Castles of the World | World Castle List

Castles of the World | World Castle List : Editor's Picks

• 1. Schwerin Castle
  Schwerin Castle is a picturesque palace and once the home of the dukes of Mecklenburg.
  Photo by saturn ♄ (cc)

• 2. Leeds Castle
  Leeds Castle in Kent was a 12th century stronghold which has since served as a royal palace, a prison and as a stately home.
  Photo by dicktay2000 (cc)

• 3. Castel del Monte
  Ranking high on any list of castles of the world, Castel del Monte is an impressive 13th century fortified palace of Frederick II listed by UNESCO.
  Photo by tatto.be (cc)

• 4. Portchester Castle
  One of the oldest castles in the world, Portchester Castle has been a Roman fort, a Norman keep and even a wartime prison.
  Photo by scalespeeder (cc)

Castles of the World | World Castle List: Site Index

• Aalborghus Castle
  Aalborghus Castle is a 16th century castle in northern Denmark which includes the fascinating old dungeons.
  Photo by Västgöten (cc)

• Acton Burnell Castle
  Acton Burnell Castle is a picturesque ruined English manor and castle near Shrewsbury.
  Photo by BrianTaylor42 (cc)

• Ajlun Castle
  A grand medieval castle commissioned by Saladin, Ajlun Castle is an excellent example of Ayyubid-era fortifications which is now a tourist attraction and museum.
  Photo by Dale Gillard (cc)

• Akershus Fortress
  Akershus Fortress in Olso has been a vital stronghold and royal residence since the fourteenth century.
  Photo by lyng883 (cc)

• Alanya Castle
  With Hellenistic foundations, this magnificent Seljuk ruin sits atop a 250m high peninsular overlooking the Mediterranean sea.
  Photo by Eaglestein (cc)

• Alcazaba Fortress
  Merida's Alcazaba Fortress was a castle fortress built in the middle of the 9th century of which only part remains today.
  Photo by Enrique__ (cc)

• Alcazar of Segovia
  Ranking among the most famous castles in the world, the Alcazar of Segovia is an imposing medieval fortress turned royal palace.
  Photo by Alaskan Dude (cc)

• Alnwick Castle
  Ever wanted to head to Hogwarts? Why not visit Alnwick Castle? This historic site in Northumberland is home to the Harry Potter Franchise and is one of the largest castles in England.
  Photo by thetejon (cc)

• Amalienborg Slot
  One of many fascinating Nordic castles, Amalienborg Slot is an 18th century royal palace in north Copenhagen.
  Photo by caspermoller (cc)

• Anadolu Hisari
  Anadolu Hisari was built by the Ottoman Sultan Beyazid I in 1395 and is among many Ottoman castles that is definitely worth visiting today.
  Photo by salihigde (cc)

• Arsuf
  Perhaps one of the lesser known castles of the world, Arsuf is an amazing Crusader castle once occupied by the Knights Hospitaller.
  Photo by אסף.צ (cc)

• Arundel Castle
  Ranking high on any list of castles of the world, the 11th century Arundel Castle is the historic home of the Dukes of Norfolk and has been continually occupied and renovated over the centuries.
  Photo by Chris. P (cc)

• Ashby Castle
  One of the most beatuful castle ruins in the UK, Ashby Castle was a Royalist stronghold destroyed after the English Civil War.
  Photo by lizjones112 (cc)

• Baba Vida Fortress
  Baba Vida Fortress is one of the most - if not actually the most - well-preserved medieval castles in Bulgaria.
  

• Balmoral Castle
  Ranking among the most famous castles in the world, Balmoral Castle has been the official Highlands home of the British royals since Queen Victoria.
  Photo by Bert Kaufmann (cc)

• Bamburgh Castle
  One of many castles around the world with a rich history, Bamburgh Castle is a grand structure which looms high upon a crag overlooking the coast of Northumberland.
  Photo by llewellyn_jenkins (cc)

• Barnard Castle
  Barnard Castle contains the ruins of a Norman stronghold which was later owned by Richard III.
  Photo by yashima (cc)

• Beaumaris Castle
  Beaumaris Castle was to be the largest of King Edward’s iron ring of castles intended to encircle Wales.
  Photo by lyng883 (cc)

• Berat
  Berat is a popular historic town in Albania containing an impressive 13th century castle which looms above the town.
  Photo by etrusko25 (cc)

• Berkeley Castle
  Berkeley Castle was originally built nearly 1,000 years ago, but since then has undergone a number of changes and has been the site of many interesting – and sometimes bloody – events.
  Photo by hartjeff12 (cc)

