What does a medieval castle look like? Tintagel Castle, England. Hohenschwangau Castle, Germany

When large landowners appeared in Europe, they began to build fortified estates for themselves. The house, outbuildings, barns and stables were surrounded by high wooden walls. In front of them, they usually dug a wide ditch, into which water was diverted from the nearest reservoir. This is how the first castles appeared. But they were fragile, as the tree began to rot over time. Therefore, the walls and buildings had to be constantly updated. In addition, such buildings could easily be set on fire.

First real knight's castles from stone, which are well known even in our time, they began to build at the end of the 9th and beginning of the 10th centuries. In total, 15 thousand such structures were built in Europe. Especially fond of similar buildings in England. On these lands, a building boom began during the time of William the Conqueror in the second half of the 11th century. Stone structures towered at a distance of 30 km from each other. This proximity was very handy in the event of an attack. Horse detachments from other castles could quickly arrive at the defenders.

IN X-XI centuries protective stone buildings consisted of a high multi-tiered tower. It was called donjon and was home to the knight and his family. Food was also stored in it, servants lived, armed guards. A prison was set up in which prisoners were kept. A deep well was dug in the basement. It was filled with groundwater. Therefore, the inhabitants of the donjon were not afraid to be left without water in the event of a long siege.

From the second half of the 11th century, donjons began to be surrounded by stone walls.. Since that time, the defensive capabilities of the castle have increased significantly. Enemies first had to overcome high solid walls, and then also take possession of a multi-tiered tower. And from it it was very convenient to pour hot tar on the heads of the invaders, shoot arrows and throw large stones.

The most active construction of reliable stone structures unfolded in 1150-1250. It was during these 100 years that the largest number castles. Kings and rich nobles built majestic structures. Small nobles erected small but reliable stone fortresses.

At the beginning of the XIII century, the towers began to be made not square, but round.. This design was more resistant to throwing machines and rams. In the 90s of the XIII century, they abandoned one central tower. Instead, they began to make many towers, and surrounded them with 2 and even 3 rows of walls. Much more attention was paid to the strengthening of the gate.

Previously, knightly castles were protected only by heavy doors and a rising bridge over the moat. Now a powerful metal grate has been placed outside the gate. She could go down and up, and was called gers. Its tactical advantage was that it was possible to shoot arrows through it at the attackers. This innovation was added barbican. It was a round tower located in front of the gate.

Therefore, the enemies first had to take possession of it, then overcome the drawbridge, break the metal grating of the gers, and only after that, overcoming the fierce resistance of the defenders, penetrate interior territory castle. And on top of the walls, the builders made stone galleries with special openings to the outside. Through them, the besieged fired their bows and poured hot pitch on the enemies.

Medieval knight's castle and its defensive elements

In these almost impregnable stone fortresses, everything was subject to maximum security. But they cared much less about internal comfort. There were few windows, and they were all narrow. Instead of glasses, they used mica or intestines of cows, bulls, buffaloes. Therefore, the rooms were twilight even on a bright sunny day. There were a great many different stairs, corridors and passages. They created drafts. And this affected the health of the residents not in the best way.

There were fireplaces in the rooms, and the smoke escaped through the chimneys. But it was very difficult to heat the premises made of stone. Therefore, people have always suffered from a lack of heat. The floors were also stone. They were covered with hay and straw on top. Furniture included wooden beds, benches, cabinets, tables and chests. Hunting trophies in the form of stuffed animals and weapons hung on the walls. And in such decoration lived the families of the nobles with their servants and guards.

Attitudes towards comfort and convenience began to change at the beginning of the 14th century.. Knights' castles began to be built of brick. Accordingly, they became much warmer. Builders stopped making narrow window openings. They expanded significantly, and multi-colored glass replaced the mica. The walls and floors were covered with carpets. Carved wooden furniture and porcelain utensils, brought from the east, appeared. That is, the fortresses turned into quite tolerable places to live.

