A medieval-architecture historian breaks down the palaces in the animated classics
15 November 2022
You might know that many Disney films are based on fairy tales. Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs comes from the Brothers Grimm classic, while Sleeping Beauty was inspired by Charles Perrault’s tale. However, a princess is nothing without her castle. Therefore, it’s intriguing to consider the architectural inspirations that influenced the designs in these beloved Disney films.
In a recent analysis, Meredith Cohen, a medieval architecture historian, breaks down the palaces featured in six Disney princess movies. These include timeless classics like Snow White and Sleeping Beauty, alongside contemporary films such as Brave, Tangled, and Frozen. Below, we explore these picturesque structures and their real-world counterparts.
Álcazar of Segovia
Álcazar of Segovia, a medieval castle located in Segovia, Spain, inspired the queen’s castle in Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs. According to Cohen, this animated portrayal balances factual accuracy with enchanting Disney magic. She notes the small windows and stone facade as realistic details, used in traditional castles to deter unwanted guests. “They’re defensive structures,” Cohen explains. However, the actual castle features significantly fewer turrets. Disney has exaggerated the towers and turrets to give it a more magical, fantastical appearance.
Neuschwanstein Castle
Neuschwanstein Castle, commissioned by King Ludwig II of Bavaria, served as the inspiration for King Stefan’s castle in Sleeping Beauty. Like the queen’s castle in Snow White, Disney infused additional mystical elements into this structure.
Cohen highlights that many characteristics of King Stefan’s palace represent various architectural eras: Renaissance, Gothic, and Scandinavian influences are paired with classic Gothic pointed arches. While the castle contains a mixture of styles over time, it set a prototype for future Disney castles, particularly influencing the designs for Cinderella’s castle and the Disney logo.
Mont-Saint-Michel
In Tangled, Corona Castle exemplifies the integration of architecture into storytelling. Disney’s adaptation is inspired by Mont-Saint-Michel, which originally housed a Benedictine abbey on a tidal island in Normandy, France. Historically, this site became a prison, further enriching its narrative depth. In reality, Mont-Saint-Michel is accessible only at low tide, metaphorically representing key elements of Rapunzel’s tale: the prison illustrates her confinement, while the tides symbolize her limited connection to the outside world.
Eilean Donan and Dunnottar Castle
DunBroch, featured in Brave, was influenced by two Scottish castles: Eilean Donan and Dunnottar. The animation closely resembles these historic structures, particularly in its stone facade and horizontal layout. However, Cohen points out a few discrepancies, as the story is set in the 10th century, yet stone castles didn’t emerge until the 11th century. Additionally, the dilapidated state of the palace would have been unusual if inhabited, but this representation could symbolize inter-clan tensions portrayed in the film.
Taj Mahal
“I’ve never seen a real castle like this,” comments Cohen regarding the Sultan’s palace from Aladdin. This magnificent structure features a prominent onion dome and a grand staircase leading to an arched entrance. While loosely inspired by the Taj Mahal in India, the palace combines elements from diverse cultures. The colorful turquoise door reflects Indian architecture, while the domes evoke Russian Orthodox churches akin to Saint Basil’s Cathedral in Moscow. “They took liberties in blending cultures,” Cohen notes, acknowledging the film’s revised approach to its representation.
Akershus Fortress and Borgund Stave Church
Given that Frozen draws from Scandinavian folklore, it’s unsurprising that the castle in Arendelle reflects Scandinavian architectural styles. The animated palace features numerous gables and a bell tower crowned with a spire. Its fortifications are reminiscent of Akershus Fortress, a former military stronghold near Oslo. Notably, the animated palace incorporates wooden elements, representing a Norwegian stave church, rather than traditional castle architecture. “Churches often showcase the most remarkable medieval designs,” Cohen explains, underscoring the influence of the Borgund stave church.
