Most expensive castle
8 Most Expensive Castles in the World
The earliest castles date back to the Middle Ages when nobility and military groups built structures to fortify the private residence of a noble. The main building in the castle’s inside is known as the “keep.” The rest are battlements, walls, and towers. The Normans may have created the concept of the castle, but it was used across Europe in the Middle Ages by many monarchies and for many wars.
Continue reading to learn about the 8 most expensive castles that you can buy today, the ones that have traveled through history to be bought and sold for millions by people who want to live like medieval royalty in the 2020s.
8. Castle Vyshhorod
Price: $15,000,000
Region: Kyiv, Ukraine
Age: Unknown
Size: 5 bedrooms
photo source: Le Figaro Properties
It’s unknown when exactly this castle was built in Kyiv, Ukraine, right on the river Dnieper. Listed as, “Castle Vyshhorod,” the building consists of only 5 bedrooms, making it the smallest of the structures on this list. But that doesn’t mean it isn’t a massively impressive property.
The building contains an indoor swimming pool and gym, complete with a sauna and jacuzzi. It has playgrounds, a 15-car underground garage, and jogging tracks. The castle is on the market for $15,000,000.
Did you know?Kyiv is a major capital of industry in Ukraine, containing the Kyiv Hydroelectric Power Plant, Kyiv Reservoir, and one of Ukraine’s most industrious metropolitan centers. It’s also one of the oldest in the world, dating back to before 1,000 AD.
7. Castle Maincy
Price: $15,948,100
Region: Ille-de-France
Age: 300 years
Size: 10 bedrooms
photo source: Le Figaro Properties
Castle Maincy is in the Ille-de-France, with numerous facilities to satisfy an outdoors-loving architecture fan who can afford its nearly $16,000,000 price tag.
The property encompasses several stables, lakes, and tennis courts, as well as France’s first-ever Parc a l’Anglaise, or English-style park and formal gardens.
The property at Castle Maincy contains multiple reception rooms, catering buildings, and event spaces. The main house or chateau itself has a library, gorgeous entrance hall, 10 bedrooms in total, multiple cellars, and more.
Did you know?The nearly 300-year-old property contains many outbuildings, some added later. Many of them are garages, storage rooms, and stables. Many more can be converted into apartments for guests or workers. There’s also a guardian’s lodge as well as multiple greenhouses, a formal garden, and a walled kitchen garden in the English style.
6. Castle Pezenas
Price: $16,095,100
Region: Pezenas, France
Age: 800 years
Size: 15 bedrooms
photo source: Sotheby’s International Realty
“Castle Pezenas” is what we are calling an unnamed castle in Pezenas, France that is currently for sale.
It encompasses over 6,000 sq. ft of interior room, including 30 rooms (half of which are bedrooms) and a Romanesque church built in the 1100s. Most of the rest of the palace was built much later in the 1700s, named the Petit Versailles du Languedoc.
The chateau is surrounded by walls and land totaling around 10 acres. In total, the estate contains around 81.5 acres of land, about half of which is devoted to the Castle Pezenas’ vineyard. Much of the property is enshrouded in woods, but some have been developed into many outbuildings and terraced gardens.
This castle is on sale for $16,095,100, or 15 million euros.
Did you know?The estate of this castle in Pezenas, France is covered in garrigue, which is a French term for hillside vegetation that grows along the Mediterranean, usually consisting of a wild mix of juniper, lavender, thyme, rosemary, and other herbs.
This castle’s estate is largely overgrown and requires a complete overhaul by its new potential buyer.
Buying this estate will net the new owner a tax break to get the estate back in operation.
5. Castel Valer
Price: $17,169,224
Region: Tassullo Trentino, Italy
Age: 700 years
Size: 15 bedrooms
photo source: Trentino
The oldest part of Castel Valer or “Lower Castle” is from the 14th century, about 700 years old. The Upper Castle is more recent, having been built in the 16th century. The central tower of Castel Valer is 40 meters tall, making it the highest in Trentino, Italy.
This castle (or complex) is located in the Val de Non Valley. It has a fortified structured dating back to the medieval Roman designs and over 100 chambers in the main house, including 15 bedrooms. Some of these are lavishly decorated, including famous rooms like “Sale Madruzziane.”
Castel Valer is currently on sale for $17,169,224.
Did you know?This castle has been owned by its current residents, the Spaur family, since 1368 (and you thought your family had deep roots!).
