Who built medieval castles. Knight's castle - a safe house in the Middle Ages
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.
Medieval castles were actually not just large fortresses with massive stone walls. These were ingeniously designed fortifications that used many ingenious and creative ways to protect the inhabitants of the castle from attack by enemies. Literally everything - from the outer walls to the shape and location of the stairs - was very carefully planned to provide maximum protection to the inhabitants of the castle. In this review about little-known secrets, hid in the design medieval castles.
Almost every castle was surrounded by a moat filled with water. It is generally accepted that this was an obstacle to the storming troops, however, in fact, this was not the main function of the moat.
Vischering Castle in Germany. The castle consists of an outer defensive courtyard, protective locks, a drawbridge thrown over a moat, the main building and a chapel.
One of the biggest problems for the inhabitants of a medieval castle or fortress was that the invading army could dig tunnels under the fortifications. Not only could the enemy get inside the castle underground, but the tunnels could also lead to the collapse of the castle walls. The ditch prevented this, since the tunnel dug under the ditch inevitably flooded with water and collapsed.
Nesvizh Castle. Belarus.
This was a very effective deterrent against tunneling. Often the moat was laid not around the outer wall of the castle, but between the outer and inner walls.
Concentric circles of defense
It was an extremely effective method of defense for the inhabitants of a medieval castle, and looked like a series of obstacles surrounding the castle.
Hochosterwitz Castle. Austria.
As a rule, such obstacles were (in proportion to the distance from the castle) a scorched and dug field, an outer wall, a moat, an inner wall, a donjon tower. The attacking army had to overcome each of these obstacles in turn. And it took a lot of time and effort.
main gate
The main gate of the castle was often the most dangerous place the entire structure, since, if necessary, they could turn into a deadly trap.
Eltz Castle in Germany.
They often led to a small courtyard, at the other end of which there was also another gate, equipped with an iron descending grate. If the attackers broke through the first gate and found themselves in the yard, then the grate fell, after which the aggressors found themselves in a trap.
Svirzh castle in the village of Svirzh Lviv region. Main gate.
At the same time, there were small holes in the walls of the courtyard through which the defenders could shoot from bows and crossbows at the enemy soldiers who were trapped.
Hidden secrets of stairs
Staircases in medieval castles were actually very elaborate. First, they were almost always helical, very narrow and built clockwise.
Spiral staircase in Mir Castle. Belarus.
This meant that it was very difficult for attacking opponents who climbed up the stairs (and one at a time, because the stairs were narrow), because they had a sword in their right hand. And since by right hand there was always a wall, they had no opportunity to swing. The defenders have a wall spiral staircase was on the left, so they had more possibilities for a swing.
Staircase with reverse twist and uneven steps in the Wallenstein castle in Germany.
Another original feature of the stairs was that they had uneven steps: some were very high and others were low. The defenders of the castle, being familiar with the local stairs, could quickly climb up and down them, and the attackers often stumbled and fell, exposing themselves to a blow.
secret passages
Many castles had secret passages that served various purposes. Some of them were made so that the inhabitants of the castle could flee in case of defeat, and also so that during the siege the defenders would not be cut off from food supplies.
Koretsky castle in Ukraine.
Secret passages also led to secret chambers where people could hide, food was stored and (which was quite common) an additional well was dug for water.
Predjama Castle in Slovenia.
That's why medieval castle was much more than just a large glamorous palace with massive stone walls around it. It was a structure designed down to the smallest detail to protect the inhabitants. And each castle was full of its own little secrets.
Nestled among the green hills of Baden-Württemberg and crowning the old medieval city of 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 largest medieval castles in Europe, located on Mount Festung, at an altitude of 120 meters, 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 stone wall 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.
Not every castle is actually a castle. Today, the word "castle" we call almost any significant building of the Middle Ages, whether it be a palace, a large estate or a fortress - in general, the dwelling of a feudal lord of medieval Europe. This everyday use of the word "castle" is at odds with its original meaning, because the castle is primarily a fortification. Inside the castle territory there could be buildings for various purposes: residential, religious, and cultural. But still, first of all, the main function of the castle is defensive. From this point of view, for example, the famous romantic palace of Ludwig II - Neuschwanstein is not a castle.
location, and not the structural features of the castle - the key to its defensive power. Of course, the layout of the fortification is important for the defense of the castle, but what really makes it impregnable is not the thickness of the walls and the location of the loopholes, but the correctly chosen construction site. A steep and high hill, which is almost impossible to get close to, a sheer cliff, a winding road to the castle, which is perfectly shot from the fortress, determine the outcome of the battle to a much greater extent than any other equipment. 
Gates- the most vulnerable place in the castle. Of course, the fortress should have been main entrance(in peaceful moments, it happens that you want to enter beautifully and solemnly, not all the time the castle is defended). When capturing, it is always easier to break into the entrance that already exists than to create a new one by destroying massive walls. Therefore, the gates were designed in a special way - they had to be wide enough for carts and narrow enough for the enemy army. Cinema often sins by depicting a castle entrance with large wooden gates locked: such would be extremely impractical in defense. 
