25 Awesome Castles You Should See

Whether or not this German castle had an influence on Mary Shelley when she wrote the famous novel of the same name remains controversial. There is no doubt, however, that it has had a colorful past. Built over 800 years ago it has served as a hospital, tourist attraction, and allied base in World War II.

A crusader castle built in Syria, T.E. Lawrence once described it as the “best preserved and most wholly admirable castle in the world. It was built as part of a series of castles intended to secure the Homs Gap and played a major role in coastal defense for the Crusaders.

Found near the city of Segovia, Spain this distinctive fortification was constructed to look like the bow of a ship. Although it was originally built as a fortress it has served as a palace, prison, and even a college since then.

Situated in Bam, Iran, the bam citadel is the world’s largest adobe structure. It was built around 500BC and remained in use up until 1850AD. No one is completely sure why it was abandoned.

Considered one of the finest still surviving examples of typical Japanese architecture. It is composed of 83 buildings that still retain their advanced defensive mechanisms from the feudal period. Tourists beware!

A crusader stronghold near the city of Limassol on the island of Cyprus, former inhabitants include Richard the Lionheart and The Knights Templar.

Translated as “Lion’s Castle” this was the 18th Century version of Disney World. Constructed to intentionally look like an ancient ruin it was destroyed in the Second World War and ironically became exactly that – a ruin. Since then, however, it has been reconstructed and now is a popular tourist attraction.

Officially a World Heritage site, this Prussian Castle’s name means “Mary’s Castle”. Built by the Knights of the Teutonic Order it has undergone several expansions over the centuries and going purely by area, it is one of the largest in the world.

Just of the coast of Normandy, on a small island, you with find the Mont Saint-Michel. The interesting thing about this castle is the tides. While at high tide the only way to get to Saint-Michel is to either swim or cross the narrow causeway connecting it to the mainland, at low tide one could theoretically walk across the exposed sand bars. A word to the wise however – the tide comes in quickly and numerous visitors have drowned trying to cross.

Built shortly after William the Conqueror invaded England about 1,000 years ago, Windsor castle is the longest occupied castle in all of Europe.

A 13th century castle located in Andria, Italy it was built by Holy Roman Emperor Frederick II sometime in the 13th Century. Probably one of the most oft-looted castles on our list, there was not much left when the Italian government decided to restore it in the early 1900’s.

One of the oldest castles inspired by European Romanticism the Pena National Palace is perched on top of a hill overlooking the town of Sintra, and on a clear day it can easily be seen all the way from Lisbon, the capital city of Portugal.

With a name that can be literally translated to “castle in front of a cave”, its easy to see what sets this castle apart from the others. Its unique construction has led to it being featured in several movies including the Jackie Chan film Armour of God.

No list of castles would be complete without the home of modern royalty, Buckingham Palace. Located in the City of Westminster it has been a focus for the British people in times of national crisis and rejoicing.

Also known as Matsumotojo, this is one of Japan’s oldest castles. It was constructed as a “hirajiro” or a castle that is built on the plains rather than in the mountains as is often done in Asia.

One of the more famous castles in the world, when this chateau was constructed in Versailles it was only a tiny village. Today, however, it has become a Parisian suburb and the Chateau de Versailles has become one of the most visited castles in Europe.

Located high in the Bavarian Alps of Germany, this fairy-tale-esque castle was considered very modern for its time. Begun in 1869 it was equipped with running water, flushing toilets, and a heating system. Neuschwanstein was also the inspiration for the Disneyland’s Sleeping Beauty Castle.

Often considered to be one of the oldest and largest castles in the world, the hill it is constructed on has actually been used for the past 5,000 years and it said that the prophet Abraham even milked his sheep there.

Another oversized medieval fortress this time located in Slovakia, the Spis Castle’s picturesque qualities have led to it being featured in several movies including Dragonheartand The Last Legion.

High in the Himalayas the Potala Palace is located in Lhasa, Tibet. Until the 14th Century it was the chief residence of the Dalai Lama. Only slightly damaged during the Tibetan uprising against the Chinese in 1959, it has been for the most part amazingly well preserved.

Located in the city of Jodhpur this is one of the largest forts in India. Situated 400 feet above the surrounding city you can still see imprints in its walls where invading armies had pounded it with cannonballs.

According to the Guinness Book of World Records, Prague Castle is largest ancient castle in the world. Everyone from Holy Roman Emperors to Bohemian Kings to modern-day presidents have held office there.

Found in the town of Burghausen, Bavaria this is one of the longest castles in the world at 1,043 meters.

Situated deep within Transylvania, the Hunyad Castle is supposedly the place where Vlad the Impaler (the inspiration for Dracula) was kept for 7 years following his deposition.

One of the most popular attractions in Crimea, this compact castle hangs over the edge of a cliff on the southern coastline of the Ukraine.

If these 25 awesome castles are not enough for you, then check out these 25 Astounding Fairytale-Like European Castles and Chateaus.