The most beautiful castles on the rock. The largest castle in Europe
In the Middle Ages, fortresses were erected to protect themselves from the barbaric attacks of invaders and to observe from tall towers behind what is happening around. Today, the impregnable gates of castle-fortresses are always open to curious tourists. "Vestnik ATOR" looked behind the high stone walls of the largest castles in foreign countries.
10. EDINBURGH CASTLE
Where: Scotland, Edinburgh
Total area: 35,737 sq. m
Edinburgh Castle is located in the city of Edinburgh in Scotland. The peculiarity of the fortress is that it stands on an extinct volcanic rock that has not erupted lava for several hundred years. Until the 16th century, the building was called the “Castle of the Virgins.”
Official date of birth Edinburgh Castle is considered to be the 12th century, although archaeologists have found ancient artifacts indicating that people lived on Castle Rock as early as 1000 BC. Archaeological excavations are still ongoing on the castle grounds.
The main legend of the fortress is: “Whoever rules Edinburgh Castle owns all of Scotland!” Maybe that’s why after the Second World War the castle was “taken over” by the country’s Ministry of Defense. And only recently the castle-fortress was opened to the public and turned into a museum.
Guidebooks recommend tourists to admire St. Margaret's Chapel - an active Catholic church and the oldest building in all of Scotland. Walk through the former barracks, look into the prison cells and at exactly 13:00 hear the shot of the Clock Gun.
In one of the rooms, tourists can see a mythical artifact - the “Stone of Destiny”, according to legend, belonging to the daughter Egyptian pharaoh Ramesses II. And at the end of August, the famous parade of military bands takes place on the territory of Edinburgh Castle.
Photographers from all over the world secretly consider Edinburgh Castle the most photogenic fortification of the Middle Ages, and posters with views of the castle are considered the most popular souvenirs.
9. ALEPPO CITADEL
Where: Syria, Aleppo
Total area: 39,804 sq. m
Aleppo Citadel is considered one of the most ancient castle fortresses and is included in the list of objects World Heritage UNESCO. Located in the center of the Syrian city of Aleppo, the citadel rises on a hill 50 meters high.
The first buildings of the fortress were erected in 944 by order of Sayf al-Daula, the ruler of the Hamdanid dynasty. During numerous wars, the citadel passed into the hands of the Assyrians, Macedonians, Romans, Arabs and Turks.
In the 13th century, the citadel was a rich city with developed infrastructure. On the territory of the fortress there were palaces, mosques, baths and tombs. Training areas were built for the soldiers. Huge barns for storing grain and water tanks made it possible to hold a long defense in the event of an enemy attack.
In 2000, restoration work and excavations began on the territory of the citadel, interrupted by the civil war in Syria. Inside the citadel there are two mosques - the Small Mosque and the Great Mosque of al-Ghazi, and the archaeological museum presented hundreds of unique finds from excavations of ancient cities.
Today, the Aleppo fortress is seriously destroyed due to the war in Syria and is closed to tourists. In fact, this architectural monument requires a new and very global restoration and restoration work. However, wars do not last forever - and we are sure that in the near future tourists will be able to take a selfie against the backdrop of the Citadel in peaceful Aleppo.
8. HIMEJI CASTLE
Where: Japan
Total area: 41,468 sq. m
The Japanese Himeji Castle is called the “White Heron Castle” because in the twilight its outline resembles a giant snow-white bird. In total, there are more than 80 structures on the territory of the complex, most of which are wooden. It is interesting that the buildings were made without a single nail; wooden locks were used as fastenings.
The castle is surrounded on all sides by a moat with water, and inside is the beautiful Koko-En garden with murmuring waterfalls, shady pavilions and winding paths. The garden is especially delightful in April - during the cherry blossom season. According to tourists’ opinions posted on the castle’s website, “in the cloud of pink and white cherry blossoms, the castle is simply dazzling!”