At the same time, locks retained such important functions as storage for products. They had cellars and cellars. Grain, smoked meats, dried fruits and vegetables were stored in them. There were stocks of wine, fish lay in wooden barrels. Honey was stored in earthenware jars filled with wax. Salo was salted in stone containers.

Halls and corridors were lit with oil lamps or torches. In living quarters candles made of wax or tallow were used. A separate tower was intended for hay. It was kept for horses, which at that time were very numerous. Each fortress had its own bakery. Bread was baked daily for the masters and their servants.

The common people settled around these majestic buildings. In the event of an attack by enemies, people hid behind strong walls. They also sheltered their livestock and property. So gradually around knight's castles settlements began to appear first, and then small towns. Markets and fairs were held right under the walls. The owner of the fortress did not object to this at all, since such events promised him a good profit.

By the 16th century, many knightly castles were completely surrounded by residential buildings. As a result, they lost their military defensive value. At this time, powerful artillery began to appear. She nullified the importance of strong and high walls. And gradually sometime impregnable fortresses turned into a place of residence for wealthy people. They were also used for prisons and warehouses. Today, the former majestic buildings have become history and are of interest only to tourists and historians..

Nestled among the green hills of Baden-Württemberg and crowning the old medieval city Heidelberg, Heidelberg medieval castle, is one of the most wonderful romantic sights in Germany. The first mention of the castle dates back to 1225. The ruins of the castle are one of the most important structures of the Renaissance tonorth of the Alps. Long years Heidelberg Castle wasthe seat of the countsPalatine, who were accountable only to the emperor.

2. Castle Hohensalzburg (Austria)

One of the biggest medieval castles in Europe, located on Mount Festung, at an altitude of 120 meters, which is next to Salzburg. During its existence, Hohensalzburg Castle was repeatedly rebuilt and strengthened, gradually turning into a powerful, impregnable fortress. In the 19th century, the castle was used as a warehouse, military barracks and prison. The first mention of the castle dates back to the 10th century.

3. Bran Castle (Romania)

Located almost in the center of Romania, this medieval castle gained its worldwide fame thanks to Hollywood, it is believed that Count Dracula lived in this castle. Lock is national monument and main attractionRomania. The first mention of the castle dates back to the 13th century.

4. Segovia Castle (Spain)

This majestic stone fortress is located near the city of Segovia in Spain and is one of the most famous castles Iberian Peninsula. It was its special shape that inspired Walt Disney to recreate Cinderella's castle in his cartoon. Alcazar (castle) was originally built as a fortress, but served in quality royal palace, prisons, the Royal Artillery School and the Military Academy. Currently used as museum and places of storage of military archives of Spain. The first mention of the castle dates back to 1120, it was built during the reign of the Berber dynasty.

5. Dunstanborough Castle (England)

The castle was built by the countThomas Lancasterbetween 1313 and 1322 at a time when relations between King Edward II and his vassal, Baron Thomas of Lancaster, became openly hostile. In 1362 Dunstanborough took over John of Ghent , fourth son of the king Edward III who significantly rebuilt the castle. During Wars of the Scarlet and White Roses the stronghold of Lancaster came under fire, as a result of which the castle was destroyed.

6. Cardiff Castle (Wales)

Situated in the heart of Cardiff city, this medieval castle is one of the most defining monuments of the Welsh capital. The castle was built by William the Conqueror in the 11th century on the site of a former 3rd century Roman fort.

This medieval castle dominates the skylineEdinburgh, capital of Scotland. The historical origin of the formidable Edinburgh castle on a rock shrouded in mystery, it is mentioned in 6th century epics, appearing in chronicles before finally coming to the fore in Scottish history when Edinburgh established itself as the seat of monarchical power in the 12th century.

One of the most visited sites in southern Ireland, it is also one of the most intact examples of medieval fortifications in the world. Blarney Castle is the third fortress built on this site. The first building was wooden and dates back to the 10th century. Around 1210, a stone fortress was built instead. Subsequently, it was destroyed and in 1446 Dermot McCarthy, the ruler of Munster, built a third castle on this site, which has survived to this day.

