The Most Famous Carousels in the World: Where Childhood and History Spin Who among us hasn't stood still as a child in front of a bright, sparkling carousel, choosing the most beautiful horse? This simple yet captivating attraction has accompanied humanity for several centuries. Over time, carousels have been royal tournaments, courtly diversions, and finally, a beloved pastime for the public. Today, there are dozens of unique carousels scattered around the world — each with its own history, character, and magic. Some remember the times of kings, others have become symbols of entire cities, and still others are genuine masterpieces of engineering. The Birth of a Tradition: From Knightly Tournaments to the First Amusements Before embarking on a journey through the most famous carousels in the world, it's worth recalling where it all began. The word "carousel" comes from the Italian "garosello" and the Spanish "carosella," meaning "little war." In the Middle Ages, this was the name for knightly horse tournaments where riders demonstrated their agility and skill. The most dazzling carousels were held under Louis XIII and XIV in Paris in front of the Tuileries — that very square still bears the name Place du Carrousel. And in 1662, Louis XIV, the future Sun King, organized a grand equestrian performance that forever linked his name with this word. Gradually, tournaments gave way to peaceful entertainment. Around 300 years ago, in France, a device was invented that allowed for training in javelin throwing: wooden horses and chariots were suspended on chains from a rotating central pillar. And in 1861, the Englishman Thomas Bradshaw presented the first steam-powered carousel attraction. From this moment on, the era of carousels in the form we know today began. Germany: The Oldest Carousel in the World If you want to see the oldest surviving carousel, your journey leads to the German city of Hanau. Here, in the spa park Hanau-Wilhelmsbad, a carousel has been operati ... Read more