Construction of the castle began in the 1330s during the reign of the Akamatsu princes, but during internecine wars, the fortress changed owners many times. Modern look The castle was acquired in the 16th century thanks to a new owner - commander Toyotomi Hideyoshi, on whose orders the old buildings were repaired and new walls with 30 towers were built. Since then, Himeji Castle has been considered an ideal example of a real samurai castle. Since 1993, the “National Treasure of Japan” has been taken under the protection of UNESCO.
Tourists are offered tours of the six floors of the castle, however, apart from wooden carvings, golden sliding partitions with paintings and a collection of samurai armor, there is essentially nothing more to see inside the castle. Most tourists agree that the castle makes a much more striking impression from the outside.
7. BUDA CASTLE
Where: Hungary, Budapest
Total area: 44,674 sq. m
Buda Castle is located in the southern part of Budapest and embodies a variety of architectural styles - from Gothic to Baroque. The first fortifications were built here in the middle of the 13th century on the initiative of the Hungarian king Béla IV. Under King Sigismund I, the fortress expanded significantly, but after being captured by the Turks it fell into complete disrepair and was partially destroyed. Restoration of the castle began only at the beginning of the 18th century - after the order of the Holy Roman Emperor Charles VI to renovate this fortress.
Today on the territory of the complex there are: the Royal Palace with museums, the ruins of a medieval castle, the neoclassical Sándora Palace, the Gothic Matthias Church, the Fisherman's Bastion, as well as many sculptures and fountains. Hungarian national gallery will delight you with an impressive collection of works of art. After visiting the museums, you can walk across the Chain Bridge, located at the foot of the hill, and find yourself on the other side of the Danube.
Tourists are also invited to visit the House-Museum of Hungarian Wines, where they can learn the history of the development of winemaking and try more than 70 of the best varieties of Hungarian wines.
Every day at 12:00 the Royal Palace honor guard puts on a mini-performance with a ceremonial changing of the guard and juggling weapons. By the way, entrance to the fortress territory is free.
6. SPISH GRAD CASTLE
Where: Slovakia
Total area: 49,485 sq. m
Spišský Hrad Castle is located in the eastern part of Slovakia, and stands on dolomite rocks, the height of which is more than 200 meters. The complex is recognized as one of the largest medieval castles in Central Europe and is protected by UNESCO. The date of the “birth” of Spiš Castle is considered to be the 11th-12th centuries, when the first stone defensive tower was built here.
Over the course of several centuries, the castle was completed and strengthened. He then acquired a three-story Romanesque palace, living and storage spaces, and an upper courtyard. The castle changed many owners, was able to withstand the Tatar-Mongol invasion, was the residence of the Hungarian royal family, belonged to the noble Zapolsky family and in 1531 was bought by the wealthy Hungarian merchant Alexei Thurzo. In 1961 Spiš Castle was declared a national monument.
Today, on the territory of Spiš Castle there is a museum of weapons and armor, a torture chamber, and excursions for tourists are conducted by princesses, knights, astrologers and other fairy-tale characters.
In the Lower Courtyard there are animation areas for visitors on various topics - from choral singing to master classes in shooting from medieval weapons. Throughout the year, the castle hosts historical reconstructions and theatrical performances. Please note that the castle is closed to visitors from November to March.
5. FORTRESS HOHENSALTZBURG
Where: Austria, Salzburg
Total area: 54,523 sq. m
The Hohensalzburg Fortress is located in Salzburg and is considered one of the few completely intact historical sites in Europe. Construction of the castle began in 1077 and continued until 1519. Around 1500, the world's first funicular, Reiszug, was built at the castle, intended for the delivery of goods. Today, the Hohensalzburg Fortress can be reached from the center of Salzburg by cable car.
It is interesting that throughout the history of its existence, the fortress has never submitted to invaders. Only during the Napoleonic Wars was it captured without a fight and turned from a castle into barracks and warehouses. In the 20th century, it also housed a prison for prisoners of war.
