Castles
Castles
These fortified structures were often built to protect people of nobility or royalty. Castles originated in the 9th and 10th centuries in Europe. They were used to launch attacks on enemies or as a defense against attackers. Many castles protected important trade routes helping countries to control their territory. Castles were built into the 15th and 16th centuries when gunpowder and artillery became powerful enough to break through their thick walls.
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Alcazar of Segovia
Spain
Originally a Roman fort, the castle is one of the most recognizable in Spain due to it's unique shape.
Photo by Eric Titcombe
Alhambra
Spain
Started in 1238, this Islamic palace complex was a self-contained city during the Nasrid era.
Photo by Nicolas Vigier
Amber Fort
India
Constructed of red sandstone and marble, this beautiful fort sits high above Maota Lake.
Photo by Cristian Ungureanu
Belém Tower
Portugal
A 16th-century fortification located on the Tagus River.
Photo by dchelyadnik
Burghausen Castle
Germany
This German castle is the longest castle complex in the world.
Photo by Polybert49
Caernarfon Castle
United Kingdom
Explore this grand medieval castle that dates back to the 11th century.
Photo by Hefin Owen
Caerphilly Castle
United Kingdom
The surrounding artificial lakes make for an elaborate water defense making it difficult to attack.
Photo by Gareth Williams
Carcassonne
France
Visit the beautifully restored medieval fortress that dates back to the Gallo-Roman period.
Photo by dchelyadnik
Castello Sforzesco
Italy
This castle was built in 1450. It was converted to a fortress in 1526 before being restored to its current state today.
Edinburgh Castle
United Kingdom
Positioned on top of Castle Rock, the castle dominates the city skyline.
Photo by Luke Harold
Eilean Donan
United Kingdom
A picturesque recreation of a 13th century castle destroyed in 1719.
Photo by Brian Toward
Goodrich Castle
United Kingdom
A Norman medieval castle ruin near the village of Goodrich.
Photo by David Merrett
Himeji Castle
Japan
A large, beautiful white castle complex resembling a bird taking flight.
Photo by Vladimir Mokry
Hohensalzburg Castle
Austria
Sitting at a height of over 500 meters, it's one of the largest fortresses in Europe.
Photo by Heather Cowper
Kalmar Castle
Sweden
Once a formidable fortress, the castle was converted to a magnificent Renaissance palace.
Photo by Maria Eklind
Malbork Castle
Poland
The largest castle in the world measured by land area.
Photo by Torsten Maue
Mehrangarh Castle
India
Built around 1459, it's one of the largest forts in India.
Photo by Güidem Üstün
Mont-Saint-Michel
France
Accessible at low tide, this majestic town rises from the sea off the coast of Normandy.
Photo by RAMON ARIAS
Neuschwanstein Castle
Germany
A majestic castle overlooking the village of Hohenschwangau.
Photo by giesing
Nuremberg Castle
Germany
This medieval castle was once considered one of Europe's most formidable forts.
Photo by Roger W
Palace of the Grand Master of the Knights of Rhodes
Greece
A medieval castle built in the late 7th century.
Photo by Luc Coekaerts
Pena Palace
Portugal
Originally a small chapel, it was transformed by King Ferdinand into a Romanticist castle in the 1800's.
Photo by ajay_suresh
Prague Castle
Czech Republic
Built in the 9th century, it's the official residence of the president of the Czech Republic.
Photo by Pierre Blanché
São Jorge Castle
Portugal
The Portuguese conquered the Moors in the 1147 Siege of Lisbon to take this castle.
Photo by Tim (Timothy) Pearce
Tower of London
United Kingdom
The Royal Palace and fortress has also been used as a prison.
Windsor Castle
United Kingdom
This iconic castle is home to the Queen of England.