There are few things in the world more interesting than the knightly castles of the Middle Ages: these majestic fortresses breathe evidence of distant eras with grandiose battles, they saw both the most perfect nobility and the meanest betrayal. And not only historians and military experts are trying to unravel the secrets of ancient fortifications. The knight's castle is interesting for everyone - a writer and a layman, an avid tourist and a simple housewife. This is, so to speak, a mass artistic image.
How the idea was born
A very turbulent time - in addition to big wars, the feudal lords constantly fought with each other. In a neighborly way, so as not to be bored. Aristocrats fortified their dwellings from invasion: at first they would only dig a moat in front of the entrance and put up a wooden palisade. With the acquisition of siege experience, the fortifications became more and more powerful - so that the ram could withstand and not be afraid of stone cores. In antiquity, this is how the Romans surrounded the army with a palisade on vacation. Stone structures began to be built by the Normans, and only in the 12th century did classical European knightly castles of the Middle Ages appear.
Transformation into a fortress
Gradually, the castle turned into a fortress, it was surrounded by a stone wall, into which tall towers. The main goal is to make the knight's castle inaccessible to attackers. At the same time to be able to monitor the entire district. The castle must have its own source of drinking water - suddenly a long siege is ahead.
The towers were built in such a way as to hold any number of enemies for as long as possible, even alone. For example, they are narrow and so steep that a warrior walking second cannot help the first in any way - neither with a sword nor with a spear. And it was necessary to climb them counterclockwise, so as not to hide behind the shield.
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Imagine a mountain slope on which a knight's castle has been erected. Photo attached. Such structures were always built at a height, and if there was no suitable natural landscape, they made an artificial hill.
The knight's castle in the Middle Ages is not only knights and feudal lords. Near and around the castle there were always small settlements, where all kinds of artisans settled and, of course, warriors guarding the perimeter.
Those who walk along the road always turn their right side to the fortress, the one that cannot be covered by a shield. There is no high vegetation - no hiding. The first obstacle is the moat. It can be around the castle or across between the castle wall and the plateau, even crescent-shaped if the terrain allows.
There are dividing ditches even within the castle: if suddenly the enemy managed to break through, movement will be very difficult. If the soil rocks are rocky - a moat is not needed, digging under the wall is impossible. The earthen rampart right in front of the moat was often with a palisade.
The bridge to the outer wall is made in such a way that the defense of the knight's castle in the Middle Ages could last for years. He's uplifting. Either the whole or its extreme segment. In the raised position - vertically - this is an additional protection for the gate. If a part of the bridge was raised, the other part automatically fell into the moat, where a "wolf pit" was arranged - a surprise for the most hasty attackers. The knight's castle in the Middle Ages was not hospitable to everyone.
Gate and gate tower
Knight's castles of the Middle Ages were most vulnerable just in the gate area. Latecomers could enter the castle through the side gate on the lifting ladder, if the bridge was already raised. The gates themselves were most often not built into the wall, but were arranged in gate towers. Usually double-leaf, from several layers of boards, sheathed with iron to protect against arson.
Locks, bolts, transverse beams sliding across the opposite wall - all this helped to hold out in the siege for quite a long time. Behind the gate, in addition, a powerful iron or wooden grate usually fell. This is how the knightly castles of the Middle Ages were equipped!
The gate tower was arranged so that the guards guarding it could find out from the guests the purpose of the visit and, if necessary, treat them with an arrow from a vertical loophole. For a real siege, holes for boiling resin were also built in.
Defense of a knight's castle in the Middle Ages
The most important defensive element. It should be high, thick and better if on a plinth at an angle. The foundation under it is as deep as possible - in case of a digging.
Sometimes there is a double wall. Next to the first high - the inner one is small, but impregnable without devices (ladders and poles that were left outside). The space between the walls - the so-called zwinger - is shot through.
The outer wall at the top is equipped for the defenders of the fortress, sometimes even with a canopy from the weather. The teeth on it existed not only for beauty - it was convenient to hide behind them to their full height in order to reload, for example, a crossbow.
The loopholes in the wall were adapted for both archers and crossbowmen: narrow and long - for a bow, with an extension - for a crossbow. Ball loopholes - a fixed but rotating ball with a slot for shooting. Balconies were built mainly decorative, but if the wall is narrow, then they were used, retreating and letting the others pass.