• Berkhamsted Castle
  Berkhamsted Castle was a medieval stronghold, the ruins of which lie in Berkhamsted, Herts, UK.
  Photo by stephenrwalli (cc)

• Berwick Castle
  Berwick Castle was a medieval castle, the ruins of which are located in Berwick-Upon-Tweed, Northumberland.
  Photo by Philandthehounds (cc)

• Bishop's Waltham Palace
  The ruins of the medieval Bishop’s Waltham Palace and castle can be seen in Hampshire, UK.
  Photo by Charles D P Miller (cc)

• Blarney Castle
  Blarney Castle is a 15th century stone castle in Cork, Ireland, and is home to the famous Blarney Stone.
  Photo by Sean MacEntee (cc)

• Bodiam Castle
  Perhaps one of England’s best known moated castles, Bodiam Castle was built in 1385. The castle suffered during the English Civil War and was restored before being bequeathed to the National Trust. It now ranks among the most beautiful castles in the world.
  Photo by Ryan Lea (cc)

• Bodrum Castle
  Bodrum Castle in Turkey is a fifteenth century citadel built by Christian knights and houses the Museum of Underwater Archaeology.
  Photo by HBarrison (cc)

• Bojnice Castle
  One of the oldest castles in the world, Bojnice Castle is said to be Slovakia's most romantic castle, and has a history dating to the twelth century.
  Photo by tokarcik.tomas (cc)

• Bolsover Castle
  Once the site of a medieval fortress before its replacement with an ornate 17th century manor house, Bolsover Castle is today run by English Heritage.
  Photo by Philandthehounds (cc)

• Bothwell Castle
  A ruined medieval stronghold near Glasgow, Bothwell Castle played a key role in the Scottish Wars of Independence.
  Photo by Bert Kaufmann (cc)

• Buda Castle
  One of the biggest castles in the world, Buda Castle is a vast palace in Budapest’s Castle Quarter housing a series of museums including the National Gallery.
  Photo by Jorge Lascar (cc)

• Burg Rheinfels
  Among the more picturesque of the world’s castles, Burg Rheinfels was an imposing medieval fort, the dramatic ruins of which lie in St Goar in Germany.
  Photo by Her Own Journey (cc)

• Burgkloster
  The Burgkloster was a medieval monastery and castle turned poorhouse, court and Nazi prison.
  Photo by froutes (cc)

• Byblos
  Byblos is one of the world’s oldest continuously inhabited cities, and contains a twelth century Crusader castle.
  Photo by JamesGallagher (ciotog) (cc)

• Caerlaverock Castle
  Set in truly jaw-dropping Scottish countryside, Caerlaverock Castle was an important fortification, providing defence for the Scottish crown in a period of deep rooted rivalry with England.
  Photo by Paul Stevenson (cc)

• Caernarfon Castle
  One of many castles of the world that is now popular with tourists, Caernarfon Castle is a stunning medieval stronghold in Wales built by Edward I.
  Photo by andrew_j_w (cc)

• Caerphilly Castle
  Caerphilly Castle is a vast thirteenth century Anglo-Norman stronghold built to defend against Welsh prince Llywelyn ap Gruffudd. Certainly ranking high among any list of the most picturesque castles of the world.
  Photo by Rob the moment (cc)

• Camber Castle
  Camber Castle is a huge 16th century castle and fortification built by famous English king Henry VIII.
  Photo by The Integer Club (cc)

• Carcassonne
  Near the top of any list of world castles, Carcassonne is a UNESCO listed fortified town in France with a history dating back to before the Roman era.
  Photo by lorentey (cc)

• Cardiff Castle
  One of the oldest castles in the world, Cardiff Castle is a medieval complex with a diverse history dating back to the Romans.
  Photo by Charles D P Miller (cc)

• Carrickfergus Castle
  Carrickfergus Castle is a Norman-built fortification which was in continual use as a military stronghold for over 700 years.
  Photo by donnamarijne (cc)

• Castel Sant Angelo
  Castel Sant Angelo was the tomb of the Roman Emperor Hadrian later used as a mediecal castle.
  Photo by edwin.11 (cc)

• Castell de Bellver
  Castell de Bellver is a striking 14th century citadel near Palma in Majorca.
  Photo by Vvillamon (cc)

• Castello di San Michele
  Castello di San Michele is a medieval castle turned luxury home, hospital and museum.
  Photo by cristianocani (cc)