Nowadays, on the territory of the fortress there are luxurious Princely Chambers and the Golden Hall with medieval decoration, a chilling museum of puppets with scary dolls, medieval masks and instruments of torture. There is also a museum with a collection of ancient weapons and armor.
In the local cafe, designed in a medieval style, tourists are offered national dishes, including the famous Hungarian bagels - “pretzel” with salt. After visiting the museums you can go up to observation deck fortress and admire panoramic views of Salzburg.
4. WINDSOR CASTLE
Where: England, Berkshire
Total area: 54,835 sq.m
Windsor Castle in Berkshire is included in the Guinness Book of Records as the largest castle on earth. Its impressive dimensions of 580x165 meters, magnificent architecture and luxurious interiors attract not only tourists, but also Queen Elizabeth II, who currently lives in the castle with her family. Windsor Castle is the active residence of the royal family, so tourists must maintain silence and discipline when visiting the castle.
The history of the castle began back in 1066 with the Norman William the Conqueror, who ordered the construction of buildings on a high hill that could intimidate the enemy and withstand the onslaught of the conquerors. In 1350, during the reign of Edward III, most of the buildings at Windsor Castle were demolished or rebuilt. Several hundred years later, Charles II reconstructed the castle again, ordering the architects to take… Palace of Versailles and make Windsor Castle a "majestic royal residence".
Today, Windsor Castle is not a museum, but the working residence of the Queen. Despite this, tourists have something to see here. In St. George's Chapel, inlaid precious stones, famous monarchs are buried Foggy Albion. At the highest and central point of the castle - the “Round Tower”, there is a bell from Sevastopol, brought to Windsor Castle after the Crimean War.
In one of the rooms of the castle there is a giant dollhouse Queen Mary - exact miniature copy Buckingham Palace with recreated interiors and household items. Tourists are even allowed to enter the state chambers - but only on days when important events are not being held there. However, tourists are strictly prohibited from taking photographs inside the castle premises.
3. PRAGUE CITY
Total area: 66,761 sq. m
Prague Castle is truly a “city” - a real city consisting of fortresses, palaces, temples, administrative and utility buildings. The complex is included in the Guinness Book of Records as the world's largest active presidential residence.
The castle was founded around 880 by Prince Borzivoj from the Přemyslid dynasty. The first stone building on the territory of the Castle is considered to be the Church of the Virgin Mary, and in the 10th century the Church of St. George was built on a high cliff. For several hundred years, Prague Castle was completed, increased in size, then came into the possession of the rulers of the Holy Roman Empire. During its long history, it was partially destroyed and reconstructed. In 1962, Prague Castle was recognized as a National Cultural Monument of the Czech Republic.
A tour of Prague Castle can last a whole day. Mandatory and recommended attractions: Old Royal Palace, St. George's Basilica, St. Vitus Cathedral observation deck, Zlata Street (where, according to legend, alchemists lived who turned stones into gold) and the Royal Gardens.
After the “spectacle”, tourists can also try beer - in the brewery at the Strahov Monastery. There, true gourmets will be able to try ice cream and beer-based pancakes. The tourist season in Prague Castle lasts from April 1 to October 31.
2. MEHRANGARH FORT
Where: India, Jodhpur
Total area: 81,227 sq. m
The Mehrangarh fortress seems to grow from the steep rocks of Marwar and rises at a level of 122 meters. The massive walls of the fort are 21 meters wide and 36 meters high. The fort was built in 1459 in the Jodhpur region by ruler Rao Jodha. However, most of the fort's structures date back to the 17th century.
Today, the fort is home to several palaces: the Pearl Palace, the Palace of Pleasures and the Palace of Flowers, as well as court buildings and apartments. The top point of the fort offers a breathtaking panoramic view of the city and the surrounding area, and to get to the foot of the fortress, you need to overcome a 5-kilometer mountain road.