The medieval castle of Castel Nuovo was built the first king of Naples, Charles I of Anjou, Castel Nuovois one of the most famous sights of the city.With its thick walls, majestic towers and impressive triumphal arch make it the quintessential medieval castle.

10. Conwy Castle (England)

The castle is a magnificent example of 13th century architecture and was built by order of King Edward I of England. Surrounded by a wall of stone with eight round towers. Until our time, only the walls of the castle have survived, but they also look very impressive. Many huge fireplaces were used to heat the castle.

Still, medieval architects were geniuses - they built castles, luxurious buildings that were also extremely practical. Castles, unlike modern mansions, not only demonstrated the wealth of their owners, but also served as powerful fortresses that could hold the defense for several years, and at the same time, life in them did not stop.

Even the fact that many castles, having survived wars, natural disasters and the carelessness of the owners, are still intact, suggests that they have not yet come up with a more reliable home. And they are insanely beautiful and seem to have appeared in our world from the pages of fairy tales and legends. Their high spiers are reminiscent of the times when beauties fought for the hearts, and the air was saturated with chivalry and courage.

Reichsburg Castle, Germany

The thousand-year-old castle was originally the residence of the German king Conrad III, and then the king of France Louis XIV. The fortress was burned down by the French in 1689 and would have sunk into oblivion, but a German businessman purchased its remains in 1868 and spent most of his wealth to restore the castle.

Mont Saint Michel, France

Swallow's Nest, Crimea

Initially, on the rock of Cape Ai-Todor there was a small wooden house. And its current appearance bird home” received thanks to the oil industrialist Baron Shteingel, who loved to relax in the Crimea. He decided to build romantic castle, which resembles medieval buildings on the banks of the Rhine River.

Castle Stalker, Scotland

Castle Stalker, which means "Falconer", was built in 1320 and belonged to the MacDougal clan. Since that time, its walls have experienced a huge number of strife and wars, which affected the state of the castle. In 1965, Colonel D. R. Stewart of Allward became the owner of the castle, who personally restored the structure with his wife, family members and friends.

Bran Castle, Romania

Bran Castle is the pearl of Transylvania, a mysterious museum-fort, where the famous legend of Count Dracula, a vampire, murderer and governor Vlad the Impaler, was born. According to legend, he spent the night here during the periods of his campaigns, and the forest surrounding Bran Castle was Tepes's favorite hunting ground.

Vyborg Castle, Russia

Vyborg Castle was founded by the Swedes in 1293, during one of the crusades against Karelian land. It remained Scandinavian until 1710, when the troops of I drove the Swedes back far and for a long time. Since that time, the castle managed to visit both a warehouse, and a barracks, and even a prison for the Decembrists. And today there is a museum here.

Cashel Castle, Ireland

Cashel Castle was the seat of the kings of Ireland for several hundred years before the Norman invasion. Here in the 5th century A.D. e. Saint Patrick lived and preached. The walls of the castle witnessed the bloody suppression of the revolution by the troops of Oliver Cromwell, who burned soldiers alive here. Since then, the castle has become a symbol of the cruelty of the British, the real courage and fortitude of the Irish.

Kilchurn Castle, Scotland

Very beautiful and even a little creepy ruins of Kilkhurn Castle are located on the shore picturesque lake Eve. The history of this castle, unlike most castles in Scotland, proceeded quite calmly - numerous earls lived here, who succeeded each other. In 1769, the building was struck by lightning and was soon completely abandoned, as it remains to this day.

Lichtenstein Castle, Germany

Built in the 12th century, this castle has been destroyed several times. It was finally restored in 1884 and since then the castle has become a filming location for many films, including the film The Three Musketeers.

Time is relentless, and ancient structures reach us mainly in the form of ruins, which are more interesting for archaeologists than tourists. But fate favored some especially durable ones, and they were well preserved. So some of the oldest castles in the world turned out to be available for tourists, visits to which are always interesting and informative. In Europe, castles began to be actively built at the end of the 10th century, and by XIV century this type of architecture has reached its perfection.