• Castelo dos Mouros
  One of the oldest castles in the world, Castelo dos Mouros is a picturesque ruined castle with a history dating back to the eighth century.
  Photo by Morgaine (cc)

• Castelvecchio Museum
  Castelvecchio Museum and Fortress is a fourteenth century medieval castle which now hosts a fine art gallery and museum.
  Photo by grongar (cc)

• Castillo de Chapultepec
  Chapultepec Castle was once the home of Emperor Maximilian of Habsburg and now houses Mexico’s National History Museum
  Photo by paulinaclemente (cc)

• Castillo de San Andres
  Castillo de San Andres is the pretty ruin of an 18th, perhaps 17th, century fortification in Tenerife.
  

• Castillo de San Jose
  Castillo de San Jose is a dramatic cliff-top eighteenth century fort built to protect Lanzarote’s main port from pirate attacks.
  Photo by LANZATE (cc)

• Castle Acre Priory
  Castle Acre Priory was an eleventh century monastery built on a former castle site and dissolved by King Henry VIII.
  Photo by dumbledad (cc)

• Castle Keep
  Castle Keep in Newcastle upon Tyne is one of the city’s most famous attractions and one of the best preserved Norman fortifications in the country.
  Photo by LHOON (cc)

• Castle of Good Hope
  An example of the reach of European castle architecture, the Castle of Good Hope is the oldest surviving colonial building in South Africa.
  

• Castle of the Knights - Kos
  One of many surviving Crusader castles, the Castle of the Knights in Kos was the one of the fortifications of the Knights Hospitaller.
  Photo by Lars Plougmann (cc)

• Chateau de Prangins
  Chateau de Prangins is an eighteenth century French style castle and home to one of the branches of the Swiss National Museum.
  Photo by Dirty S (cc)

• Citadel of Salah Ed-Din
  The Citadel of Salah Ed-Din is a Crusader castle situated in Syria which was captured by Saladin and is now a World Heritage site.
  Photo by peuplier (cc)

• Clifford’s Tower
  One of many castles of the world that is now popular with tourists, Clifford’s Tower is a 13th century castle with a diverse history.
  Photo by fw190a8 (cc)

• Colchester Castle
  A beautifully preserved Norman stronghold with a rich history dating back to Roman times, Colchester Castle was built on the site of the Temple of Claudius.
  Photo by Annie Mole (cc)

• Conwy Castle
  Conwy Castle was one of a ring of medieval strongholds encircling Wales built by King Edward I.
  Photo by cyesuta (cc)

• Corfe Castle
  Among the most picturesque of the world’s castles, Corfe Castle is the stunning ruin of a former royal residence, military stronghold and prison.
  Photo by Robert Brook (cc)

• Craigmillar Castle
  One of many castles around the world with a rich history, Craigmillar Castle once played host to Mary Queen of Scots.
  Photo by conskeptical (cc)

• Crichton Castle
  Crichton Castle is a distinctive 14th century castle.
  Photo by Hotfield (cc)

• Denbigh Castle
  Just a ruin today, Denbigh Castle is one of the ring of castles which was built by King Edward I in order to establish his dominance over Wales.
  

• Devin Castle
  One of the oldest castles in the world, Devin Castle overlooks the Danube and the border between Slovakia and Austria and its site has a history stretching back to Roman times.
  

• Dirleton Castle
  Dirleton Castle was an imposing medieval fortress and noble residence, which is now a picturesque ruin not far from Edinburgh.
  Photo by PhillipC (cc)

• Dover Castle
  Ranking high on any list of castles of the world, the medieval Dover Castle is one of Britain’s most significant fortresses and has a fascinating history.
  

• Dublin Castle
  Among the most famous castles in the world, Dublin Castle has been everything from a fortification and royal home to a gunpowder storage facility and a prison.
  Photo by infomatique (cc)

• Dumbarton Castle
  Dumbarton Castle served as a wartime prison, a royal shelter and a defence against both foreign and local threats.
  Photo by baaker2009 (cc)

• Dunstaffnage Castle
  Dunstaffnage Castle is a medieval stronghold once captured by Robert the Bruce.
  Photo by gorriti (cc)

• Dunstanburgh Castle
  Dunstanburgh Castle was a 14th century fortress, the striking ruins of which can be found on Northumberland’s coast.
  Photo by Glen Bowman (cc)

• Durham Castle
  Formerly the home of the Bishops of Durham, Durham Castle dates back to the eleventh century.
  Photo by Nick Bramhall (cc)

• Edinburgh Castle
  Near the top of any world castles list, Edinburgh Castle is a medieval fortress and royal castle turned national monument and World Heritage site.
  Photo by Bernt Rostad (cc)

• Fagaras Fortress
  Fagaras Fortress is an imposing 14th century stronghold in Transylvania.
  Photo by Nicolai Bangsgaard (cc)

• Fil’akovo Castle
  Fil’akovo Castle is a medieval site on the current Slovak-Hungarian border and the former frontier of the Ottoman Empire.
  