The Mehrangarh Museum is an example of Rajput architecture: picturesque courtyards, luxurious halls, decorated with carvings and wall paintings. In the museum's exhibitions you can see a golden throne, the best collection of elephant riding seats in India, manuscripts, headdresses and ancient weapons from the Mughal dynasty. The wall paintings, which were created over 10 years, are made using an interesting technique - using gold leaf, glue and... cow urine.
The fort is popular with Hollywood directors and is often the location for the filming of high-grossing films such as Batman. For tourists, photo and video shooting in the fort premises is paid - about 100 rupees.
And before we move on to the first place in our ranking of the largest foreign fortresses, watch a fascinating video about the silver medalist:
1. MALBORK CASTLE
Where: Poland
Total area: 143,591 sq. m
The largest surviving medieval fortress in Europe is Malbork Castle, located 300 km from Warsaw. Malbork is a grandiose structure of Gothic architecture and is one of the largest brick structures in the world. The castle has been awarded two titles at once: it is one of the “7 Wonders of Poland” and a specially protected UNESCO cultural monument.
The castle was the seat of the Teutonic Order from 1257 to 1457, until it came under the control of the Polish kings, the first of whom was Casimir IV. In the 17th century, after the Swedish invasion, Malbork fell into disrepair and became a military barracks. Only in 1816 did restoration begin at the castle, which lasted almost 100 years. During the Second World War, Malbork was completely destroyed and was recreated practically from scratch, from the ashes - according to surviving historical drawings, photos and drawings.
Today there is a historical museum with an impressive collection of ancient weapons, knightly armor, as well as a collection of amber products. In total, the castle museums present 23 exhibitions from the field of culture, art and crafts. In the courtyard of the castle there are sculptures of the great masters of the Teutonic Order.
According to legend, priceless treasures of members of the Teutonic Order are still kept in one of the castle’s dungeons. Every year at the end of July, the castle hosts a large-scale and spectacular knightly tournament “Siege of Malbork”.
Note that Malbork is still smaller in area than the Moscow Kremlin - which is also a medieval fortress. But we will talk about the fortresses of Russia and the CIS countries separately in the very near future.
After all, medieval architects were geniuses - they built castles, luxurious buildings that were also extremely practical. Castles, unlike modern mansions, not only demonstrated the wealth of their owners, but also served as powerful fortresses that could hold a defense for several years, and at the same time life in them did not stop.
Even the very fact that many castles, having survived wars, natural disasters and the carelessness of their owners, still stand intact, suggests that more reliable housing has not yet been invented. They are also incredibly beautiful and seem to have appeared in our world from the pages of fairy tales and legends. Their tall spiers are reminiscent of the times when beauties fought for the hearts, and the air was saturated with chivalry and courage.
Reichsburg Castle, Germany
The thousand-year-old castle was originally the residence of King Conrad III of Germany and then King Louis XIV of France. The fortress was burned by the French in 1689 and would have fallen into oblivion, but a German businessman acquired its remains in 1868 and spent much of his wealth restoring the castle.
Mont Saint Michel, France
Swallow's Nest, Crimea
Initially, there was a small wooden house on the rock of Cape Ai-Todor. And “Swallow’s Nest” received its current appearance thanks to the oil industrialist Baron Steingel, who loved to vacation in Crimea. He decided to build a romantic castle that resembles medieval buildings on the banks of the Rhine River.
Castle Stalker, Scotland
Castle Stalker, which means "Falconer", was built in 1320 and belonged to the MacDougall clan. Since that time, its walls have survived a huge number of strife and wars, which affected the condition of the castle. In 1965, the owner of the castle became Colonel D. R. Stewart from Allward, who personally, together with his wife, family members and friends, restored the structure.
Bran Castle, Romania
Bran Castle is the pearl of Transylvania, a mysterious fort museum where the famous legend of Count Dracula - the vampire, murderer and commander Vlad the Impaler - was born. According to legend, he spent the night here during his campaigns, and the forest surrounding Bran Castle was Tepes’s favorite hunting ground.
