7 Insane Castles You Need to See at Least Once in Your Life
Ever get the urge to just… go explore an old castle? Here’s a list of 7 architectural majesties you should visit if you ever get the chance— and don’t worry, these are all beloved, yet not cliché :)
Alcázar de Segovia, Spain— dating back to the 12th century, CE
Close your eyes for a moment and imagine a great battleship rising out of the Spanish landscape. That’s how many describe the Alcázar, or “fortress,” of Segovia, as the walls of its palisade converge like the foremost part of a ship. This castle has a rich history, and portions of its stone walls are even estimated to date back to the time of the Romans. It was used as a Spanish military academy for many years after its original function as a fort and it now serves as a museum.
Arg-e Bam, Iran— dating back to the 6th-4th centuries BCE
This castle was built out of mud bricks caked in a layer of mud sealant. This method, popular in the desert of the medieval Middle East, sets it apart from the stone castles of Europe. The city of Bam had a pivotal position on the Silk Road, which allowed access to virtually the entire world. As such, the city and its fortress are rich with millennia of intercultural history.
Himeji Castle, Japan— dating back to 1346
This fortress is the epitome of both beauty and brawn. Throughout its 700 year history, it has withstood a WWII-era firebombing and a 6.9 magnitude earthquake— yet it still stands as beautiful as ever with its brilliant white towers and intricately-designed layout. Himeji is one of the few remaining castles in Japan, after many of them were deemed too expensive to maintain and were demolished after the feudal era.
Malbork Castle, Poland— dating back to 1406
This massive fortification was built by the Teutonic Order almost a thousand years ago and it remains the largest brick building in all of Europe. Its unique red hue and storied history makes it a must-see if you’re visiting the area.
Castillo San Felipe del Morro, Puerto Rico— dating back to 1790
Del Morro, as it’s nicknamed, is one of the few castles to exist in the Western hemisphere. If you live in the United States you won’t even have to travel abroad to visit, as it resides within the US territory of Puerto Rico. Before it was rendered obsolete by modern artillery, it had a reputation as the Spanish conquistadors’ strongest military installation. It was even used as a US military base during WWI and WWII.
Château de Chenonceau, France— dating back to 1517
I had the amazing opportunity to visit the Château and I can’t express how *amazing* it is. This castle is surrounded by acres of flowering gardens and wooded parkland. It even includes a moat! Plus, it hosted a Chanel fashion show attended by one Kristen Stewart in 2020 and Princess Diana famously visited the landmark in 1988. This landmark is a truly priceless piece of history.
Amber Fort, India— dating back to 1592
Last— but certainly not least. The Amber Fort of northern India appears to be aptly named, with the gorgeous orange color of the red sandstone and marble in its walls. However, its true namesake is the Hindu deity Amba, the goddess of strength and war. This meaning is equally fitting— Amber Fort’s courtyards were used for training troops and hosting military parades. Additionally, the castle was built with a creative method of air conditioning long before the advent of electricity: a central waterfall that produces a soft breeze, cooling the entire building.
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