What is it about castles that are so alluring to travelers? Aside from getting us one step closer to living out our fairytale fantasies, the staggering structures showcase some of the world's best architecture, most stunning landscapes, and maybe even a ghost story or two. There's perhaps no better place on earth to find awe-inspiring castles than in Europe, where it seems like you can't visit a city or take a road trip without stumbling upon some sort of royal dwelling. Here you'll find medieval stone walls, sky-high towers, and bridges arching over glittering moats, everywhere from the Scottish Highlands and the Bavarian Alps to the Mediterranean coast. Check out this list of the 24 most beautiful castles in Europe, and get ready to feel like the true royalty you are.

This post was originally published in March 2016. It has been updated with new information.