The castle is covered in art, with frescoes by the famous Baschenis brothers as well as a chapel devoted to Zaragoza’s St. Valerius.
4. Castle La Verdière
Price: $19,314,100
Region: Provence-Alpes-Cote d’Azur, France
Age: 900 years
Size: 25 bedrooms
photo source: Le Figaro Properties
The Castle La Verdière is one of the biggest on this list with 25 bedrooms and a sizable property. The main building encompasses 50 rooms in total, including multiple living rooms, salons, and suites. The valley nearby in the Provence-Alpes-Cote d’Azur in France is expansive, full of rare foliage and incredible views.
This castle is surrounded by walls, with multiple outbuildings and pools on the property. It was built over 900 years ago, making it the oldest on this list as well, with a history stretching back to numerous generations of Provence nobility. The castle is currently on sale for $19.
314 million.
The Castle La Verdière is very near the communes of Castellane, Luberon, Moustiers-Sainte-Marie, and Mont Ventoux. Throughout history, these communes have supplied work for the castle by royal decree, resulting in many complaints. The French Revolution even resulted in the castle’s seizure and potential (but ultimately avoided) destruction.
3. Ashford Castle
Price: $21,472,400
Region: Galway, Ireland
Age: 800 years
Size: 83 bedrooms
photo source: Wikimedia Commons
Ashford Castle has been expanded and renovated over many centuries until now becoming a luxury hotel in Lough Corrib, Galway in Ireland. It is one of the most stunning and desirable hotels anywhere, with a 5-star luxury rating, owned by the Red Carnation Hotels.
This castle was built in 1228 (or at least, a version of it was). Under the rule of the de Burgos, Ashford Castle persisted, eventually sustaining a huge battle between de Burgos and the President of Connaught.
The castle was lost to Connaught in 1589, resulting in many changes, including a fortified enclave added to its structure.
The nearly 800-year-old castle sold in 2012 for 20,000,000 Euros or the equivalent of $21.47 million.
Did you know?For centuries, Ashford Castle has held a publicly acknowledged right of way over its bridge. The bridge is commonly used by the families living on the castle estate.
Gerry Barrett, then owner of the castle, tried to install an electric gate at the bridge to prevent locals from using it, a decision that was protested in the High Court, joined by local councilors to support the centuries-old standard.
2. Castle Limoges
Price: $22,629,100
Region: Nouvelle-Aquitaine, France
Age: 600-900 years
Size: 16 bedrooms
photo source: Le Figaro Properties
Castle Limoges, one of the oldest on this list, was built sometime between the 12th and 15th centuries and has been fortified after many encounters and owners ever since.
The castle features 16 bedrooms with 2 lifts, a library, a meeting room, a movie theater, a music room, a billiards room, and more.
The castle is so old that it still has a dungeon, defensive towers, a drawbridge, and original battlements. Standing in the inner courtyard of the castle should bring back sensations of the old country in this ancient structure, surrounded by farms, ponds, and meadows.
Castle Limoges in Nouvelle-Aquitaine, France is on sale for $22,629,100.
Did you know?Castle Limoges also has an original machicolation, which is a floor that opens in a battlement to support corbels, which are brackets made of stone or metal that stick out from battlements and allow boiling oil, water, or quicklime to poured through onto invaders.
1. Castle Lorient
Price: $26,825,200
Region: Brittany, France
Age: 300-600 years
Size: 8 bedrooms
photo source: Le Figaro Properties
The most expensive castle is Castle Lorient.
This castle, currently for sale, is known affectionately as “the castle in the woods” due to its unique situation on 2 kilometers of a shoreline of forest-lined river banks. The castle was built sometime between the 15th and 18th centuries, with various work done throughout, making it over 300 years old at least.
The park that surrounds the building is huge — over 100 acres wide. The inside of the castle opens into an open-air foyer with a glass roof at the top of a staircase, leading into numerous reception rooms, each equipped with a fireplace and windows. It only has 8 bedrooms, but the castle is enormous with 3 full offices, multiple libraries, and more.
Castle Lorient is currently for sale for $26.825 million.
Did you know?The castle grounds include several outbuildings, including a caretaker’s house, reception room, market hall, and chapel. There are Japanese gardens to give the estate a multicultural relaxing atmosphere as well as a honey factory, boathouse, workshop, farmhouse, magic hall, swimming pool, employee lodge, and monk’s tower.
