Are there still medieval castles

Over the centuries the castle has gone through several changes and to this day bears elements of various architectural styles, mainly Gothic Revival. Its location historically was a strategic point controlling the crossing of River Nore.

These days, the castle is surrounded by vast gardens with manicured lawns, where visitors can slowly enjoy and observe the castle. Visitors can also tour the castle interiors and immerse themselves in historic magnificence. The awe-inspiring island located where Normandy and Brittany meet is otherworldly and unique. Even though not technically a castle, it would be difficult for anyone to deny its magnificence.

What sits on top of the island is a medieval monastery attracting pilgrims for centuries. The legend tells that bishop Aubert from a nearby town was ordered by Archangel Michael himself to build a church on top of the island. Construction of a Benedictine abbey begun in the late 10th century. The scenery surrounding the island is everchanging as the tides of the bay can recede quickly, revealing a completely different view.

During the low tide, the island can be reached on foot, and hundreds of tourists visit each day. Museums, parish church, and the abbey are open for visitors. Possibly one of the most famous castles in Europe is Windsor Castle in England, which has been the home of British royalty for centuries. Ever since Henry I ruled over England in the 12th century, this Berkshire palace has been used by the reigning monarch and therefore has had the longest occupancy for a palace in Europe.

The castle is surrounded by 13 acres of land and features a fortification, a palace, and a small town. These days the castle features a Georgian and Victorian design based on a medieval structure, with Gothic features.

As you would expect in any home of a monarch, impressive and renowned art pieces feature within the castle. Being one of the three official residences of the Queen, it is still fully operational and attracting tourists is not its main purpose.

Not surprisingly, most people expect to see sharp towers rising above treetops when thinking of medieval castles. However, not all fit this description, and Castel del Monte in Southern Italy certainly stands out. The ascetic and fortress-like octagon facade features elements from classical antiquity, the Islamic Orient and north European Cistercian Gothic. The castle sits on a rocky peak in a secluded forest, and the building itself has undergone no significant structural changes.

Built on top of former Roman fortification ruins, it became a royal palace in , and a century later the site became the Royal Court of Ferdinand and Isabella. The legend has it, Christopher Columbus got an endorsement for his expedition there. Alhambra strongly reflects the Moorish architecture elements signature to the reign of the last Muslim dynasty on the Iberian Peninsula.

The number of visitors allowed to go to Alhambra is highly limited therefore visits should be planned well ahead of time. In the small European country of Luxembourg, nestled between France, Germany, and Belgium, there is one of largest fortified castles west of the Rhine — Vianden Castle. Even though origins date back to the 10th century, the castle was steadily built over three centuries between the 11th and the 14th century. Vianden Castle is an example of the Romanesque style with semi-circular arches, even though there were Gothic additions later on.

Just like many other medieval castles, Vianden Castle lies on top of a hill overlooking the town of Vianden. Until the early 15th century it was the seat of prominent counts of Vianden with close connections to the Royal Family of France and the German imperial court. Designed to be the residence of Dukes of Brittany, this late-medieval castle features a moated castle, a ruined chapel, a dovecote, and a few ruined outbuildings. When it was completed in , it was the largest brick castle in the world.

Due to a growing number of Teutonic Knights, the castle was expanded several times. At one point, it housed over knights. Due to its strategic location near the Baltic Sea and River Vistula, Teutonic Knights were able to collect tolls from trading ships and barges. The castle was heavily damaged during World War II but since has been rebuilt and is open for visitors. Trakai was one of the main centers of the Grand Duchy of Lithuania.

It had great strategic importance but lost its military significance soon after the Battle of Grunwald when the Grand Duchy of Lithuania was defeated by the Lithuanian-Polish army. Before being heavily damaged and eventually fallen in despair in the 17th century, it also served as a prison. Bodiam Castle is one of the few quadrangular castles and has chambers on the outer walls and inner courts.

To this day, unfortunately, the interior of the castle has not remained. Drop off at a Different Location? Drop Off Location:. Driver Age Find Your Car. Sign up for the latest offers. Blog Search. The 10 Most Epic Medieval Castles in Europe Take a step back in time to the dramatic and romantic medieval period by visiting these epic European castles.

The wondrous medieval castles of Europe are full of romance and mystery, from the rugged Carreg Cennen Castle in Wales to the mysterious Hunyad Castle in Romania. By visiting one of these medieval castles in Europe, you get to experience the history of the era come to life through the castle walls.

Most castles were built as fortified royal residences, and many of them sprang up throughout Europe during the medieval era. Each one is steeped in history and, while some are better preserved than others, it is worth exploring as many as you can to get a feel for the feudal states of Europe during this time. Here's our top 10 most epic medieval castles in Europe: Carreg Cennen Castle, Wales Did you know that the Welsh countryside is home to more castles per square mile than anywhere else in the world?

Well, it is! And while Carreg Cennen may be a ruined castle, its rugged location on a limestone hilltop in the Brecon Beacons National Park makes it one of the most beautiful medieval castles on the list. The castle has actually been in a ruined state since , but it is possible to visit the castle in the spring and summer months from April to October. Predjama Castle, Slovenia Famous for its bizarre location on the side of a foot-high cliff, Predjama Castle has all of the quirks of a traditional medieval castle.

Dingy dungeons, secret tunnels, and a very bloody history — with this formula Predjama is a must-see medieval castle. The castle also hosts an exciting medieval tournament every July at the grounds, a unique experience that is worth checking out. Windsor Castle, England The oldest and largest inhabited castle in the world, Windsor Castle is a royal residence located in Berkshire, England. One of them even ranks among the most beautiful castles in Europe.

If you ever wondered, "Are castles still used today? Like, as a house? Dunrobin Castle, located in Sutherland, Scotland, dates back to the s, and is "one of the oldest continuously inhabited houses" in the United Kingdom. The land the castle is built on was first acquired by Hugh, Lord of Duffus , in the 13th century. It is the largest house in the Northern Highlands boasting rooms , and is home to the Dukes of Sutherland.

Construction on Arundel Castle began in , at the order of William the Conqueror. Today, it is more than years old , and "one of the largest inhabited and complete castles in England. According to the castle's website , the chateau is still used as a private residence for the Duke of Blacas and his family. Because work began on Inveraray Castle in the 18th century, it is technically not a medieval castle. However, it is built on the grounds of an earlier, 15th century castle that also belonged to Clan Campbell, and has been the seat of the Dukes of Argyll since the medieval era.

Located 60 miles northwest of Glasgow, Scotland, Inveraray remains inhabited to this day , and is also open to the public. Located in the English county of Northumberland, Alnwick Castle is the second-largest inhabited castle in England. It is owned by the 12th Duke of Northumberland, the current head of the House of Percy. His family has lived in the castle for more than years. The first parts of Alnwick castle were built in the late 9th century. In modern times, it's been used as filming locations for both the Harry Potter films and Downton Abbey.

The Rutland family has lived on the grounds of Leicestershire's Belvoir Castle for nearly 1, years. The land was first gifted to the family's ancestor, Robert de Todeni, by William the Conqueror in the 11th century. Following the Wars of the Roses, the first version of the castle was reduced to ruins by The second was destroyed in , during the English Civil War.