Disney castles inspired by real-world architecture, medieval historian reveals

A video by Architectural Digest features medieval architecture historian Meredith Cohen analyzing the real-world inspirations behind iconic Disney castles. The castle in Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs is based on the Castle of Segovia in Spain, with its towers exaggerated in the film. Sleeping Beauty's castle draws from Neuschwanstein Castle in Bavaria, Germany, in a neo-Gothic style. The castle in Brave, inspired by two ancient English castles, contains historical inaccuracies. The Sultan's palace in Aladdin resembles the Taj Mahal but is a fantastical blend of Eastern styles. Frozen's castle is modeled after Akershus Fortress near Oslo, Norway, with elements from Borgund Stave Church. All Disney castles share a triangular form, also seen in the Disney logo, which is a stylized synthesis of the castles from Snow White and Cinderella.