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Jun 3, 2019 · Explore the diverse and fascinating castles around the world, from Spain to Scotland to Israel, as recommended by Atlas Obscura readers. See photos, stories, and tips for visiting these historic and magical places.
- Eric Grundhauser
- Edinburgh Castle: A Volcanic Throne. An extinct volcano serves as the dramatic pedestal for Edinburgh Castle. This fortress, a symbol of Scotland’s past, has been a royal residence for centuries and now safeguards the Scottish Crown Jewels and the Stone of Destiny.
- Neuschwanstein Castle: A Fairy Tale Brought to Life. In the heart of Germany, King Ludwig II of Bavaria commissioned a castle that seems to have leapt straight from the pages of a fairy tale.
- Bran Castle: Where Dracula Resides. Bran Castle in Romania, often referred to as “Dracula Castle”, is a chilling reminder of Bram Stoker’s renowned novel, Dracula.
- Himeji Castle: Japan’s White Heron. Japan’s Himeji Castle, one of the few remaining original castles in the country, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Known as the “White Heron Castle”, it stands as a testament to Japan’s rich architectural heritage and historical past.
- When people think about castles, they don’t think about Ohio. Most would picture crumbling medieval castles of the English Countryside, or perhaps the stunning chateaus of 18th century France.
- Loveland Castle. Construction on Chateau Laroche, aka Loveland Castle, began in 1929. World War I veteran and medievalist Harry D. Andrews was so inspired by his time in France during the war, that when he returned to Loveland, Ohio, he decided to build his own castle.
- Squire’s Castle. Squire’s Castle was built in the 1890s, by oil tycoon, Fergus Squire. Initially intended as a gate house to a much larger estate, Squire sold the property before the estate could be built.
- Mac-A-Cheek Castle. Built by French Huguenot immigrants, the Piatt Castles are some of the most well known chateaus in Ohio. Mac-A-Cheek, built by Abram Piatt was completed in 1871.
- Tina Donvito
- Castles in the sky. Castles conjure up images of a romantic medieval past, the stuff of legends and fairy tales. But what exactly makes a castle, well, a castle?
- Eltz Castle, Germany. Some countries have more than their fair share of gorgeous medieval castles, and Germany is one of them. Eltz Castle is one of the finest examples of a German knights’ castle, and it has remained in the same family since its construction began in 1157.
- Bran Castle, Romania. This hauntingly beautiful castle set high on its perch is said to be the inspiration for the castle in Bram Stoker’s novel Dracula (although Vlad the Impaler, the supposed inspiration for Dracula himself, was never the lord of Bran).
- Bojnice Castle, Slovakia. It’s hard to say when exactly this lovely central European castle was originally built, but the first written reference to Bojnice Castle appears in an 1113 document from Zobor Abbey when it was made of wood.
Oct 17, 2023 · Explore the history and beauty of 25 lavish mansions and estates that resemble real castles in the U.S. and abroad. From Biltmore to Hearst, see how the wealthy and influential lived in opulent style and splendor.
Jul 20, 2024 · Learn about the history and architecture of five real medieval castles, from Germany's Marksburg to Spain's Alhambra. See photos and stories of these fortifications and symbols of power that still stand today.
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Loveland Castle. Built by Sir Harry Andrews, This Castle was inspired by Sir Harry’s boy scout troop. He first built two stone tents before deciding that his troop, Knights of the Golden Trail, deserved a real castle and so he built one! Knights still guard this almost full scale castle.