What Is The Most Expensive Castle in The World? – Castle Tourist
Castles have come a long way. They evolved from being structures of necessity to symbols of power and wealth; today, Castles depict history, art, and affluence. As a result, castles are highly priced, and many are worth millions of dollars.
The most expensive castle in the world today is the Chateau Lois XIV of France. The Chateau Lois XIV Castle was valued and sold to the crown prince of Saudi, Muhammad bin Salman at $300 million in 2017. This massive ten rooms structure lies on a 23 Hectares estate, which is about 57 acres! Image by SofieLayla Thal from Pixabay
Castles and luxury appear to be two sides of a coin. So, it is not surprising that there are highly expensive castles in England, Germany, Spain, etc. Would you like to tour or learn about the most expensive castles in the world? Read on.
This is a comprehensive list of the most luxurious and expensive castles in different parts of the world.
Book a trip to your favourite castle
The most expensive castle in England
Think of luscious chandeliers, state-of-the-art decors, and absolute luxury, and you would have thought about Windsor castle.
The decoration of the castle is said to cost £64 million! The castle has housed royals since the 9th century.
The Windsor Castle dates back to 1070 when William I (William the conqueror) made the first constructions on the site.
Henry II and Henry III built and completed the Round Tower and the South Wall, respectively. Each reign added one form of development to another until the current fortress’s construction ended.
You will find Windsor castle at the North-Eastern edge of Windsor and Maidenhead County. It lies on a 13 acres landmass and two main quadrilateral-shaped buildings.
Today, Queen Elizabeth II owns Windsor in the right of the crown. According to Fox Business, Windsor Castle is worth $236 million.
The most expensive castle in Germany
The most expensive castle in Germany is the Neuschwanstein Castle.
The court is rising on a hilltop in Hohenschwangau, Germany. King Ludwig II built it in 1886 as a private haven (he was reportedly a shy person).
Unfortunately, he didn’t get to live in it because it took longer than expected to finish, and he died before his workers completed it.
The castle was only declared open seven (7) after his death. Nevertheless, the Neuschwanstein Castle is a major tourist site, and it attracts over 1.4 million visitors every year.
Rumours are that the castle’s primary purpose was not to have royal looks but more of art and science which the king preferred at that time.
The exact value of the castle is unknown as the current owners haven’t placed the building on the market; however, history tells us that King Ludwig II spend 6.2 million marks (twice the initially estimated price).
Today, scholars agree that the equivalent of 6.2 million marks is nothing less than £43 million. Additionally, the Neuschwanstein Castle and the Linderhof Palace have been valued at nothing less than $250 million together.
By estimation, the Neuschwanstein is one of the most luxurious places to visit in Germany and the most expensive castle.
The most expensive castle in Scotland
The most expensive castle in Scotland is the royal Balmoral Castle.
The Balmoral is located at the Royal Deeside, Aberdeenshire, and happens to be Queen Elizabeth’s most preferable Scotland getaway location.
There isn’t much information about this castle before it attained royal position. Prince Albert bought the Balmoral for Queen Victoria in 1852, who fell in love with the structure after spending some time there.
She decided to develop the castle, and ‘Her Majesty’ contracted William Smith, City Architect of Aberdeen, to expand and develop the castle for the royal family.
Each reign has done more in its preservation than any major alterations of the castle. According to fox business, the Balmoral Castle was currently valued at $140 million in 2020.
The next most expensive castle in Scotland is the Edinburgh castle – it has not been valued lately, but this prehistoric castle has been voted the next luxurious and important structure.
The Edinburgh Castle is also the most visited in Scotland with about 1.7 million visitors yearly.
Next in line is the Seton Castle, which was valued at £8 million in 2019. However, Balmoral tops the list in Scotland.
The most expensive castle in France
According to the New York Times, the most expensive castle in France is the Chateau Lois XIV.
It is also rated as the world’s most expensive home in 2021. This 2008 chateau was modelled after the 17th-century French castles.
It is located in Louveciennes, near Versailles. This castle has exotic high-tech enablement, a meditation room that is second to none, state-of-the-art decors, iPhone-controlled features, a transparent underwater chamber, a statue of Louis XIV made of expensive Carrara marble, amongst many other wonders.
It is owned by Mohammed bin Salman who purchased it for $300 million in 2017.
The most expensive castle in Spain
This one is a little bit trickish as property experts can’t seem to agree on the most expensive castle in Spain.
Spain is known for many landmark castles and fortresses, which have never been placed in the market or valued.
