Medieval Castles From Around the World

Steven Rabkin

These expertly-conserved medieval fortresses act as time machines for anyone who visits. Whether you are seeking ghostly encounters in the British countryside or an elaborate palace in the city of Budapest, here are some of the most fascinating medieval castles with rich and mysterious history from around the world.

Malbork Castle, Neuschwanstein Castle, Buda Castle, Warwick Castle, Edinburgh Castle, Osaka Castle, Eltz Castle, Aleppo Citadel, Alnwick Castle, Château de Pierrefonds

  • Malbork Castle in Poland, Poland

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    • steve

      Malbrook Castle was built by the ancient Teutonic knights nearby the beautiful town of Malbrook, Poland during the 13th century. Designated as a UNESCO world heritage site, this well-kept castle and fort remains one of Poland's most treasured cultural destinations.

  • Neuschwanstein Castle, Germany

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    • steve

      Inspiration for the fairytale world of Walt Disney, Neuschwanstein Castle is a unique item on this list in that it was not built for military purposes. Tucked away in the countryside of Germany, this beautiful palace was primarily used as a retreat for King Ludwig II and is now a major tourist destination.

  • Buda Castle in Budapest, Hungary

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    • steve

      Buda Castle is a massive baroque establishment located in the vibrant city of Budapest in Hungary. Considered to be a world heritage site, this elaborate palace was built between the 14th and 20th centuries.

  • Warwick Castle, England

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    • steve

      This medieval castle was created from what once was a wooden fort way back in 1068 by the notorious William the Conqueror. One of the most well-known castles around the world, Warwick is incredibly well preserved and surrounded by the picturesque British countryside.

  • Edinburgh Castle in Edinburgh, Scotland

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    • steve

      Edinburgh Castle is a renowned fortress known for having a rich history and potentially some spooky happenings. Scotland is famously dotted with some of the most impressive castles, and Edinburgh Castle is solidified as one of the most expansive and fascinating. This location is also known for having some mysterious ghostly sightings by both tourists and workers.

  • Osaka Castle in Osaka, Japan

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    • steve

      A central aspect of Japanese history, Osaka castle embodies ancient Japanese architecture and design. The surrounding park area lights up in the spring with pale pink cherry blossoms and street food vendors lining the paved walkways.

  • Eltz Castle, Germany

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    • steve

      Tucked away in the German mountains, Eltz Castle is a beautiful medieval castle that has chambers dating back to the 9th century. This destination requires some outdoorsy trekking but the breathtaking views from the picturesque hills are unbeatable.

  • Aleppo Citadel

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    • steve

      A UNESCO World Heritage Site, this castle has undergone extensive recovery and conservation efforts since its completion during the 12th century. Built atop a rare limestone hill, the Citadel promises an amazing view of Aleppo.

  • Alnwick Castle, England

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    • steve

      Alnwick Castle is an ancient British stone castle that has lasted through centuries, and also famously the filming location for Harry Potter. This magical castle has a rich history that dates back to the 11th century.

  • Château de Pierrefonds, France

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    • steve

      Originally built in the 15th century, Chateau de Pierrefonds was restored more recently during the 19th century for Napolean III. This breathtaking chateau is a prominent aspect of French history and has some major medieval architecture that has been expertly preserved.