Medieval castle in Europe, known for its grandeur, opens its doors to the public once more
Norwich Castle Reopens After Major Restoration
Norwich Castle, a historic Norman fortress in England, has reopened after a five-year, £27.5 million (approximately $37 million) restoration. The castle, commissioned by William the Conqueror and one of the first castles built after the Norman Conquest of England, now offers public access to all five original floors, including the basement and battlements, for the first time [1][2][3][4][5].
The refurbishment has transformed Norwich Castle into "The People's Palace," highlighting its role as a cultural and historical centerpiece. The castle, which dates back to the 11th century, has been reimagined to be the UK's most accessible Norman castle, with a state-of-the-art lift for wheelchair and pushchair access up to the rooftop [2][4][5].
Visitors can now explore meticulously recreated Norman chambers furnished authentically, the medieval Great Hall with immersive audio-visual storytelling, a private chapel, king’s quarters, and a fighting gallery where soldiers once patrolled [2][3][5]. The restoration drew on decades of research and partnerships, including one with the British Museum, to present over 900 artifacts in a new gallery dedicated to medieval life [3].
In addition to its historical significance, Norwich Castle has been recognized as a must-visit destination. Lonely Planet selected Norwich Castle as one of its top places to visit in 2025 [6].
Meanwhile, Bodrum Castle, a historical marvel located on Bodrum Peninsula in southwest Turkey, continues to attract visitors. Built by the Knights of Saint John in the 15th century, Bodrum Castle is home to one of the world's few Museums of Underwater Archaeology [7].
Elsewhere, the debate about "dark tourism" was ignited again when Cambodia's Khmer Rouge torture sites were added to the UNESCO World Heritage list [8]. The sites, which include the infamous S-21 prison, have been criticized for their inclusion on the list, with some arguing that they glorify the atrocities committed during the Khmer Rouge regime [8].
In other news, four young women recreated a 1972 photo at an English seaside resort, while three US couples recreated a 1994 photo at the beach at Cabo San Lucas, Mexico [9][10]. These photo recreations serve as a reminder of the enduring power of photography to capture and preserve moments in time.
Finally, CNN visited Kumagaya to mark the anniversary of the air raid, while an abandoned secret nuclear missile base in Lithuania reflects the political dynamics of the Cold War [11][12]. The dim underground maze of the Lithuanian missile base was visited by 35,000 people last year, offering a glimpse into the past and the tensions of the Cold War era.
References:
- Norwich Castle
- Norwich Castle Museum and Art Gallery
- Norwich Castle Museum and Art Gallery: Redevelopment
- Norwich Castle: A People's Palace
- Norwich Castle reopens after major £27.5m restoration
- Lonely Planet's top 10 regions to visit in 2025
- Bodrum Castle
- Cambodia's Khmer Rouge torture sites added to UNESCO World Heritage list
- Four young women recreate 1972 photo at English seaside resort
- Three US couples recreate 1994 photo at the beach at Cabo San Lucas, Mexico
- CNN visits Kumagaya to mark the anniversary of the air raid
- An abandoned secret nuclear missile base in Lithuania
The restoration of Norwich Castle, a jewel in England's home-and-garden scene, has also transformed it into a travel hotspot, inviting visitors to explore its cultural and historical lifestyle on all five restored floors, including the medieval Great Hall and the newly designed gallery dedicated to medieval life.
In stark contrast, Bodrum Castle, nestled on the Bodrum Peninsula in southwest Turkey, remains a travel destination that showcases a different era, hosting the Museum of Underwater Archaeology within its historical walls.
