Castles, with their architectural grandeur, have become icons of an admired past. Some of them are silent witnesses to wars of ancient times. In various parts of the world, certain castles are considered the most prominent, symbolizing strength and power. Here are the 11 strongest castles in the world.
1. Château de Pierrefonds, Oise, France
Château de Pierrefonds is located near Compiègne. In the 17th century, the castle was dismantled and later reconstructed in the 19th century by architect Viollet-le-Duc as a representation of the Middle Ages and the Renaissance. Inside the castle, you'll find a chapel, a courthouse, and astonishing underground rooms.
2. Eltz Castle, Wierschem, Germany
Located amid Eltz Forest in Germany, Eltz Castle stands apart from others, as its structure remained unaffected by wars. The family that owns and takes care of the castle has remained the same to this day. Inside the castle, there are many original furnishings from the last eight centuries, including armor, swords, spears, and gold and silver artifacts.
3. Corvin Castle, Hunedoara, Romania
Corvin Castle is a Gothic-style castle built by the Anjou family on the site of a former Roman camp in Corvin, Romania. In the mid-14th century, the castle served as a defensive fortress and the residence of the voivode of Transylvania. Its luxurious structure includes a council chamber, chapel, drawbridge, inner courtyard, and over 50 medieval-style rooms.
4. Hohenzollern Castle, Baden-Württemberg, Germany
First discovered around 1267, Hohenzollern Castle boasts an extensive and highly artistic collection of furnishings. In its time, the castle was referred to as the "most fortified house in Germany." After being destroyed in 1423, the castle was rebuilt larger and sturdier in 1454.
5. Bojnice Castle, Bojnice, Slovakia
Bojnice Castle is one of the oldest and most historical monuments in Slovakia. Perched on travertine above the town, the castle is known to date back to 1113. It was later reconstructed with stone in the 13th century by the Poznań family, as it was initially a wooden castle.
6. Himeji Castle, Himeji, Japan
Also known as White Heron Castle (Shirasagijo), Himeji Castle features an elegant white structure. It is deemed magnificent due to its large size and well-maintained castle grounds. The castle has never been destroyed by war, earthquakes, or fire, earning it the designation of a national treasure and a UNESCO World Heritage site.
7. Alcázar of Segovia, Segovia, Spain
The Alcázar of Segovia is built between the confluence of the Eresma and Clamores rivers. According to documented Christian writings, the castle first existed in the 12th century. Originally, the Alcázar of Segovia served as the residence of Alfonso VIII. Its architecture was completed around 1587 by Francisco de Mora, Juan de Herrera, and the Escuela de Honor.
8. St Michael's Mount, Cornwall, England
St Michael's Mount in England has stood since the 1600s. At that time, the castle was the home of the St Aubyn family, who still reside there today. Here, you will find interesting artifacts such as rabbit hunting arrows, a tide clock, hunting scene decorations, Napoleon's mantle worn at the Battle of Waterloo, a statue of St Michael with mercy for the Devil at its feet, and much more.
9. Pena Palace, Sintra, Portugal
Pena Palace in Sintra, Portugal, offers breathtaking views. This castle combines Gothic, Moorish, and Manueline architectural styles. Located atop a hill, its position adds to its majesty.
10. Neuschwanstein Castle, Bavaria, Germany
Neuschwanstein Castle is a 19th-century historical building located at the foot of the Alps in southern Germany. Built on a narrow gorge of the Pöllat River, east of Alpsee and Schwansee lakes, near the Lech River leading to Forggensee.
11. Hohenwerfen Castle, Werfen, Austria
Hohenwerfen Castle is over 900 years old and is located in the Pongau region of Salzburg. This castle, also a fortress, stands proudly above the Salzach Valley, surrounded by green mountains.
These are the 11 mightiest castles in the world. Which castle are you interested in visiting?
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