Regal Retreats: 10 Luxe Palaces Around The World

Waquar Habib

Winter Palace, Russia

The Winter Palace, designed by Rastrelli and Stroganov, features opulent Baroque and Neoclassical architecture, symbolising Russian imperial grandeur.

Winter Palace | Depositphotos

Alhambra, Spain

The Alhambra is a UNESCO World Heritage site in Granada built by Nasrid Sultans in the 13th century. It is a grand Andalusian architecture which now houses the Museum of Fine Arts.

Alhambra | Depositphotos

Palace of Versailles, France

Initially a hunting house, Versailles turned into a royal residence and the cradle of the state under Louis XIV. The most visited site in France, it is renowned for its magnificent gardens and the Hall of Mirrors.

Palace of Versailles | Depositphotos

Hawa Mahal, India

Popular for its intricate honey-comb facade, Hawa Mahal, or the 'Palace of the Winds' was designed by Lal Chand Ustad. It is a perfect blend of Rajput and Mughal architecture.

Hawa Mahal | Depositphotos

Palace of Westminster, UK

With its iconic Big Ben tower, the Westminster Palace, or the Houses of Parliament, is a masterpiece of Victorian Gothic architecture in London.

Palace of Westminster | Depositphotos

Potala Palace, Tibet

Perched atop Marpo Ri hill, the Potala Palace is a symbol of Tibetan culture and was once the winter residence of the Dalai Lama.

Potala Palace | Depositphotos

Forbidden City, China

Located in Beijing, the Forbidden City is an enormous palace complex built in traditional Chinese imperial architectural style. It was built in 1406 and was home to emperors of the Ming and Qing dynasties.

Forbidden City | Depositphotos

Topkapi Palace, Turkiye

Built in 1459 in the Ottoman-Baroque style, Topkapi Palace was once the administrative and residential centre of the Ottoman Empire. It is situated on the banks of the Bosphorus.

Topkapi Palace | Depositphotos

Schönbrunn Palace, Austria

Standing on the outskirts of Vienna, the Schönbrunn Palace is a Baroque palace famous for its lavish gardens, the world's oldest zoo, and Roman ruins.

Schönbrunn Palace | Wikimedia Commons

Mysore Palace, India

Built between 1897 and 1912, the Mysore Palace showcases the opulence of the Wadiyar Dynasty. It is a prime example of the Indo-Saracenic architectural style designed by J. W. Brassington.

Mysore Palace | Depositphotos