8Alcázar of Segovia, Spain

Perched high on a rocky crag overlooking the confluence of two rivers, the Alcázar of Segovia in Spain is a majestic fortress that looks as if it were plucked from a storybook. Its slender towers, elegant spires, and military fortifications give the Alcázar a unique fairy-tale-like appearance. Built in the 12th century, it served as a royal palace and later as a state prison. The Alcázar’s dramatic location and historical significance make it one of Spain’s most remarkable castles.