Vyborg Castle, Russia
Vyborg Castle was founded by the Swedes in 1293, during one of the crusades to Karelian land. It remained Scandinavian until 1710, when the troops of I pushed the Swedes back far and wide. From that time on, the castle managed to be a warehouse, a barracks, and even a prison for the Decembrists. And today there is a museum here.
Cashel Castle, Ireland
Cashel Castle was the seat of the kings of Ireland for several hundred years before the Norman invasion. Here in the 5th century AD. e. Saint Patrick lived and preached. The castle walls witnessed the bloody suppression of the revolution by the troops of Oliver Cromwell, who burned soldiers alive here. Since then, the castle has become a symbol of the cruelty of the British, the true courage and fortitude of the Irish.
Kilhurn Castle, Scotland
The very beautiful and even slightly creepy ruins of Kilhurn Castle are located on the shores of the picturesque Lake Euw. The history of this castle, unlike most castles in Scotland, proceeded quite calmly - numerous earls lived here, who replaced each other. In 1769 the building was damaged by lightning and was soon abandoned, as it remains to this day.
Lichtenstein Castle, Germany
Built in the 12th century, this castle was destroyed several times. It was finally restored in 1884 and since then the castle has become a filming location for many films, including The Three Musketeers.
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Castles are different. Some appear before us in the form of defensive structures, while others, on the contrary, look like fairy-tale buildings with simple turrets and carved stone fences.
Edinburgh Castle
Edinburgh Castle is located on a cliff extinct volcano and rises militantly in the haze above the skyline of the Scottish city of Edinburgh. Unfortunately, today little remains of the original structure. The chapel of St. Margaret, built around the beginning of the 12th century, is in more or less its original form.
Aleppo Citadel
The Citadel is one of the oldest fortifications in the world, built in the 13th century. The castle was built on a 50-meter hill in the very center of Alepto, Syria. For this very advantageous place, from the point of view of military strategy, in the middle of the third millennium BC, representatives of various civilizations fought - the Greeks, Byzantines, Ayyubids, Mamalukes.
Himeji Castle
Himeji Castle, located in Japan, is one of the few that was able to survive all the troubles it suffered throughout the history of its existence. The castle survived the devastating civil war and withstood a series of earthquakes and explosions. Construction of Himeji Castle began in the 14th century, and the entire complex was completed in 1609.
Buda Castle
This residence of the Hungarian kings is located in Budapest. Buda Castle used to be called Royal Palace. Its construction began during the reign of King Bela IV, approximately in 1247-1265. However, the oldest part, built by the younger brother of King Louis the Great, Duke of Slavonia Stephen, dates back to the 14th century.
Spis Fortress
Eastern Slovakia is proud of its historical heritage– the largest medieval castle"Spiš Fortress" The main castle, fortified with thick stone walls, was built around the 13th century, and its lower courtyard was fortified only two centuries later. Spis Fortress is one of the most famous buildings in Europe; historical films have been filmed on its territory more than once.
Hohensalzburg Fortress
Hohensalzburg Fortress is the pride of Salzburg. The citadel is guarded by one of the largest and best preserved castles in Europe. The castle was built in 1077 and was significantly enlarged between 1495 and 1519.
Windsor Castle
This historic building, once the official residence of Queen Elizabeth II, is considered the largest inhabited castle not only in Europe, but also in the world. Windsor Castle is the largest in England.
Prague Castle
This castle was built in the 9th century. Then it was decided to expand its territory, and Prague Castle began to expand. This process lasted until the 18th century. This historic complex includes many attractions, including St. Vitus Cathedral and St. George's Basilica.
The most attractive fortifications in the world are always included in the list of objects that are definitely worth visiting for tourists arriving in a particular country. Any traveler, regardless of gender or age, wants to enjoy the uniqueness of the creations of human hands and penetrate their secrets. We invite you to get acquainted with the largest fortresses existing in the world.