The interior walls of the castle were colored. The interiors of medieval castles are often depicted in gray-brown tones, without any cladding, just like the inside of bare cold stone walls. But the inhabitants of medieval palaces loved bright colors and generously decorated the interior of their living quarters. The inhabitants of the castles were rich and, of course, wanted to live in luxury. Our ideas are connected with the fact that in most cases the paint has not stood the test of time. 
Large windows are a rarity for a medieval castle. As a rule, they were absent altogether, giving way to multiple small window "slots" in the castle walls. In addition to the defensive purpose, the narrow window openings protected the privacy of the inhabitants of the castle. If you come across a castle building with luxurious panoramic windows, most likely they appeared at a later time, as, for example, in the castle of Roctaiade in southern France. 
Secret passages, secret doors and dungeons. Walking through the castle, be aware that somewhere under you lie corridors hidden from the eyes of the layman (perhaps someone wanders through them today?). Poterns - underground corridors between the buildings of the fortress - made it possible to quietly move around the fortress or leave it. But the trouble is if a traitor opens a secret door to the enemy, as happened during the siege of Corfe Castle in 1645. 
Assault on the castle was not such a fleeting and easy process as it is portrayed in the movies. A massive attack was a rather extreme decision in an attempt to capture the castle, putting the main military force at unreasonable risk. Castle sieges were carefully thought out and implemented for a long time. The most important thing was the ratio of the trebuchet, the throwing machine, to the thickness of the walls. To make a hole in castle wall, the trebuchet took from several days to several weeks, especially since just a hole in the wall did not guarantee the capture of the fortress. For example, the siege of Harlech Castle by the future King Henry V lasted about a year, and the castle fell only because the city ran out of provisions. So the rapid attacks of medieval castles are an element of cinematic fantasies, and not historical realities. 
Hunger- The most powerful weapon when taking the castle. Most castles had tanks that collected rainwater, or wells. The chances of the castle inhabitants to survive during the siege depended on the water and food supplies: the option to “sit out” was the least risky for both sides. 
For the defense of the castle it didn't take as many people as it seems. Castles were built in such a way as to allow those inside to calmly fight off the enemy, managing with small forces. Compare: the garrison of Harlech Castle, which held out practically whole year, consisted of 36 people, while the castle was surrounded by an army numbering hundreds or even thousands of soldiers. In addition, an extra person on the territory of the castle during the siege is an extra mouth, and as we remember, the issue of provisions could be decisive. 
Medieval castle "from scratch" using only medieval building materials, tools and technologies. Construction began in 1997, the project is designed for 25 years.
The idea of building a medieval castle came from archaeologist Nicolas Faucherre and architectural historian Christian Corvisier during an archaeological study of the medieval castle of Saint-Fargeau. The castle was built in the 10th century, and then it was repeatedly reconstructed and rebuilt. As a result, the "last version" of the castle was built on foundations and using materials from the 13th century. The owner of the Saint-Fargeau castle, Michel Guyot, decided not to restore his own castle, but to build a castle nearby, similar to Saint-Fargeau in the 13th century.
Guidelon Castle in 2005
Christophe.Finot / Wikimedia Commons
Castle in 2009
Odejea/Wikimedia Commons
Castle in 2015
Asmoth/Wikimedia Commons
For the construction, the Guidelon forest was chosen, 13 kilometers from the castle of Saint-Fargeau. Here were all the materials needed for construction: an abandoned quarry, a large forest and a pond nearby. The future castle was also named Gidelon, in honor of the forest surrounding the construction site. The project of the castle was created by the architect Jacques Moulin (Jacques Moulin) according to the architectural canons developed during the reign of King Philip II (1163-1223). The king ordered the creation of a standard plan, according to which fortified castles were built in France. The territory of the castle, built according to standard plan, was a polygon, it was surrounded by high walls, a dry moat was dug around the castle. The entrance to the castle was protected by cylindrical towers. On the corners of the castle were built round towers with embrasures; one of them, the "lord's tower", was taller and larger than the others.
Ratilla Castle was built according to the architectural "standard" of the 13th century.
Thierry de Villepin / Wikimedia Commons
A team of 70 people is constantly working in the castle, 40 of which are employed in construction work. In addition, about 650 volunteers come to the castle every year to work in the quarry, as well as masons, carpenters and stone carvers. The project participants expect to complete the construction in the early 2020s. In 2016, it is planned to break out the stone blocks and build a passage along the western wall of the castle. The carpenters will build a temporary wooden bridge on the eastern wall of the castle, which will be laid over the moat. Later, the bridge will be replaced by a permanent stone one, and wooden bridge wood for the construction of the roof will be delivered to the castle defensive towers. It is also planned to paint the walls of the chapel built a year earlier.
The work is carried out under the supervision and guidance of experts - archaeologists and historians from French universities. At the same time, the training turns out to be two-sided: on the one hand, experts advise and approve (or disapprove) the decisions of the project participants, on the other hand, for archaeologists and architectural historians, Gidelon has become a storehouse of information about what technologies or tools were used at one time or another and about overall construction management.
At first, the leaders and inspirers of the project were the owner of Saint-Fargeau Michel Guyot and businesswoman Marilyn Martin, who wanted to create new jobs. A few years later, the castle territory was opened to visitors and now 300,000 tourists visit here every year.