1. Bernstein Castle, (Austria)

The long history of Bernstein Castle is rich in events, it changed owners so many times that neither the exact number of them nor the name of the one who built this castle remained. It was first mentioned in documents in 860, and in the 13th century it served as a border fortress. It was built in a place where the borders of Austria, Bohemia and Hungary closed, so the leaders of these countries competed for possession of the castle.
Bernstein is a remarkable example of bastion architecture. It has an oval perimeter, it has very thick, almost fortress walls with rare turrets and narrow windows. The courtyard is now smashed beautiful garden. The nature around Bernstein is untouched, and there is a golf course and a famous golf club nearby - this game is an important reason why guests come to the castle. In 1953, the castle was converted into a hotel, which it remains today. The owners of the castle were able to preserve its authenticity - this applies not only to the walls, but also to the interiors and furniture, which are also very old. Entering the Bernstein Castle, a person immediately feels like he has fallen into the era of knights.

2. Foix Castle (France)

This castle, located in the south of France, in the Pyrenees, belonged to the once famous family of the Counts of Foix. Its history begins in 987. In the will of Count Roger I of Carcassonne in 1002, the castle was transferred to his younger son Bernard. In 1034, it becomes the center of government of the county of Foix, leaving in the medieval military history noticeable trace. Since the 15th century, the castle has been the residence of the governor of this region, while at the same time it continued to perform protective functions throughout the religious wars. Before the French Revolution, the castle housed a garrison.
Count de Treville, known from the Three Musketeers, and the future minister of Louis XVI, Marshal Segur, ruled here. In 1930, the museum of the department of Ariège was placed here, which has expositions dedicated to the prehistoric, Gallo-Roman and medieval eras on this land.

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3. Castle of the Black Falcon (France)

This wonderful castle is located in the French department of Indre and Loire, in the town of Montbazon and is the oldest surviving stone defensive structure France. The fortress was built in the period 991-996 by order of Count Fulk Nerra of Anjou, then several more defensive buildings joined it. Despite its long and not the most peaceful history, this castle has been perfectly preserved, and since 2003 it has been opened to the public. The modern outlines of the castle were given during the Middle Ages - in the XII century, the feudal lords of Montbazon, who owned it.
The dominant feature of the complex is a 28-meter-high quadrangular donjon, in addition, there is a small tower fortified by a number of ledges, a massive fence and a closed courtyard. In 1791, the period of decline of this castle began, along with the fall of small tower and the dungeons adjacent to it, and after 7 years, lightning struck the donjon. By the way, the cracks that ran along its eastern wall are evidence of this episode.

4. Langeai Castle (France)

In 992, the construction of Langeai Castle began, which was originally a wooden donjon built on an artificial hill. This place is located 24 kilometers from Tours, the owner of these lands was the first Count of Blois. Unlike other capital donjons, this one was built in a hurry, but its walls were 1.5 meters thick. Then followed one war after another. For example, during the Hundred Years War, the castle was repeatedly captured by the British. Finally, they agreed to leave it in 1428, but on the condition that the castle be destroyed, leaving only the donjon.
King Louis XI ordered the restoration of the castle in 1465, after which many monarchs owned it. Anne of Brittany came to Langeais. When in 1797 the castle was acquired by Charles-Francois Moisan, he was noted only for the fact that he led it into disrepair, sold the surrounding land, and set up a stable on the first floor of the castle. After the purchase of the castle in 1839 by Christophe Baron, a revival begins for it. In 1886, the Minister of Trade and Mayor of Le Havre, Jacques Siegfried, became the new owner of Langeais, who devoted the next two decades to the restoration of the complex, especially its interiors. And in 1904 he donated the castle to the Institute of France.

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5. Loches Castle (France)

Among all that have survived to this day medieval donjons, the one located in Loches castle, is perhaps the oldest. It began to be built in 1005 and finished around 1070. It turned out a 38-meter-high structure with three-meter-thick walls, almost impregnable. The history of the Loches fortress began during the reign of Count Fulk Nerra of Anjou, a restless warrior who had been at enmity with de Blois's neighbors all his life. It was he who decided to build a square stone fortress.
Part of the premises of the castle is open to the public today, the 15th century torture chamber built by Charles VII is especially popular - you can see the shackles in it that held the legs of the executed during the quartering. A copy of the cell of Louis XI, in which Bishop Balu sat for 11 years, is also kept here. The Ministry of Culture of France in 1861 recognized the castle of Loches as a significant historical monument.