Medieval knight towers were almost always built with domed towers at the corners. They came out to shoot along the walls in both directions. The inner side was open so that the enemy who penetrated the walls would not gain a foothold inside the tower.
What's inside?
In addition to zwingers, other surprises could be expected outside the gates of uninvited guests. For example, a small enclosed courtyard with loopholes in the walls. Sometimes castles were built from several autonomous sections with strong internal walls.
There was certainly a courtyard with a household inside the castle - a well, a bakery, a bathhouse, a kitchen and a donjon - the central tower. Much depended on the location of the well: not only the health, but also the life of the besieged. It happened that (remember that the castle, if not just on a hill, then on the rocks) was more expensive than all the other buildings of the castle. The Thuringian castle Kuffhäuser, for example, has a well over one hundred and forty meters deep. In rock!
central tower
The donjon is the tallest building in the castle. From there, the surroundings were monitored. And it is the central tower - the last refuge of the besieged. The most reliable! The walls are very thick. The entrance is extremely narrow and located at a great height. The stairs leading to the door could be pulled in or destroyed. Then the knight's castle can keep the siege for quite a long time.
At the base of the donjon there was a cellar, a kitchen, a pantry. Next came the floors with stone or wooden ceilings. The stairs were wooden, with stone ceilings they could be burned to stop the enemy on the way.
The main hall was located on the whole floor. Heated by a fireplace. Above were usually the rooms of the family of the owner of the castle. There were small stoves decorated with tiles.
At the very top of the tower, most often open, there is a platform for a catapult and, most importantly, a banner! Medieval knightly castles were distinguished not only by chivalry. There were cases when the knight and his family did not use the donjon for housing, having built a stone palace (palace) not far from it. Then the donjon served as a warehouse, even a prison.
And, of course, every knight's castle necessarily had a temple. The obligatory inhabitant of the castle is the chaplain. Often he is both a clerk and a teacher, in addition to his main job. In rich castles, temples were two-story, so that the gentlemen would not pray next to the mob. The family tomb of the owner was also equipped within the temple.
Castles, fortresses and palaces have been built by people since ancient times. Being built at a time when there was no modern technology, they amaze the imagination with their architectural grandeur. Although these impregnable symbols of the Middle Ages were built as fortifications, this does not prevent them from pleasing the eye with their appearance. And we offer to admire those of them that are considered the most beautiful in Europe.
Neuschwanstein Castle (Germany)
This majestic, romantic castle is considered the most beautiful in the world. And even in the photo you can see that he deserved his title. Built by order of the Bavarian King Ludwig II, during the lifetime of its creators, it became associated with the embodiment of a fairy-tale dream that became a reality.
Eltz Castle (Germany)
A pearl of European architecture, one of the most beautiful castles in Germany and the world. For more than 30 generations it has remained in the possession of the same family and has never been captured or plundered, not even during the great wars and revolutions.
Pierrefonds Castle (France)
Built in the 90s of the XIV century, it became an arena where historical events for Europe unfolded. Partially destroyed by the troops of Cardinal Richelieu, it was restored in the 1880s.
Hohenzollern Castle (Germany)
Stunningly beautiful, this castle seems to have stepped out of the pages of a fantasy novel. The first mention of it is found in documents from 1267, and in our time many interesting events are held here.
Chambord (France)
Built on the orders of Francis I, Chambord Castle was presented to his beloved and soon became one of the recognizable symbols of France. History has not preserved the name of the architect, but it is known for sure that Leonardo da Vinci worked on the project, shortly before his death.
Corvin Castle (Romania)
Rising on a rock near the river, this family fortress of the Hunyadi house changed more than 20 owners in its time. There are legends that Vlad Tepes, known as Dracula, was imprisoned here for 7 years.
Coca Castle (Spain)
A magnificent example of fortification art, built in the 15th century. It is surrounded by double brick walls 2.5 meters wide, and the best architects of Toledo worked on the construction.
Chenonceau (France)
Although it is privately owned, the owners have opened it to the public, which attracts many tourists from all over the world. Due to its characteristic appearance, among the local population it was called the "ladies' castle".