Additionally, since most castles have been converted to national properties and museums, it is unclear how much they could be worth, considering that various indices may affect the value.
Nevertheless, the Alcazar of Segovia leads the chart as the most expensive castle in Spain. This castle is One (1) hour drive from Madrid and located on a plateau between two rivers in Castile and Leon region.
It has housed many royal families, the Habsburgs, the Bourbons, the House of Burgundy, and the Trastamara. Today, the Alcazar of Segovia is the most visited historical site in all of Spain. The Alcazar of Sergovia dates back to the 7th century.
The most expensive castle in Italy
Italy is a town of aesthetics, fashion, and beauty. Also, it leaves a dilemma as to the most expensive castle. Experts have been divided in their view on which castle is the most expensive in Italy.
The Scaligero Castle, Lake Garda, is voted the most expensive castle in Italy with a value of not less than $20 million. In addition, the Scaligero Castle, Lake Garda, is the 22nd most toured site, and it functions as a hotel today.
The Most Expensive Castle in Ireland
Ashford Castle tops the list valuing up to $70 million. According to research, the castle was built and financed by the Anglo-Norman House of Burke in 1228.
However, what we have today results from massive modifications and additions made by the various enthusiastic owners (The most notable being the two large Victorian extensions mounted in 1852 by Sir Benjamin Lee Guinness).
It is located in Cong, close to Ireland’s border. It was turned into a luxury hotel in 1939 and remained so to date. What’s most interesting is that in 2013, it was only valued at $27 million.
Please note that we only discussed castles; some palaces are worth remarkably higher than the castles analyzed here (for example, the Buckingham Palace is worth up to $5 billion).
Watch this space for more exciting information about castles. We’ve got your back.
Also, make sure to check what’s the most expensive palace in the world, I bet you will be surprised with the answer.
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Lists o top castles around the world.
The most expensive old and new castles in the world
What old Europe is rich in is castles. After all, for many centuries every ruler of Spain, Italy, Germany, France tried to secure their lands from the claims of enemies. For this, defensive fortifications - castles were built. Not all of them have survived to this day in their original form. Some were destroyed during numerous wars, by fire and other natural disasters, others were abandoned by their masters, fell into disrepair and were slowly dismantled by local residents for household needs. But still, we can still admire some of these fortifications. They were preserved by their owners and, if necessary, restored.
Buying and selling castles, old and not so old, has long ceased to be exotic in the real estate market. The media regularly publish information about transactions in this segment in various parts of the world. Of course, deals involving seven-figure sums attract the most attention. Lenta.Ru together with the Tranio.Ru portal present a selection of the most expensive locks currently for sale.
Protected by lions
Saint Florentine Castle
Tenth place in the ranking is Santa Florentina Castle ( Castillo de Santa Florentina ), located in the town of Canet de Mar near Barcelona. For a three-story building with an area of about 3 thousand square meters, which is included in the list of the national cultural heritage of Spain and the rating of the most beautiful houses in the world, the owners are asking for 14 million euros. The castle dates back to the 11th century, and in 1881-1912 the famous architect Luis Domènech y Montaner carried out a large-scale reconstruction in it, increasing the area of the building.
Once upon a time, a noble Catalan family lived in the castle, representatives of the royal family of Spain stayed there. The entrance to the building is "guarded" by two chained lions, which serve as a symbol of the castle. Adjacent to the castle is a plot of 42 hectares, on which, in particular, there is a small private chapel, a garden with a swimming pool, a stable and a wine cellar.
Modern castle in Regensburg
Modern castle
The castle in the German city of Regensburg (Bavaria), built in 2006, can be purchased for 19.5 million euros. This amount also includes a land plot of 60 hectares, part of which is divided into a French-style park. The five-story building on the shore of the lake has 25 living rooms with a total area of 1800 square meters.
On the Croisette
Castle near Cannes
To become the owner of a 17th century castle built in the vicinity of Cannes, you will have to pay 19.8 million euros. The total area of the main building is 2000 square meters, which fit nine bedrooms, two spacious terraces, several halls, a library, an office, a gym and rooms for staff.
The adjacent 20-hectare property includes a park, a guest house, a golf course, a tennis court, a swimming pool and a separate maid's house. It takes 5 minutes to get from the castle to the nearest beach and 10 minutes to the famous Croisette.