• Fotheringhay Castle
  One of many castles around the world with a rich history, Fortheringhay Castle was the birthplace of Richard III and site of execution of Mary Queen of Scots.
  Photo by Iain Simpson (cc)

• Framlingham Castle
  Framlingham Castle is an impressive twelth century fortified castle in Suffolk, UK.
  Photo by offwhitehouse (cc)

• Frederiksborg Slot
  Frederiksborg Slot is a restored 16th century royal palace in Denmark and the site of the National History Museum.
  Photo by caspermoller (cc)

• Gediminas Tower
  Gediminas Tower is an iconic fortified tower and the sole remaining part of the Upper Castle of Vilnius.
  Photo by blue_quartz (cc)

• Godolphin House
  Godolphin House is a Cornish stately home built in the castle style by the Godolphin family, who were prominent in the reign of Queen Anne.
  Photo by Tim Green aka atoach (cc)

• Goodrich Castle
  Goodrich Castle is a picturesque Norman ruin in Herefordshire, UK, that was the site of a bitter siege during the English Civil War.
  Photo by pmorgan67 (cc)

• Grandmasters Palace - Rhodes
  Ranking among the most famous castles in the world, the Grandmasters Palace of Rhodes was the base of the Knights Hospitaller of St John.
  Photo by stefanedberg (cc)

• Grandmasters Palace - Valletta
  The Grandmasters Palace in Valletta has been the seat of power in Malta since the 16th century.
  Photo by UweF (cc)

• Gruyeres Castle
  Gruyeres Castle is a picturesque medieval castle which was the seat of nobility for centuries.
  Photo by Olivier Bruchez (cc)

• Hailes Castle
  Hailes Castle was a medieval stronghold, the pretty ruins of which date back mostly to the 14th century.
  Photo by SidewaysSarah (cc)

• Hame Castle
  Hame Castle is a medieval site which has served as everything from a royal residence to a prison and evena granary.
  

• Hammershus Castle
  Among the larger castles of the world, Hammershus Castle was a medieval fortress, the vast ruins of which lie on the island of Bornholm.
  Photo by Peter hellraizer madsen (cc)

• Harlech Castle
  One of many castles of the world that is now a popular tourist attraction, Harlech Castle is a dramatic medieval stronghold and one the castles built by Edward I in his conquest of Wales.
  Photo by A Roger Davies (cc)

• Hastings Castle
  One of the oldest castles in the world, Hastings Castle was one of the first Norman castles to be built in England.
  Photo by Stephen Fulljames (cc)

• Helmsley Castle
  Helmsley Castle was a twelth century castle in York and the site of a dramatic siege during the English Civil War.
  Photo by Dave602 (cc)

• Hohensalzburg Fortress
  One of the biggest castles in the world, Hohensalzburg Fortress is a vast 11th century citadel in Salzburg, Austria.
  Photo by Anthony J (cc)

• Holstentor
  Holstentor is a picturesque medieval gate which houses the city museum of Lubeck. UNESCO listed.
  Photo by mar.krebs (cc)

• Hunedoara Castle
  Hunedoara Castle in Romania was a medieval fortress turned royal palace.
  Photo by Cernavoda (cc)

• Hylton Castle
  Hylton Castle was the private home of a wealthy family in Medieval England.
  Photo by Craigy144 (cc)

• Kalmar Castle
  Kalmar Castle is a fortified castle in Sweden which dates back to the 12th century.
  Photo by access.denied (cc)

• Kastelholm Castle
  Kastelholm Castle is a medieval castle located on the Åland Islands and once home to King Gustav I, often thought of as the founder of modern Sweden.
  Photo by Leo-seta (cc)

• Kenilworth Castle
  An interesting entry on any list of world castles, Kenilworth Castle is a former medieval stronghold and royal palace, most famed as the home of Elizabeth’s beloved Robert Dudley.
  Photo by i_am_markh (cc)