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 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 in the 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 origins of the formidable Edinburgh Castle on the Rock are shrouded in mystery as 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.
in photosGermany
Neuschwanstein Castle (Schloß Neuschwanstein) - can be translated as "New Swan Rock". Built by King Ludwig II. Start of construction - 1869. In 1884 the king entered the castle.
Mespelbrunn Castle (Schloss Mespelbrunn) is a medieval castle in the city of Mespelbrunn. Start of construction in 1412. Completed in 1569.
Burghausen Castle (Die Burg zu Burghausen) is the longest castle complex in Europe (1043 m). The fortification was built before 1025. Main buildings: 1392-1503.
Heidelberg Castle (Heidelberger Schloss) in Heidelberg. The first mention dates back to 1225. The main time of the action is the XIV - XVII centuries. After the destruction by the French in 1693, it was only partially restored.
Colditz Castle (Schloss Colditz) - founded in 1014. Rebuilt in the Renaissance style in the 16th century
Schwerin Castle (Schweriner Schloss) in the city of Schwerin on Palace Island. The Slavic fortress was built back in 965, in the years 1845-1857 a modern complex was created.
Wartburg Castle in the Thuringian Forest, near the city of Eisenach. The first wooden castle was founded in 1067 by Ludwig Skakun. In 1156-1162 a serious alteration was made by Ludwig II.
Celle Castle (Schloss Celle) in the city of Celle. Fort Kellu was built in 980. In 1315 the castle was described.
Cochem Castle (Reichsburg Cochem) in the city First mentioned in 1130. In 1688 destroyed by the French. In 1868 it was restored in the Neo-Gothic style.
Upper Neuffen (Burg Hohenneuffen) is a large ruined castle in the Swabian Alb mountain range. Built between 1100 and 1120.
Rieneck Castle (Burg Rieneck) in Rieneck, Bavaria. Founded in 1151.
Glücksburg Castle (Schloss Glücksburg) in the city of Glücksburg in northern Germany, near the Danish border. Start of construction in 1582.
Falkenstein (Burg Falkenstein). Built from 1120 to 1180, it was often rebuilt later.
Marksburg Castle. First mention 1231
Hohenzollern Castle (Burg Hohenzollern) on the top of the Hohenzollern mountain (at an altitude of 855 meters), 50 km south of Stuttgart. The fortress on this site was mentioned in 1267, on May 15, 1423 it was completely destroyed. The second castle was built in 1454-1461.
France
Castle Donjon de Niort in the city of Niort (department Deux-Sèvres). The building has been known since the 13th century.
Castle Château de la Mothe-Chandeniers (commune of Le Trois-Moutiers, department of Vienne). The building has been known since the 13th century.
If Castle (Château d "If) on the island of If in the Mediterranean Sea, a mile from the city of Marseille. Construction 1524-1531. Used as a prison from the end of the 16th century to the 19th century.
Château de Grangent (Saint-Just-Saint-Rambert commune, Loire department). The first building was around 800. It is in private ownership.
Castle Château de La Roche (Saint-Prie-la-Roche commune, Loire department). The first mention dates back to 1260.
Chenonceau Castle (Château de Chenonceau) in the department of Indre and Loire. Since 1243, it has been known that the estate with the castle (and the adjacent mill) belongs to the de Mark family. After 1512 it was rebuilt in the Renaissance style.
Château de La Bâtie-Seyssel (Barbie commune, Savoie department). Known as a property of the Seyssel family since the 13th century.
Château de Menthon castle (munton-Saint-Bernard commune, Haute-Savoie department) on a 200-meter cliff near Lake Annecy. The first wooden fortification on this site dates back to the 10th century. Modern look acquired from the 13th to the 19th centuries.
Château de Gisors castle (Eure department). The key fortress of the Dukes of Normandy in the XI-XII centuries.
Château d "Olhain castle of the 15th century (the commune of Frenicourt-le-Dolman, department of Pas-de-Calais).
Culan Castle (le château de Culan) in the commune of Culan (Cher department) on a rocky ledge overlooking the Arnon River. The wooden fortress was known even before the 10th century. Modern fortress XII-XIII centuries.
Château de Sercy (commune of Sercy, department of Saone-et-Loire). The first mention dates back to 1067.
