Medieval castles were an important part of the architecture and culture of the Middle Ages and many of them still survive. Today they are quite an attraction in their respective countries. These historical sites are scattered all over the world and are now major tourist attractions.
Medieval castles served as the residences and centers of power for feudal lords and kings in the Middle Ages. They were built in a variety of locations, such as hills, cliffs, or plains, and their design included defensive elements, such as thick walls, towers, moats, and fortified gates. They also had banquet halls, guest halls, kitchens, cellars, chapels, and watchtowers, which allowed the occupants to have a panoramic view of the surrounding territory.
Below is our list of some of the most impressive medieval castles in the world.
1. Alnwick Castle
Country: England
Located in the town of Alnwick, county of Northumberland. It was built in the 11th century and has been renovated and expanded over the centuries. It is famous for its Gothic architecture and for its gardens, considered some of the most beautiful in Europe, but now more famous for being the setting for several films and television series; for example, it is the interior for the castle in Harry Potter, the exterior being digitally modified to become Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry.
The castle has several attractions for visitors, such as the Great Hall room, the Chapel of Saint Michael, and a number of rooms. It also boasts many gardens and parks, including the Duke’s Garden, the Rose Garden, and the Poison Garden.
2. Windsor Castle
Country: England
Just outside London, in the town of Windsor, in the county of Berkshire, Windsor Castle is a royal residence and the burial place of many members of the British royal family. Windsor Castle was built in the 11th century by William the Conqueror and has been inhabited by the British monarch ever since. It is famous for its Gothic architecture, beautiful gardens, and courtyards, such as the Rose Garden and St. George’s Courtyard, as well as its lavish interiors, including large halls, art galleries, and chapels. It boasts a large collection of historical artifacts, including ancient weapons, armor, and works of art.
3. Warwick Castle
Country: England
Warwick Castle is a medieval castle located in the Midlands, in the city of Warwick, England. It was built in the 11th century and has been expanded and renovated several times over the centuries. It is one of the largest and best-preserved castles in England, famous for its Gothic architecture and large gardens. It has a large number of rooms, towers, and fortifications. Some of the attractions for visitors are the Weapons Room, the Castle Tower, the Great Hall Room, and the Treasury Tower. It also has a series of gardens and patios, such as the rose garden and the parade ground.
4. Edinburgh Castle
Country: Scotland
Edinburgh Castle is located on top of a hill in the city of Edinburgh, Scotland. It is one of the most famous castles in Scotland and is known for its impressive architecture and historical significance. Since the 12th century, it has been used as a fortress and home to the Scottish Crown Jewels, which include the country’s state crown, scepter, and sword. It has several historical buildings, such as the chapel of Santa Margarita and the Great Hall. In addition, it is home to the famous One o’Clock Gun, which fires every day at that time.
5. Château de Chambord
Country: France
Chambord Castle is one of the largest and most impressive castles in the Loire Valley in France. Built in the 16th century as a hunting lodge for King Francis I of France, it is famous for its French Renaissance architecture and impressive design. It features a three-story façade, numerous towers, and a distinctive double-helical roof. The interior of the castle is equally impressive, with a double helix main staircase that is an architectural marvel in its own right. It also has a large number of rooms and halls, each with its own decoration and historical furniture. The castle gardens are spectacular, with a bush maze and game farm.
6. Bran Castle
Country: Romania
Bran Castle is also known as Dracula’s Castle. It is located in the Transylvania region of Romania in a stunning setting, surrounded by mountains and forests, and offers a spectacular view. It is famous for its connection to the legend of the vampire, Count Dracula, created by the writer Bram Stoker in his 1897 novel. It was built in the 14th century as a fortress to protect the region from Turkish invaders. Over the years, it was used as a royal residence, acquiring its current appearance in the 19th century, when it was restored by the Romanian royal family. It has several towers, courtyards, and rooms furnished with period objects, a large collection of historical artifacts, and items that tell the story of the region, making it a popular tourist destination.
7. Peleș Castle
Country: Romania
Peleș Castle is located in the Romanian Carpathian Mountains, in the town of Sinaia, Romania. It is not medieval: it is of neo-Gothic and neo-Renaissance architecture, built in the 19th century as a summer residence for King Charles I of Romania. It has beautiful gardens, a large number of luxurious rooms, halls and corridors decorated with furniture and artwork of the time, a weapons room, a library, and a chapel.
8. Buda Castle
Country: Hungary
Buda Castle is located in the city of Budapest, Hungary. It was built in the 13th century and has been rebuilt and expanded several times throughout its history. Buda Castle is famous for its medieval, baroque, and renaissance architecture, and for its panoramic views of the city and the Danube River. It features several attractions, including the Hungarian National Gallery, the Budapest History Museum, the Széchényi National Library, and Matthias Church, as well as a number of courtyards and gardens, including the King’s Courtyard and the Tunnel Garden. It is a major tourist site in Budapest and is considered a national treasure of Hungary.
9. Trakai Island Castle
Country: Lithuania
Trakai Castle is located in the city of Trakai, in Lithuania, on an island in the middle of a lake, and is known for its natural beauty and medieval architecture. Built in the 14th century, it is one of the most famous and photogenic castles in Eastern Europe and is considered a symbol of Lithuanian culture and history. It features a series of towers and fortified walls, as well as a large number of rooms and halls, a chapel, and a museum showcasing Lithuanian history and culture.
10. Himeji Castle
Country: Japan
Himeji Castle is a Japanese castle located in Himeji in the Hyogo Prefecture. It is one of the oldest and best-preserved castles in Japan and is considered a national treasure of the country, one of the few medieval castles in Japan to survive World War II. Himeji Castle was built in the 14th century and was expanded and improved upon in subsequent centuries. It is affectionately known as “Hakuro Castle” due to its graceful appearance like a heron spreading its wings. It features a bright white castle wall made of white stucco with painted baskets, a large five-story tower, six basement floors, and a coalition daitenshu connected by a crossing tower between east, west, and the small dried kotensyu. The daitenshu of Himeji Castle was built in the 14th year of Keicho (1609) and even now, more than 400 years later, it retains its beautiful appearance.
If you also like national tourism, don’t miss the opportunity to discover the magical corners of Oaxaca, or if you feel like going to the beach, you’ll find the seven most luxurious resorts in Los Cabos, where you can spend an exceptional vacation, in the Tourism section of our Luxury Blog.
