Ghent. You can also try the Escaut river to reach Tournai and Bossuit.

5) Exercise Your Inner Scholar

Belgium is a country that places high stock on good education. Visit Ghent or Leuven, Belgium's student cities, and hurl yourself into local coffee shop and strike a conversation with any of the university students. You'll be sure to find an intellectual conversation anywhere.

6) Party in Ghent

If you're the type who can party well into the night for days on end, then Belgium just has just the thing for you. Ghent City hosts the Gentse Feesten, a gigantic street festival which has everything from street dancing to theater to diverse musical performances. The Gentse Feesten happens on the 14th of July until the 23rd.

7) Frolic in the Flander Fields "the Westhoek"

Have you ever wanted to run unfettered through beautiful flower fields and lush green plains? Well, your fantasy comes true in Belgium's Flander Fields where the Flander fields are not only beautiful but also rich in history. This is the only part of Belgium that wasn't captured during the world war due to the townsmen's ingenious plans of opening the flood gate.

8) Brussel's Oldest Citizen

Who would have thought that Brussel's Oldest Citizen is a little boy atop a fountain? The Mannekin-Pis, located in the Rue de l'Etuve, is probably the most popular tourist spot in the capital city. The Mannekin-Pis is a bronze statuette of Belgian irreverence, a sculpture of a little boy who is "answering the call of nature" (e.g. taking a piss).

9) Where Great Men Once Walked

And you can't have a trip to Belgium without going to the Grand Place, a beautiful piece of architecture that has been around since the middle ages. This is where Marx and Engels once worked to write their Communist Manifesto.

10) Castle Hopping

And, if you're hungry for beautiful and diverse architecture, then Belgium surely is the place for you. Wallonia in Belgium has a huge collection of castles of every kind. They have fortresses and towers and everything you will ever need for your medieval fantasies. These castles have even become popular as honeymoon spots for newlyweds.