Fortress Frankenstein, Germany
The fortress is located south of the German town of Darmstad, in the state of Hesse. The surrounding area is famous for its defensive structures built in the Middle Ages, and is perfectly combined with expressive mountain landscapes, as if straight out of chivalric romances. The history of the castle is inextricably linked with one famous person who lived here in ancient times. The eccentric and rather strange alchemist and healer Dr. Johan Konrad Dippel conducted many of his unusual experiments in these places. Contrary to legends and myths, the Frankenstein fortress was built to defend against constant attacks from warring tribes. The citadel looks powerful, stern and majestic, which corresponds to its name, and for many years it played the role of a real fortress, from the walls of which one could easily control what was happening around and not worry about one’s life even during a multi-day siege.
Hospitaller Fortress, Syria
The second name is the fortress of the Knights of Malta. The site is located east of the Lebanese city of Tripoli and rises on a 650-meter cliff, next to the road that takes you from Antioch to Beirut, directly to the Mediterranean coast. Closest to the fortress locality- Homs, located 65 km east of the citadel. The Syrian palace is considered the best preserved of all its kind, and since 2006 it has been included in the World Heritage List and is under the protection of UNESCO.
Alcazar Palace, Spain
The Alcazar was built as the residence of the Spanish kings and is located in the historical part of the city, in the province of Castile and Leon. Externally, the palace looks like the bow of a ship, cut into a rock, which geologically belongs to the Central Cordillera. This position of the fortress makes it almost impregnable, yet easily recognizable and incredibly beautiful. Initially, the citadel was built as a full-fledged defensive structure, but during its history it managed to be a royal residence, a prison and an artillery academy.
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Bam Fortress, Iran
It is considered the largest and oldest example of a Persian adobe fortress, built from such ancient material as adobe. The adobe building is located directly on the Great silk road in the province of Kerman, in the small Iranian town of Bam. On the territory of the complex there are 38 watchtowers, several tombs from the 12th century and the residence of the governor of the Safavid dynasty. In addition, one of the most unusual mosques of the 18th century, the Cathedral, was built here. Architectural ensemble included in the UNESCO World Heritage List and is under its protection.
White Heron Castle, Japan
Himeji is one of the largest and oldest fortresses in the Country. Rising Sun. Hundreds of thousands of tourists come here every year to admire this amazing structure. The complex includes more than 83 buildings, most of which are made of wood. Since 1993, Egret Castle has been included in the UNESCO World Heritage List and is protected by law.
Levenburg Fortress, Germany
The literal translation of the name is “Lion's Castle”. The architectural and historical site is located in the German town of Kassel and is considered its most popular attraction. The citadel rises on an almost 100-meter high mountain in Bavaria, on the territory of the Wilhelmsholl garden and park ensemble. The fortress was erected by order of William IX, the author of the project was Heinrich Christoph, known for his stunning works in other European countries. The tourist and excursion route that passes through these places is called the “road of fairy tales” and captures many ancient cities connected by fairy tales and ancient legends. In order to feel like a medieval resident, no decorations are required, and the Castle of the Lion is called by the local population the German Disneyland, since the image of this particular palace is used in the screensaver of this film company.
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Malbork Fortress, Poland
The fortress gave its name to the town of the same name, quiet and cozy. These walls once served as the residence of the Grand Master of the Teutonic Knightly Order from the beginning of the 14th century to the mid-15th. The brick castle is considered the largest of all that were built from this material, and the Gothic style only emphasizes the incredible beauty of this architectural complex. Malbork is included in the UNESCO World Heritage List and is protected by law.
Saint Michel, France
The fortress is located on a small rocky island, which over time turned into a defensive structure. Saint-Michel is located in north-west France and is the only inhabited island of three granite formations that rise in Saint Michael's Bay. People settled here in 709 and since then gradually began to develop their own piece of land. The natural-historical complex is of global importance and annually attracts thousands of tourists from all over the world. In 1874, Saint-Michel received the status of a monument, and in 1979 it was included in the list of sites under the protection of UNESCO.