Château de Trécesson (Campeneac commune, Morbihan department). Mentioned since the 8th century, the modern castle is from about the 15th century.
Château de Landskron castle in the Alsace region (commune of Leimen) on the very border with Switzerland. Built before 1297.
Château de Morlanne (Morland commune, Pyrenees-Atlantiques department). Built around 1370 by Sicard de Lordat.
Italy
Graines castle on a rocky mountain. Built presumably in the 11th century by the monks of the abbey of St. Maurice. In the Middle Ages, communication was established through flags and mirrors with neighboring castles and towers.
Fenis Castle (Castello di Fenis) in the city of Fénis, Valle d'Aosta region (borders with France and Switzerland). The first written mention refers to 1242. Apparently it was a donjon ( main tower) surrounded by walls.
Castle Castel del Monte (Castel del Monte - "castle on the mountain"), 16 km from the city of Andria (Apulia region). Erected from 1240 to 1250. The castle is an octagon, each tower is also octagonal.
Aragonese castle (Castello Aragonese) on volcanic island Ischia. Construction on the island began in 474 BC. Hieron I. In 1441 a bridge was built connecting the rock and the island.
Castle of Torrechiara (commune of Langirano). Built between 1448 and 1460. Four rectangular towers connected by double lines of walls.
Melfi Castle (Castello di Melfi) in the Basilicata region. The building belongs to the XI century, the castle was built by the Normans.
Castle Orsini-Cesi-Borghese in the commune of San Polo del Cavalieri. The first mention of the castle dates back to the 2nd half of the 10th century.
Castle Orsini in the commune of Soriano nel Cimino. Built in the 13th century.
Castle Brown (Castello Brown) above the harbor of the fishing town of Portofino. Known since the 15th century.
Castle of Porto Venere in the city of Portovenere (Liguria region). Fortress on a rock overlooking the fishing village. The first mention dates back to 1139.
Sarzanello in the commune of Sarzana (Liguria region). The first mention of a fortress on this site dates back to 1076.
Castle of San Leo in the city of San Leo (province of Rimini). The first fort on the top of the mountain was built by the Romans. In the Middle Ages, Byzantines, Goths, Franks and Lombards fought for the fortress.
Runkelstein Castle (Castel Roncolo) Renon commune. In 1237 the prince-bishop of Trent gave the brothers Frederick and Beral (lords of Wangen) permission to build a castle on the rock of Runchenstayn.
Castle Prösels (Castello di Presule) at the foot of Mount Schlern, province of Bolzano. The first mention refers to 1279. The building belongs to the Gothic style.
Castle of the Holy Angel (Castel Sant "Angelo) in Rome. Construction began in 135 by Emperor Hadrian.
Interesting Facts:
Castles in Germany:
- Heidelberg Castle: in 1415, Antipope John XXIII was imprisoned in the castle for some time.
- Colditz Castle: During the Second World War served as a place of detention for especially important prisoners, it was the most impregnable fortress of the 3rd Reich. Officers were put there, and those who tried to escape from other camps. Escape from the castle was considered impossible.
- Castle Wartburg: In the years 1521-1522, the reformer Martin Luther was hiding in the castle under the name "Junker Jörg". Here he translated the New Testament into German.
- Marksburg Castle: The only castle on the upper middle Rhine not conquered by French troops in the 17th century.
Castles of France:
Château d'If: Alexandre Dumas in 1844-1845 in the work "The Count of Monte Cristo" he described the castle in which the main character was imprisoned for many years. Since the opening of the castle for visits in 1890, tourists have been constantly visiting it.
Chenonceau Castle: engraved with the motto "Who ever comes here, let him remember me". The castle is privately owned and open to the public.
Castles of Italy:
- Castle Graines: according to legend, huge treasures are hidden under the castle.
- Castle of Castel del Monte: the purpose of the structure is a mystery to explorers, the structure is not a castle in the exact sense of the word (no moat, storage room, stables, kitchen). Thanks to the penetration of the sun's rays through the windows, in a certain sequence, the building can be considered as an astronomical instrument.
- Castel Sant'Angelo: Legend has it that during the plague in 590, Pope Gregory the Great saw the archangel Michael on top of the castle, which meant the end of the disaster, hence the name Castel Sant'Angelo.
