Walt Disney‘s earliest animated films revolved around fairy tales, far away lands, and magical castles that captured our collective imaginations. Cinderella and Sleeping Beauty‘s castles even came to represent the studio itself, with large recreations placed at Disney theme parks across the world. But if you’re planning a trip to Spain, you can actually visit the Alcázar of Segovia, a wondrous palace which dates back to the 12th century. Great Big Story recently featured the Alcázar, and expanded on the inspiration it provided for two of Disney’s iconic castles.
As noted in the video, Disney was so taken by the Alcázar that it was reproduced as the Queen’s castle in Snow White in almost exact detail. It was also a major influence on Cinderella’s castle. However, the Alcázar has a much deeper history beyond its association with Disney’s films. Over the centuries, the Alcázar has been a fortress, the home of the Spanish royal family, a state prison, and a military academy, as well as its current incarnation as a museum and military archive.
The Alcázar is still one of the most popular tourist destinations in Spain, and it’s easy to understand why. It looks like it could have escaped from a storybook fantasy, but it is also an intriguing reminder of Spain’s distant past. To learn more about the Alcázar, or even plan a trip of your own, check out the official site here.
What do you think about the the Alcázar of Segovia? Let us know in the comment section below!
Images: Great Big Story
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