13 Medieval Castles to Visit for Fascinating History and Stunning Architecture

Explore Europe's captivating past with these medieval castles. Journey through history while admiring stunning architecture. From imposing fortresses to elegant palaces, discover tales of knights, royalty, and pivotal events. Perfect for history buffs and architecture enthusiasts, these sites offer breathtaking views and a glimpse into a bygone era. Plan your next travel destination and immerse yourself in the grandeur of the Middle Ages.

1. Warwick Castle, Warwickshire, England

Warwick Castle, a formidable fortress on the banks of the River Avon, is a prime example of medieval castle architecture. Originally built by William the Conqueror in 1068, it has witnessed centuries of English history. Explore the castle's towers, ramparts, and dungeons, and immerse yourself in interactive exhibits and live shows that bring the past to life. Don't miss the Horrible Histories Maze and the dazzling displays of falconry.

2. Edinburgh Castle, Edinburgh, Scotland

Perched atop an extinct volcano, Edinburgh Castle dominates the city's skyline. This iconic Scottish castle has served as a royal residence, military stronghold, and national symbol. Discover the Crown Jewels of Scotland, explore the Great Hall, and learn about the castle's rich and often turbulent history. The panoramic views of Edinburgh from the castle walls are simply breathtaking.

3. Neuschwanstein Castle, Bavaria, Germany

Neuschwanstein Castle, the fairytale castle commissioned by King Ludwig II of Bavaria, is a masterpiece of 19th-century Romanticism with a medieval inspiration. Though built relatively late, its architectural style is heavily influenced by medieval castle design, particularly Romanesque and Gothic Revival styles. Inspired by the legends of Lohengrin, the swan knight, this castle exudes an ethereal beauty that will transport you to another world. Its interior is as lavish as its exterior, adorned with ornate decorations and paintings depicting scenes from Wagnerian operas.

4. Conwy Castle, Conwy, Wales

Conwy Castle, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is a striking example of Edwardian military architecture. Built by Edward I in the late 13th century, this imposing castle stands guard over the Conwy Estuary. Its eight massive towers and high curtain walls create a formidable defensive structure. Explore the castle's interior, climb the towers for stunning views, and imagine the battles that once raged within its walls.

5. Château de Chambord, Loire Valley, France

Château de Chambord, the largest château in the Loire Valley, is a masterpiece of French Renaissance architecture with nods to medieval castle design. Commissioned by King Francis I in the 16th century, this grand palace boasts an impressive array of towers, turrets, and chimneys. Legend has it that Leonardo da Vinci contributed to the design, particularly the double helix staircase, a marvel of engineering. Explore the château's opulent interiors, wander through its vast gardens, and marvel at its architectural grandeur.

6. Bran Castle, Transylvania, Romania

Bran Castle, often associated with the legend of Dracula, is a medieval fortress steeped in mystery and intrigue. Perched high on a rocky cliff, this picturesque castle offers stunning views of the surrounding countryside. Explore its winding corridors, hidden passageways, and chambers, and learn about its history as a royal residence and military stronghold. Whether you believe in the Dracula myth or not, Bran Castle is a captivating destination that will spark your imagination.

7. Malbork Castle, Poland

Malbork Castle, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is the largest castle in the world measured by land area. Built by the Teutonic Knights in the 13th century, this imposing fortress served as their headquarters for centuries. Explore its vast complex of courtyards, chambers, and fortifications, and learn about the history of the Teutonic Order and their role in the region.

8. Bodiam Castle, East Sussex, England

Bodiam Castle, a quintessential moated castle, is a picture-perfect example of medieval military architecture. Built in the late 14th century, this romantic ruin is surrounded by a wide moat, reflecting its imposing towers and battlements. Explore the castle's interior, imagine the life of its inhabitants, and admire its tranquil setting.