Completely safe
Mansion in San Andrés de Llavaneras
The purchase of a manor-house in the Spanish municipality of San Andrés de Llavaneras, located about 40 kilometers from Barcelona, will cost 20 million euros. The building with an area of 2000 "squares" was erected in 1470 and completely restored in 1990. As a result of the work, the architectural style of the building was not damaged, but the castle acquired a modern "stuffing", in particular, security and air conditioning systems, a voltage stabilizer. The building has 9living rooms and 5 bathrooms. The price of the property includes 40 hectares of land.
With a lake view
Another "castle-new building", located on the island of Ile Bizar in the Canadian province of Quebec, is offered to potential buyers for almost 22 million euros.
In addition to 50 residential premises (2045 square meters), the three-level building built in 2004 has a dining room, a library, a wine cellar, a tasting room, a painting workshop, a laundry room, a cinema room, and a massage room. In addition, the castle is equipped with an elevator and a computer control system. The 4.83 hectare property includes a garden, three garages and a large swimming pool with sliding glass walls overlooking the terraces and Lake Du Montagne.
Paradise for winemakers
Château Bouilh
The purchase of the ancient Château du Bouilh (Château du Bouilh ) near the French city of Bordeaux (Aquitaine region) will cost the same amount. The area of the six-storey building is 3000 square meters. It has 77 living rooms, the interior of which has preserved the style of the 17th century, a library and a billiard room. However, the main feature of the castle is the adjacent 77-hectare vineyard. If desired, the property owner will be able to independently produce elite wines such as White Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc and Sémillon.
Shato Zhmet
Castle with an airfield
Next in line Zhmet castle ( Château Jemeppe ), built in the XIII century in the town of Arzhimon ( Hargimont ) Marche en Famin (about an hour by car from Brussels). Its cost is 25.5 million euros. The castle has 80 bedrooms, each with its own bathroom. There is also a chapel, a cinema, a billiard room, several relaxation rooms, three bars, an indoor pool, a sauna, an airfield for helicopters, a stable and parking for 150 cars. The building is in perfect condition, since the complete restoration of the facility was completed at the end of last year.
The castle, completely restored and equipped with the latest technology, is currently in commercial use. Anyone can organize a business conference, seminar, wedding, other celebrations or anniversaries within its walls.
No approvals
Château de Charbonnières
The top three is opened by the castle in the Loire Valley Château de Charbonnières ( Château de Charbonnières ) in France, which is sold for 30 million euros.
The facility with an area of over 3,000 square meters was built in the 16th century. Experts emphasize that the building is registered as private property, so the restoration will not require any approval from the local authorities. However, the renovation of the castle was recently completed. The owners of the building will have at their disposal 15 bedrooms, 15 bathrooms and 10 more bathrooms. In addition to the castle itself, on a plot of 32 hectares there are gardens, stables, greenhouses, as well as a forest, a river and a lake.
House of Kings and Emperors
Castello di Pavone Canavese
In second place with a price tag of 45 million euros was the castle Castello di Pavone Canavese in the Italian province of Piedmont. The building is located on a hill and surrounded by stone walls with watchtowers. Along these walls, built in the Middle Ages, there is a moat with water, through which you can drive on a drawbridge. Inside the fortress there is a chapel built in the times of Ancient Rome.
Among the former owners of the castle are King Arduin of Italy, Holy Roman Emperor Otto I the Great and representatives of the Savoy dynasty. At the end of the 19th century, the architect and historian Alfredo D'Andrade restored the castle. At 19In 1992, a new stage of restoration work began, during which the building was equipped with all modern amenities. There are currently 30 bedrooms and 47 bathrooms in the 3,700-square-foot castle.
Castello dell'Oscano
Hidden owners
The most expensive castle among the current listings is worth 58 million euros. It is Castello dell`Oscano ( Castello dell`Oscano ). The building, which is an architectural monument, is located in the Italian province of Umbria, near the city of Perugia. The living area of the building, which is currently a hotel, is almost 10,000 square meters, and the area of the park surrounding the castle (which boasts stunning perennial trees: oaks, lindens, cypresses, olive trees and ancient pines) is about 180 hectares.
Here, not only will they accept and settle in a medieval, but comfortable room, but they will also teach truffle hunting. Representatives of the seller promise to disclose more detailed information about the object only during private negotiations with future buyers.
