Windsor excursion

Like the Tower of London in the City, Windsor Castle was founded by William of Norman (the Conqueror) around 1070-1080. (In 1066, the Anglo-Saxon dynasty of kings changed to Norman.) William builds a series of defensive castles throughout England. Windsor Castle was one of these fortifications. Strategically, the construction site was selected magnificently. Windsor is west of London (30 miles), as is London on the banks of the Thames. It is here that the highest point in the local landscape is located - a natural hill, from where all the surroundings are perfectly visible. The dense forests for personal hunting, previously used by Saxon kings, multiplied the advantages of building a private royal residence here.

Today, the history of the castle has 1000 years. Externally, the monumental castle-fort during its history has transformed into one of the magnificent palaces, and is deservedly the pride of the nation. Windsor Castle is still the official country residence of the Queen of England, considered the largest residential castle in the world and the only continuously used royal castle in Europe.

During the tour we will trace the history of Windsor since its foundation. We will talk about how the castle was completed and transformed in different eras, by different kings, for different reasons. We will visit the state and semi-state royal apartments, apartments, which host official receptions and banquets. In some interiors, the power and strength of former victories and the fundamentality of preserving traditions are traced. Others are more French in character, reflecting the sophistication and elegance of Baroque and Rococo. In Windsor collected a chic collection of paintings, with masterpieces of Rubens, Van Dyck, Rembrandt, Holbein and others.

We will talk about the most prestigious English knightly Order of the Garter, founded in the 14th century by the real warrior king Edward III, who wanted to recreate the legend of the Knights of the Round Table of King Arthur, transforming Windsor into the triumph of English chivalry, the New Camelot. The Knightly Order of the Garter still exists today with its own rites and ceremonies, which we will also talk about in the castle and in the chapel of St. George.

The Chapel of St. George is a royal church, a functioning temple, the most beautiful Gothic building of the 13th-15th centuries. Like Westminster Abbey, it is used by the royal family. As in the Abbey, kings are buried here.

At the end of the tour of Windsor, we will walk through the city itself. In the beautiful streets we will go to the Thames, talk about Eton, about education and maybe have tea with an incredibly delicious dessert in my favorite cafe.

See you soon!

• Transportation
• Tour guide