Windsor Castle, majestically perched on a hill, dominates the landscape with its imposing stone buildings. Often shrouded in a magical mist, it surveys Windsor Great Park and the town of Windsor from its elevated position.

This historic castle has become widely recognized thanks to the Netflix drama The Crown. It was a favorite residence of Queen Elizabeth II, and many British monarchs have left their mark on its architecture and interiors.

Founded by William the Conqueror after his victory at the Battle of Hastings in 1066, Windsor Castle initially was a simple, cube-shaped structure with minimal windows, situated atop a man-made mound and surrounded by a moat.

It was part of a series of fortifications built to secure William's kingdom.

The castle began to gain prominence as a royal residence in the 1200s when Henry III made significant improvements, adding new buildings in the upper section to house the royal state apartments.

This modernization made the castle more suitable for the king and his family.

Visitors can explore Middle Ward, the central section of the castle, where older buildings are visible. The Round Tower, a prominent feature, stands alone on a hill surrounded by a moat garden. In the nineteenth century, its structure was altered to create a more rounded shape and additional stories were added to increase its height.

Today, the Round Tower houses the Royal Archives and is not open to the public. The flag flying above the tower indicates the presence of the royals: the Union flag when they are away and the Royal Standard when they are in residence.

The North Terrace offers spectacular views of Windsor Great Park. Here, visitors can marvel at Queen Mary’s Doll’s House, a masterpiece of early twentieth-century craftsmanship. Designed by Sir Edwin Lutyens between 1921 and 1924, this miniature house was created for Queen Elizabeth II’s grandmother.

It features running water, electricity, and a collection of items from over 1500 top manufacturers, authors, and artists of the time.

The State Apartments are among the most splendid rooms in the world, intended to rival the palace of Versailles.

They showcase golden grandeur and house exceptional treasures from the finest craftsmen. Visitors can admire elaborately painted ceilings, like those in the Dining Room, commissioned by Catherine of Braganza and Charles II.

Art enthusiasts will appreciate famous works such as ‘The Three Heads of Charles I’ by Anthony Van Dyck and ‘Massacre of the Innocents’ by Pieter Breughel the Elder.

The Queen’s Gallery, with its rock crystal chandeliers and portraits by Van Dyck, is another highlight.

St George’s Hall, rebuilt after a devastating fire in 1992 with a design influenced by Prince Philip, is used for state banquets and events.

It features stunning carved wooden beams and the coats of arms of former Knights of the Garter. Visitors can see names etched into the wooden panels and alcoves around the room.

St George’s Chapel, constructed in 1475, is a Gothic masterpiece and the final resting place of many British monarchs, including Charles I and Henry VIII.

The choir stalls and floor tombstones, including that of Henry VIII and Jane Seymour, are noteworthy. The chapel hosts annual ceremonies for the Order of the Garter and has been the venue for recent royal weddings, including those of King Charles and Camilla, and Prince Harry and Meghan Markle.

Visitors may witness the ceremonial Changing of the Guard, performed by various military regiments. This spectacle, sometimes accompanied by brass bands playing popular tunes, is a must-see tradition that adds to the castle's vibrant atmosphere.

Windsor Castle is not just a historical monument but a living testament to the British monarchy's enduring legacy, blending medieval fortification with modern royal residence.