Many of us enjoy history and enjoy watching historical films, whether fiction or documentaries. We want to know how people used to live, what they did, and so on. Particularly interesting is the mysterious era of the Middle Ages, an integral part of which were knights and, of course, castles.
So, we present to your attention one of the most beautiful objects of history - the famous castles of Europe.
1. Neuschwanstein Castle, Germany
Neuschwanstein Castle is located in southernmost Germany, near the border with Austria. The castle itself rises majestically on a green hill, high above the village of Hohenschwangau and Alpsy Lake. Neuschwanstein Castle is one of the many historical landmarks that dot the entire area, but its grandeur and architectural style make it stand out from the crowd. Built at the end of the 19th century, this is one of the most famous European castles. There is something to admire not only from the outside, but also from the inside. Be sure to visit Neuschwanstein during your trip to Germany.
2. Peles Castle, Romania
Peles Castle is nestled in the beautiful green hills of the Carpathians in central Romania. During a trip to a small but picturesque mountain village Sinaia, you will be enchanted by the castle's imposing Neo-Renaissance architecture. Built at the beginning of the 20th century, the castle is now one of the biggest historical landmarks in Romania. Inside, you'll be overwhelmed by the plethora of lavish collections of armor, weapons, artwork, and other interesting items.
3. Brodick Castle, Scotland
Brodick Castle is a real historical gem of Scotland located on east coast the islands of Arran. The whole area around the castle is covered with a country park, during your scenic walk in the picturesque gardens of the castle you will be amazed by the green trees and meadows. The castle, which was built in the 16th century, enchants with its reddish hues, large windows and mighty towers. Read also about other castles in Scotland in a separate selection.
4. Bran Castle, Romania
Bran Castle is located in the heart of the country and is known for its beautiful location. The structure is hidden in the green mountain hills and picturesque villages, the white colors of the facades against the background of the red colored domes and roofs provide a mystical accent to the whole local atmosphere. Indeed, Bran Castle is filled with mysticism and symbolism, also known as Dracula's Castle. All local legends, one way or another, are connected with Count Dracula.
5. Lincoln Castle, England
Lincoln Castle is located in the heart of the village of Lincoln in England. This 11th century building is definitely worth a visit on your trip to North East England. Lincoln Castle is unique. Within the fortified walls you can see interesting buildings and the courtyard. It is now used as a museum that offers a unique historical experience. Read more about the castles of England in a separate selection on LifeGlobe.
6. Eltz Castle, Germany
Eltz Castle is one of the most picturesque in western Germany. it stands high above a hill, surrounded by the waters of a stream that flows into the neighboring river Moselle. The castle was built in the 12th century, with a distinctive Romanesque architectural style, with lots of baroque and gothic decorations. If you want to fully immerse yourself in the charm of its historical heritage, go inside and explore the interior. There you can find a complex network of rooms that can say a lot more about Eltz. Read also about other castles in Germany in a separate article.
7. Mont-Saint-Michel Castle, France
This is one of the most famous castles in France. Mont Saint Michel is located on a rocky island along the coast of Normandy. The history of the construction of this castle dates back to the 6th century, when it was used mainly for military purposes due to its unique strategic location. The rocky island was connected to the mainland through a tiny and narrow bridge, which was completely flooded due to strong currents. Thus, the fortress was almost inaccessible, but now it is one of the most visited historical sites in France.
8. Marienburg Castle, Poland
Marienburg Castle is one of the largest castles in the world, located along the banks of the Nogat River in Poland. Malbork was built by the Teutons in the early 15th century when it was the world's largest brick castle. The castle impresses with its medieval architecture, dominated by red colors.
9. Spis Castle in Slovakia
In the heart of eastern Slovakia is another imposing addition to Europe's largest and most famous castles. This is the breathtaking Spis Castle, built in the 12th century and famous for its white color, Romanesque architectural style, as well as numerous Gothic elements. Since the Spiš Castle is located at an elevation of more than 600 meters, you can enjoy an incredible panoramic view from its top.
10. Palace of Versailles, France
The Château de Versailles impresses with its gigantic area. And even if it’s not quite a castle, it still closes the top ten on our list. Versailles is one of the most famous architectural complexes in France, which is located in southwestern Paris. Among the sights of Paris, this is one of the most visited places.
