Castello di Amorosa. Image by Dhinal Chheda/Flickr

When we think of castles, we often think they exist only in fairy tales or grand, old-world European manors, but did you know that there are a few hundred really great, historic castles on this side of the pond?

If you didn’t know before, we advise you to do a simple Google search to see which castles are close by to where you live, just to get a taste of the grandeur of the history and architecture behind the significant buildings.

If you’re an architecture buff or simply would like to fancy yourself a lord or lady or prince or princess for the day, then look no further than our picks for the most stunning castles in the United States.

Hearst Castle (San Simeon, CA)

https://www.instagram.com/p/Bd5tNtWBG3v/?taken-at=212244379

Oheka Castle (Huntington, NY)

Castello di Amorosa (Calistoga, CA)

Boldt Castle (Alexandria Bay, NY)

Hammond Castle (Gloucester, MA)