A fairy tale in real life: which castles became prototypes of locations in famous Disney cartoons

According to the laws of fairy tales, if there is a princess in the story, then she must have a castle. The Disney studio does not deviate from this rule.

But did you know that in almost every cartoon, the locations where the heroines lived were inspired by real places in different parts of the world? Woman and Home magazine told us more about them.

"Sleeping Beauty - Neuschwanstein Castle, Germany

Few places on Earth are as magical and majestic as Neuschwanstein Castle in southwestern Bavaria. Located in the Alps, it was the residence of King Ludwig II, and was built by his order as a tribute to the composer Richard Wagner.

Aladdin - Taj Mahal, India

The luxurious palace of the Sultan from the movie Aladdin, where Princess Jasmine lives, was inspired by the most famous monument in India - the Taj Mahal mausoleum. It is easy to understand why Disney directors turned to the monument for inspiration. Its snow-white marble, elegant domes, minaret towers, pools and fountain are stunning.

The Little Mermaid - Schion Castle, Switzerland

Although Ariel and her friends seem to live somewhere in a warm sea, the main source of inspiration for the cartoon's creators was the Chateau de Chillon on Lake Geneva in Switzerland. It was the castle that was used to draw the home of the Little Mermaid's beloved Prince Eric. By the way, this is not the first work of art inspired by this place. Lord Byron wrote about it in his poem "The Prisoner of Chillon" in 1816.

Mulan - Forbidden City, China

The animated film Mulan has become a true ode to female strength and courage. Disney's classic work also paid a lot of attention to conveying a sense of authenticity. The palace and gates featured in the movie were modeled after the Forbidden City in Beijing, a historical site where Chinese emperors lived between 1420 and 1912. The site is now protected by UNESCO and is used as a museum of ancient art and artifacts.

Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs - Alcazar in Segovia, Spain

The majestic palace from Snow White where the Evil Queen lives was modeled after the Alcazar in Segovia, a medieval castle in central Spain. For centuries, it was used as a military fort, the home of the Spanish royal family, and a prison. And nowadays it has turned into a museum.

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