Pena Castle, Portugal
The castle is located on a high cliff in Sintra and is a palace built in the pseudo-medieval style. There is a huge park around the fortress, the area of which is about 270 hectares, and the whole composition of the citadel, the mountain and the adjacent trees creates a special atmosphere. Pena was originally planned as royal residence, which was built on the site of a small monastery in the Manueline style. Construction was started by order of the husband of Queen Mary II of Portugal, Prince Ferdinand. Construction cost him very much, and therefore the fortress was not completed until the death of the monarch in 1885. Pena's interiors are distinguished by their particular luxury and elegance and have survived to this day almost in their original form. The last owner of the fortress was Queen Amelia, who left Portugal in 1910.
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Neuschwanstein, Germany
The name of the fortress translates as “New Swan Cliff”. The object is a unique romantic castle belonging to the King of Bavaria, Ludwig II. The residence of the monarch is located near the town of Fussen, not far from Hohenschwangau Castle, in the southwest of the country, near the German-Austrian border. It is considered one of the most popular places in southern Germany.
Spissky Castle, Slovakia
It is the largest fortress in Slovakia and is located in the very heart of the Spis region, near Spis Podhradie, administratively belonging to the village of Žigra, located fifteen kilometers from the city of Levoča. It is a monument of global significance, included in the UNESCO list and is under its protection.
Potala, Tibet Autonomous Region
Is royal palace and a Buddhist temple complex. Located in Tibet, in Lhasa, in China, on a high hill. The facility has an area of about 360 thousand square meters. m and is the second largest fortress in the world. This was originally the residence of the Dalai Lama, but after he was forced to leave the country in 1959, a museum was opened here. In 1994, the Potala was listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. To this day, Buddhists come here as pilgrims and perform their religious rituals in the Potala.
Prague Castle, Czech Republic
It is considered the largest fortress in the world and completely occupies the eastern part of the huge cliff located on Petrin Hill. On the northern part of the citadel there is the Deer Moat, on the southern part there is the Mala Strana district. In the very heart of Prague Castle is St. Vitus Cathedral, around which many churches, fortifications and squares are built. Today the fortress is the largest presidential residence on Earth, although it was previously used as a habitat for the Holy Roman Emperors and Czech kings.
Hohensalzburg Fortress, which is located in the Austrian city of Salzburg, is one of the largest and best-preserved European castles. It was built in the 11th century (1077), and at the turn of the 14th - 15th centuries it expanded significantly, and in this form has survived to this day. Its area is 54,523 square meters.
Windsor Castle is the largest castle in England. It is believed that today it is also the largest inhabited castle - it belongs to Queen Elizabeth, who often uses it as a residence for social events and just a place to relax. Its area is 54,835 square meters.
Prague Castle was built back in the 9th century and was expanded upon several times over the course of several centuries. The residences of the Holy Roman Emperors, kings and presidents of the Czech Republic were once located within its walls. From the inside it resembles small town, so examining it will take a lot of time. Its area is 66,761 square meters.
Mehrangarh Fort, although officially called a fort, is more like a castle. It towers over the city of Jodhpur, India, standing on top of a huge 122-meter hill. It was built in 1459, but, as is usually the case, the bulk of the buildings that have survived to this day date back to a much later period - around the 17th century. Its area is 81,227 square meters.
Marienburg Castle was built in the 13th century and still holds the title of the largest castle in the world! It was founded Teutonic Order, who needed a well-fortified control point for territories in the north of the Baltic. As the order grew and became richer every year, its residence also grew. Currently, the area of the castle is as much as 143,591 square meters.
These castles could shelter a huge army or the population of an entire city in case of a surprise attack. In peacetime, they most often served as residences for monarchs and influential organizations, and many of them are still used in this capacity. Of course, the maintenance of such a building costs a pretty penny for the city budget, but many tourists flock daily from all corners of the globe to look at the giants of bygone eras.
