The World’s Most Impressive Castles Will Leave You Speechless

Many have wondered what our lives would be like if we swapped our houses for massive castles. More pantry space? Long walks in lush gardens? Large and dream-like kitchens (or kitchens!)? Countless selfies with the intricately carved walls? Okay, now imagine living not just in any castle but in one of the world’s most beautiful castles most impressive and beautiful castles! How different would your life be?

If your mind is already running with the wildest scenarios, let us first show you the ten most impressive castles! We’re sure it’ll give you a few ideas:

20.) Malbork Castle

• Location: Malbork, Poland
• Built-in 13th century
• Architectural style: Gothic
• Website: The Malbork Castle Museum

Welcome to this show-stopping UNESCO World Heritage site. Malbork Castle, a medieval castle originally built by the Teutonic Knights in the 13th century, was a military base and a royal residence. Its grandeur and rich history reflect the strategic importance of the Middle Ages. It is the largest castle in the world.

19.) Osaka Castle

• Location: Osaka, Japan
• Built in 1583
• Architectural style: Ancient Japanese Architecture
• Website: Osaka Castle

Osaka Castle, known in Japan as ‘Osaka-jo,’ symbolizes Japan’s rich history and cultural heritage. As one of the largest castles of the 16th century, it played an essential role in the unification of Japan.

18.) Château du Haut-Kœnigsbourg

• Location: Alsace, France
• First documented in 1147
• Architectural style: Medieval
• Website: Château du Haut-Kœnigsbourg

This castle, dating back to the 12th century, is a testament to medieval architecture. It was rebuilt in the 19th century, mirroring the original castle’s style and majesty.

17.) Kronborg Castle

• Location: Helsingør, Denmark
• Built in 1420s
• Architectural style: Renaissance
• Website: Kronborg Castle

Kronborg Castle, a UNESCO World Heritage site, is an iconic 16th-century royal private residence. Its Renaissance architecture and strategic location have made it one of Denmark’s most famous castles.

16.) Lincoln Castle

• Location: Lincoln, England
• Built-in 11th century
• Architectural style: Romanesque
• Website: Lincoln Castle

Lincoln Castle, a medieval fortress from the 11th century, has been a royal residence and a military base. Its Romanesque style makes it one of England’s oldest and most amazing castles.

15.) Conwy Castle

• Location: Conwy, Wales
• Built between 1283 and 1289
• Architectural style: Medieval
• Website: Conwy Castle

Conwy Castle is a magnificent example of medieval architecture from the 13th century. This UNESCO World Heritage site was a royal residence and a key medieval military base. It is one of the best castles I have seen.

14.) Alnwick Castle

• Location: Northumberland, England
• Built inBuilt-in 11th century
• Architectural style: Gothic
• Website: Alnwick Castle

Alnwick Castle, a medieval castle from the 11th century, is a popular tourist attraction known for its rich history and as a filming location for famous movies. Its Gothic architecture adds to its allure.

13.) Himeji Castle

• Location: Himeji, Hyōgo Prefecture, Japan
• Built in 1333
• Architectural style: Traditional Japanese
• Website: Himeji Castle

Himeji Castle, also known as “White Heron Castle,” is a UNESCO World Heritage site and a national treasure of Japan. This 14th-century castle exemplifies traditional Japanese architecture.

12.) Hohenzollern Castle

• Location: Hechingen, Zollernalbkreis, Germany
• Built inBuilt-in 11th century
• Architectural style: Gothic Revival
• Website: Burg Hohenzollern

Hohenzollern Castle, dating back to the 11th century, is a historical landmark and a symbol of royal heritage. Its Gothic Revival architecture makes it one of Germany’s most famous castles.

11.) Warwick Castle

• Location: Warwick, Warwickshire, England
• Built in:1068
• Architectural style:
• Website: Warwick Castle

Warwick Castle, an 11th-century medieval fortress, is a prime example of England’s royal and military history. It’s a UNESCO World Heritage site and a popular cultural destination.

10.) Pena Palace

• Location: Sintra, Portugal
• Built-in 19th century
• Architectural style: 19th-century Romanticism
• Website: Parques de Sintra

Pena Palace, a 19th-century UNESCO World Heritage Site, is known for its Romantic architecture and vibrant colors. King Ferdinand II’s vision transformed it into a royal residence and a symbol of Portuguese culture.

9.) Neuschwanstein Castle

• Location: Bavaria, Germany
• Built in 1869
• Architectural style: Romanesque Revival
• Website: Neuschwanstein Castle

Neuschwanstein Castle, built by King Ludwig II in the 19th century, is a spectacular example of Romanesque Revival architecture. This fairytale castle, inspired by the works of Richard Wagner, is one of the most visited castles in the world.

8.) Prague Castle

• Location: Prague, Czech Republic
• Built-in 9th century
• Architectural style: Baroque
• Website: Prague Castle

Prague Castle, dating back to the 9th century, is a UNESCO World Heritage site and a significant cultural landmark. It has served as a royal residence and now symbolizes Czech history.

7.) Bodiam Castle

• Location: East Sussex, England
• Built in 1385
• Architectural style: Quadrangular castle with medieval architecture
• Website: Bodiam Castle

Bodiam Castle, a 14th-century medieval fortress in East Sussex, was built by Sir Edward Dalyngrigge. It’s known for its picturesque moat and is a prime example of medieval military architecture.

6.) Windsor Castle

• Location: Windsor, Berkshire, England
• Built in: Late 11th century
• Architectural style: Primarily Georgian and Victorian, with Gothic features
• Website: Windsor Castle

Windsor Castle, the world’s oldest and largest occupied castle, has been a royal residence since the 11th century. Its architectural evolution reflects centuries of British history.

5.) Alcázar of Segovia

• Location: Segovia, Castile and León, Spain
• Built in: 12th / 13th century
• Architectural style: Gothic
• Website: Alcázar of Segovia

The Alcázar of Segovia, a medieval castle from the 12th/13th century, has served as a royal palace and military base. Its unique ship-like shape and Gothic style make it an architectural marvel.

4.) Edinburgh Castle

• Location: Edinburg, Scotland
• Built-in 12th century
• Architectural style: A mix of different styles
• Website: Edinburg Castle

Edinburgh Castle, a historic fortress built in the 12th century, has been a royal residence and military stronghold. Its strategic location and diverse architectural styles add to its grandeur.

3.) Glamis Castle

• Location: Glamis, Angus, Scotland
• Built in 1376
• Architectural style: Traditional Scottish
• Website: Glamis Castle

Glamis Castle, with its traditional Scottish architecture, has been a royal residence since the 14th century. Its historical significance and cultural impact make it a key critical Scottish landmark.

2.) Château deChambord

• Location: Chambord, Loir-et-Cher, France
• Built in: Between 1519 and 1547
• Architectural style: French Renaissance, Classical Renaissance
• Website: Château de Chambord

If you’re planning a trip to Paris, make some time to visit Chambord Castle; its beauty will blow your mind.

Château de Chambord, a masterpiece of the French Renaissance, was initially built as a hunting lodge in the 16th century. Its intricate design and cultural importance make it a must-visit.

1.) Hampton Court Palace

• Location: Greater London, England
• Built in 1515
• Architectural style: Tudor and Baroque
• Website: Hampton Court Palace

Hampton Court Palace, a royal residence since the 16th century, showcases Tudor and Baroque architecture. It’s a testament to England’s royal history and architectural evolution.