Source: lenta.ru
10 most beautiful castles | Robb Report
Many beautiful old castles have survived all over the world. From the whole variety, we chose, in our opinion, the most attractive
Neuschwanstein Castle, Germany
Today this castle is one of the most visited in Germany and one of the most popular tourist destinations in Europe. About 1.3 million people visit it every year. The castle is located in Bavaria, near the city of Füssen. It was built in the 19th century by King Ludwig II. The monarch was a big fan of the world famous composer Richard Wagner. Neuschwanstein was built in his honor: the interiors of the castle are largely inspired by characters from Wagner's operas.
Although the outside of the castle looks medieval, inside it was equipped with modern technology. For example, an air heating system was installed, and toilets with an automatic flushing system were located on each floor. Neuschwanstein has a beautiful walled inner garden. It even has an artificial cave. The castle looks truly fabulous and stands in an incredibly beautiful place. Its appearance inspired Walt Disney to create a fairy tale kingdom.
Mont-Saint-Michel, France
Mont-Saint-Michel is a rocky island in Normandy, turned into a fortress island. Mont Saint-Michel is located about 1 km from the coast and is connected to the mainland by a narrow causeway. The highest point of the island is 92 meters above sea level. Mont Saint-Michel is famous for its Benedictine abbey built in the 11th-16th centuries. The abbey covers an area of about 55 hectares and is an example of a medieval French fortified monastery. The castle is included in the UNESCO World Heritage List, and is also one of the most recognizable sights of France.
More than 3 million tourists come here every year.
Prague Castle, Czech Republic
This is one of the largest ancient castles in the world, covering an area of more than 70 hectares. The UNESCO World Heritage Site consists of palaces and ecclesiastical buildings in seven architectural styles. The monumental castle, whose construction began in the 9th century, has been the residence of Czech kings for many centuries. And today it is not only the most visited place in Prague by tourists, but also the official residence of the President of the Czech Republic.
Marienburg Castle, Poland
Malbork Castle is considered the largest in the world, as well as the largest brick building in Europe, built in the 13th century as a fortress of the Teutonic Knights. From the moment of its construction, the castle was used as a fortress, the residence of the Polish kings, an almshouse and barracks for the Prussian army. During the Second World War, the castle was badly damaged and underwent extensive restoration in the second half of the 20th century.
It is now a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a popular tourist attraction in Poland.
Hohensalzburg Castle, Austria
The largest intact medieval castle in Europe is located on the top of the Festung mountain near Salzburg. The construction of the castle was begun by Gebhard I, Archbishop of Salzburg, in the 11th century. In subsequent years, his successors repeatedly rebuilt and fortified the castle, gradually turning it into a powerful fortress. Hohensalzburg acquired its current appearance in general terms in the 16th century. Interestingly, in all the years of its existence, the castle has never been captured by foreign troops.
Conwy Castle, UK
This medieval fortress on the north coast of Wales was built in the 13th century by order of King Edward I. The huge investment made in its construction makes it the most expensive of all the castles built by this monarch. Only the walls of the castle have survived to this day, but even in this form they look impressive.
From the height of the castle walls, a picturesque view of the town of Conwy, the bay of the same name and the green hills of Wales opens up.
Alcazar of Segovia, Spain
This stone castle is located in Segovia, an hour's drive from Madrid. Alcazar is one of the most beautiful and recognizable castles in Spain. It was built on a rocky hill in the 12th century as a fortress, but since then it has served as a royal palace, a state prison, and a military academy. Rumor has it that it was this fortress that became the inspiration for the Cinderella Castle in the Walt Disney cartoon.
Stirling Castle, Scotland
One of the largest and most important castles in Scotland is located in its central part. The castle is located on a high hill and is surrounded on three sides by steep cliffs, which turned it into an almost impregnable fortress. At different times, it performed not only protective, defensive functions, but was also one of the royal residences.
Several Scottish kings and queens have been crowned at Stirling Castle, including Mary Scots in 1543.
Kilkenny Castle, Ireland
Stone castle built in the 12th century, intended for William Marshal, 1st Earl of Pembroke. From the end of the 14th century and for almost 600 years, Kilkenny Castle became the main Irish residence of the powerful Butler family. In 1967 Arthur Butler, 6th Marquess of Ormonde handed over the castle to the municipal authorities for a nominal fee of £50. Over the eight centuries of its existence, the castle was often rebuilt and eventually became the concentration of various architectural styles.
Himeji Castle, Japan
Due to its white appearance and beauty, Himeji is also called the "White Heron Castle". Unlike many other Japanese castles, it has never been destroyed by war, earthquake or fire and has survived to this day as one of Japan's twelve original castles. Himeji is a national treasure and a world heritage site.