6. Bled Castle (Slovenia)

Near the Slovenian city of Bled, on a 130-meter cliff towering over Lake Bled, the Bled Castle rises. It was first mentioned in a document of 1004, reporting the transfer of Feldes Castle (then German title) by Emperor Henry II for the use of Bishop Albuin of Brixen. Its oldest building is the Romanesque donjon, used for defense, living and viewing the surroundings.
IN medieval period other buildings were also stuck on the cliff, and stone defensive walls with towers were built on its very top. In 1947, the castle was on fire, but a few years later it was restored and set up there. historical Museum, which presents weapons, clothing and household items of that time.

7. Angers Castle (France)

Another castle from the banks of the Loire from the department of Maine and Loire. This area was part of the Roman Empire in the 3rd century. There was a small border outpost on the banks of the river Men, with wooden walls to protect against Vikings and barbarians. In 851, the fortress came under the control of Geoffroy II, Count of Anjou, who managed to turn a modest wooden fort into a large stone castle. In 1939, the Polish government-in-exile settled here, but already in 1940 the Germans smoked it out of there too.
After the war, Angers Castle was restored. Its main attraction was the cycle of tapestries "Apocalypse" - 7 paintings on biblical subjects, woven by 1378 according to the sketches of the Flemish painter Jean by the weaver Nicolas Batailly. The canvases have a total length of 144 meters with a height of 5.5 meters.

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8. Chepstow Castle (Wales)

This castle stands on the banks of the River Wye in the town of Chepstow in south Wales. It was built by William Fitz-Osburn between 1067 and 1071. The Earl of Pembroke added a couple of towers to it in 1200, and his sons added a barbican protecting the drawbridge and a gatehouse. This is the first castle on the entire island of Great Britain, built entirely of stone. In the middle 19th century festivities and horticultural exhibitions began to be held in the castle, to which festivals and historical competitions were soon added, which are still taking place to this day. In 1914, it was bought by a businessman who mothballed the castle, and in 1953 his family handed over the castle to the state, after which it became open to the public.

9. Windsor Castle (England)

This is the current residence of the British monarchs located in the city of Windsor. For over 900 years, towering on a hill in the Thames Valley, it is a symbol of the monarchy. Having captured England in 1066, William I the Conqueror over the next decade surrounded London with a ring of castles standing on artificial hills 30 kilometers from the capital and from each other. At first, the castle was wooden, but with a stone wall around the perimeter, it stood on a limestone hill about 30 meters above the level of the Thames.
The first to use Windsor Castle as his residence was King Henry I in 1110, and then he married Adele in 1121. By this point, the wooden structures had partially collapsed due to the gradual subsidence of the hill. Then wooden piles were driven into the hill, on which a stone fortress was erected. Henry II, who ascended the throne in 1154, continued the construction of the castle.
Today, Windsor Castle is the largest inhabited castle in the world, with about 500 people working and living there. The Queen visits there in March-April and a week in June each year, where she conducts ceremonies related to the Order of the Garter. Here she officially receives foreign representatives. About a million tourists visit Windsor every year.