9. Hohenzollern Castle, Baden-Württemberg, Germany

Hohenzollern Castle, the ancestral seat of the Hohenzollern dynasty, is a stately fortress perched atop Mount Hohenzollern. Rebuilt in the 19th century, this impressive castle boasts stunning views of the surrounding Swabian Alps. Explore its opulent interiors, admire the Crown Jewels of Prussia, and learn about the history of one of Germany's most influential royal families.

10. Caerphilly Castle, Caerphilly, Wales

Caerphilly Castle, a massive Norman fortress, is known for its impressive water defenses. Built in the 13th century, this sprawling castle is surrounded by a series of artificial lakes and moats, creating a formidable barrier. Explore its imposing gatehouses, towers, and halls, and admire its impressive scale.

11. Guimarães Castle, Guimarães, Portugal

Guimarães Castle, a historic fortress, played a crucial role in the formation of Portugal. It's often referred to as the birthplace of Portugal. This castle, a national monument, saw Afonso Henriques, the first King of Portugal born within it. This medieval castle is known for its architectural brilliance, including a square keep and strong battlement walls, and its location on the hilltop which is extremely safe. Explore its sturdy walls, battlements, and central keep, and learn about the history of Portugal's independence.

12. Arundel Castle, West Sussex, England

Arundel Castle, the seat of the Duke of Norfolk, boasts nearly 1,000 years of history. It's one of the longest inhabited country houses in England. It was built in 1067 and was seized by Henry I. Explore the meticulously kept gardens, and admire the castle's architectural features, including the gatehouse.

13. Stirling Castle, Stirling, Scotland

Stirling Castle, is a historically important castle in Scotland and one of the largest. It sits atop Castle Hill, and is surrounded by steep cliffs on three sides. Stirling was strategically important for several reasons, most important being it controlled what was the furthest downstream crossing of the River Forth.

Comparison of Medieval Castles

Castle Name	Country	Era	Key Features	Why Visit?
Warwick Castle	England	11th Century (and later)	Towers, ramparts, dungeons, interactive exhibits.	Immersive historical experience with live shows and falconry.
Edinburgh Castle	Scotland	12th Century (and later)	Crown Jewels, Great Hall, panoramic city views.	Iconic Scottish landmark with rich royal and military history.
Neuschwanstein Castle	Germany	19th Century	Fairytale architecture, ornate interiors, Wagnerian inspiration.	Visually stunning and romantic castle experience.
Conwy Castle	Wales	13th Century	Massive towers, high curtain walls, estuary views.	Impressive Edwardian military architecture and panoramic views.
Château de Chambord	France	16th Century	Renaissance architecture, double helix staircase, vast gardens.	Grand palace with architectural marvels and opulent interiors.
Bran Castle	Romania	14th Century	Rocky cliff location, winding corridors, Dracula legend.	Mysterious and intriguing castle with stunning views.
Malbork Castle	Poland	13th Century	Largest castle in the world (land area), vast complex of courtyards.	Impressive scale and history of the Teutonic Knights.
Bodiam Castle	England	14th Century	Moated castle, picturesque ruin, tranquil setting.	Quintessential medieval castle experience.
Hohenzollern Castle	Germany	19th Century (rebuilt)	Stately fortress, Crown Jewels of Prussia, Swabian Alps views.	Ancestral seat of a powerful royal family with stunning scenery.
Caerphilly Castle	Wales	13th Century	Water defenses, artificial lakes, massive gatehouses.	Impressive Norman fortress with extensive water defenses.
Guimarães Castle	Portugal	10th Century (and later)	Historic fortress, national monument, birthplace of Portugal.	Significant role in Portuguese history and independence.
Arundel Castle	England	11th Century (and later)	Nearly 1,000 years of history, meticulously kept gardens.	One of the longest inhabited country houses in England.
Stirling Castle	Scotland	12th Century (and later)	Strategically important, controlling the River Forth crossing.	One of the largest and most historically important castles in Scotland.

From the rugged beauty of Edinburgh Castle to the fairytale charm of Neuschwanstein, these medieval castles offer a captivating journey through history and architecture. Plan your visit today and discover the magic of these magnificent landmarks.