Castles are some of the most iconic and awe-inspiring structures in the world. They have been standing for centuries, and their stories and histories are as fascinating as their architecture. Here are the 10 largest castles in the world:
- Prague Castle, Czech Republic
Prague Castle is the largest castle complex in the world, with an area of over 70,000 square meters. It is also the official residence of the President of the Czech Republic. The castle has been inhabited for over 1,000 years, and its history is intertwined with the history of the Czech nation.
- Malbork Castle, Poland
Malbork Castle is the second largest castle in the world, with an area of over 200,000 square meters. It was built by the Teutonic Knights in the 13th century, and it served as their headquarters for over 200 years. The castle is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and it is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Poland.
- Windsor Castle, United Kingdom
Windsor Castle is the oldest and largest inhabited castle in the world. It has been the home of British monarchs for over 900 years. The castle is located in the town of Windsor, Berkshire, and it is a popular tourist destination.
- Hohensalzburg Fortress, Austria
Hohensalzburg Fortress is the largest fortress in Europe. It was built by the Archbishops of Salzburg in the 11th century, and it served as their residence and stronghold for over 700 years. The fortress is now a popular tourist destination, and it offers stunning views of the city of Salzburg.
- Buda Castle, Hungary
Buda Castle is the largest castle in Hungary. It was built by the Hungarian kings in the 13th century, and it served as their residence for over 500 years. The castle was badly damaged during the Second World War, but it has since been restored. It is now a popular tourist destination, and it houses a number of museums and galleries.
- Himeji Castle, Japan
Himeji Castle is the largest castle in Japan. It was built by the feudal lords of Himeji in the 14th century, and it is considered to be one of the best examples of Japanese castle architecture. The castle is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and it is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Japan.
- Spiš Castle, Slovakia
Spiš Castle is the largest castle in Slovakia. It was built by the Hungarian kings in the 13th century, and it served as their stronghold for over 400 years. The castle is now a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and it is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Slovakia.
- Mehrangarh Fort, India
Mehrangarh Fort is the largest fort in India. It was built by the Rathore rulers of Jodhpur in the 15th century, and it is considered to be one of the best examples of Indian fort architecture. The fort is now a popular tourist destination, and it houses a number of museums and galleries.
- Citadel of Aleppo, Syria
The Citadel of Aleppo is the largest castle in Syria. It was built by the Ayyubid dynasty in the 12th century, and it served as a military and administrative center for over 700 years. The citadel was badly damaged during the Syrian Civil War, but it is currently being restored.
- Książ Castle, Poland
Książ Castle is the third largest castle in Poland, after Malbork Castle and Wawel Castle. It was built by the Piast dynasty in the 13th century, and it served as the residence of the Silesian Dukes for over 600 years. The castle is now a popular tourist destination, and it houses a number of museums and galleries.
These are just a few of the many large and impressive castles that can be found around the world. Each castle has its own unique history and story to tell. If you are ever in the area of one of these castles, be sure to take the time to visit and learn more about its past.