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10. Dover Castle (England)

This is one of the largest English castles in terms of size, located in Dover (Kent), on the English Channel, which separates the British Isles from the continent. Some of the castle buildings date back to ancient times. The fortress was surrounded by a huge moat, which was dug out, possibly in the Iron Age. At the beginning of a new era before british isles came the troops of the Roman Empire, they built two lighthouses on this site, while one of them has survived to this day. It can still be seen today when visiting Dover.
In the region of the 10th century, the church of St. Mary of Castro was attached to the lighthouse, and the lighthouse was also its bell tower. This church also managed to survive. In 1066, the Normans, led by William I, captured the castle and all of England. Henry II - his grandson began to build a defensive system and main tower castle. The construction then took a colossal amount - 7,000 pounds, of which 4,000 were spent on the construction of the donjon. In the 18th century, during the wars with Napoleon, at a depth of 15 meters under the fortress, tunnels were cut in the rocks for the living of soldiers in the amount of 2000 bayonets. The castle was also expanded and fortified to withstand the onslaught of the French. But after 1826, when Bonaparte was finished, the castle was abandoned, and all its inhabitants left it without using it in any way.
Only about a century later, in 1939, when the war with Germany began, they remembered the tunnels, which were converted first into bomb shelters, and then into a military hospital. Now the castle houses a large museum complex open to everyone.

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So that you are imbued with a romantic mood, website collected in this material 20 of the most famous castles that are still on Earth. They will certainly want to visit and, perhaps, stay to live.

Reichsburg Castle, Germany

The thousand-year-old castle was originally the residence of the King of Germany, Conrad III, and then of the King of France, Louis XIV. The fortress was burned down by the French in 1689 and would have sunk into oblivion, but a German businessman purchased the remains in 1868 and spent most of his wealth rebuilding the castle.

Mont Saint Michel, France

The impregnable castle of Mont Saint-Michel, surrounded on all sides by the sea, is one of the most popular attractions in France after Paris. Built in 709, it still looks stunning.

Hochosterwitz Castle, Austria

Medieval Hochosterwitz castle built in the ninth century. Its towers still vigilantly monitor the surrounding area, proudly towering above it at a height of 160 m. sunny weather they can be admired even at a distance of 30 km.

Bled Castle, Slovenia

The castle is located on a hundred-meter cliff, menacingly hanging over Lake Bled. In addition to the magnificent view from the windows of the castle, this place has a rich history - the residence of the Serbian queen of the dynasty, and later Marshal Josip Broz Tito, was located here.

Hohenzollern Castle, Germany

Barciense Castle, Spain

Barciense's castle Spanish province Toledo was built in the 15th century by a local count. For 100 years, the castle served as a powerful artillery fortress, and today these empty walls attract only photographers and tourists.

Neuschwanstein Castle, Germany

The romantic castle of the Bavarian king Ludwig II was built in the middle of the 19th century and at that time its architecture was considered very extravagant. Be that as it may, it was its walls that inspired the creators of the Sleeping Beauty Castle in Disneyland.

Methoni Castle, Greece

Since the 14th century, the Venetian castle-fortress of Methoni has been the center of battles and the last outpost of Europeans in these parts in battles against the Turks, who dreamed of capturing the Peloponnese. Today, only ruins remain of the fortress.

Hohenschwangau Castle, Germany

Chillon Castle, Switzerland

This medieval bastille resembles a warship from a bird's eye view. Rich story and characteristic appearance castle served as an inspiration for many famous writers. In the 16th century, the castle was used as a state prison, as George Byron described in his poem "The Prisoner of Chillon".

Eilean Donan Castle, Scotland

The castle, located on a rocky island in the Loch Duich fjord, is one of the most romantic castles in Scotland, famous for its heather honey and legends. Many films were filmed here, but the most important thing is that the castle is open to visitors and everyone can touch the stones of its history.

Bodiam Castle, England

Since its founding in the 14th century, Bodiam Castle has gone through many owners, each of whom liked to fight. Therefore, when Lord Curzon acquired it in 1917, only ruins remained of the castle. Fortunately, its walls were quickly restored, and now the castle stands as good as new.

Guaita Castle, San Marino

The castle from the 11th century is located on the top impregnable mountain Monte Titano and, together with two other towers, protects the oldest state in the world, San Marino.

Swallow's Nest, Crimea

Initially, on the rock of Cape Ai-Todor there was a small wooden house. And the Swallow's Nest got its current look thanks to the oil industrialist Baron Steingel, who loved to relax in the Crimea. He decided to build a romantic castle that resembles medieval buildings on the banks of the Rhine River.