• Kidwelly Castle
  Kidwelly Castle is a Norman masterpiece which still stands majestically in the calm Welsh countryside as a reminder of the tumultuous Anglo-Welsh past.
  Photo by pjo18 (cc)

• Kolossi Castle
  Kolossi Castle was a fortification of the Knights Hospitallers built in the 13th century and rebuilt in the 15th century.
  Photo by Spixey (cc)

• Konigstein Fortress
  Konigstein Fortress in Dresden has been everything from a stronghold to a World War II prisoner of war camp.
  Photo by rs-foto (cc)

• Kronborg Slot
  Ranking among the most famous castles in the world, Kronborg Slot is a 15th century UNESCO-list castle in Denmark and the setting for Shakespeare’s 'Hamlet’.
  Photo by archer10 (Dennis) (cc)

• Linlithgow Palace
  Linlithgow Palace was the birthplace of Mary Queen of Scots and host to most of the Stuart kings.
  Photo by DaGoaty (cc)

• Lochleven Castle
  Lochleven Castle was a medieval stronghold most renowned for being the prison of Mary Queen of Scots.
  Photo by kyz (cc)

• Ludgershall Castle
  Ludgershall Castle was a medieval royal castle and hunting lodge, of which only ruins and earthworks remain.
  Photo by DaveOnFlickr (cc)

• Maiden Castle
  One of the oldest castle sites in the world, Maiden Castle is vast, well preserved Iron Age hill fort in Dorchester.
  Photo by treehouse1977 (cc)

• Malbork Castle
  One of the largest castles in the world, Malbork Castle in northern Poland was the medieval fortified castle of the Teutonic Knights.
  Photo by Jeroen Fossaert (cc)

• Manorbier Castle
  Described as the most pleasant spot in Wales, Manorbier is a well preserved medieval castle located on the Welsh coast in Pembrokeshire.
  Photo by Robbo-Man (cc)

• Marbella Castle Walls
  The Marbella Castle Walls were once part of an impressive Moorish citadel built in the 10th century.
  

• Middleham Castle
  An important English castle, Middleham Castle was the childhood home of King Richard III.
  Photo by sobolevnrm (cc)

• Montezuma Castle
  Among the lesser-known castles of the world, and somewhat unconventional for the category, Montezuma Castle is a 12th century cliff dwelling in Arizona.
  Photo by subarcticmike (cc)

• Mystras
  Mystras is an archaeological site in Greece housing the remains of a city built around a 13th century castle.
  Photo by byrdiegyrl (cc)

• Nea Pafos
  Nea Pafos is an archaeological site near Paphos which contains the Castle of Forty Columns, a Byzantine fortification constructed in the seventh century AD.
  

• Neuschwanstein Castle
  A fairy-tale castle built for an introverted and reclusive king, Neuschwanstein Castle’s idyllic mountainous setting attracts millions of tourists.
  Photo by K.Hob (cc)

• Nuremberg Castle
  Ranking among the most famous castles in the world, Nuremberg Castle is a medieval castle where Holy Roman Emperors would reside.
  

• Okehampton Castle
  Okehampton Castle was once Devon’s largest castle and was listed in the Doomsday Book.
  Photo by andreweland (cc)

• Orava Castle
  Near the top of any list of world castles, Orava Castle is one of Slovakia’s most famous castles and was featured in the 1922 film "Nosferatu".
  

• Orford Castle
  Orford Castle was a twelth century fortified castle built during the reign of King Henry II.
  Photo by jonboy mitchell (cc)

• Paderne Castle
  Paderne Castle was a Moorish stronghold later taken by the forces of King Afonso III.
  

• Paphos Castle
  One of many castles of the world that is now popular with tourists, Paphos Castle is a medieval fortification in Paphos Harbour.
  

• Peles Castle
  Peles Castle was the summer home of Romania’s first king, Carol I.
  

• Pevensey Castle
  An interesting entry on any list of world castles, Pevensey Castle is a picturesque ruin of a medieval castle built where William the Conqueror landed in 1066.
  Photo by Pengannel (cc)

• Pontefract Castle
  Originally a Norman structure, Pontefract castle played an increasingly important role in English Royal history for over 500 years. Today it lies in ruins but has much for visitors to enjoy, including its underground dungeons.
  Photo by Tim Green (cc)

• Pontefract Castle
  Originally a Norman structure, Pontefract castle played an increasingly important role in English Royal history for over 500 years. Today it lies in ruins but has much for visitors to enjoy, including its underground dungeons.
  Photo by Tim Green (cc)

• Powis Castle
  Powis Castle was built by Welsh princes in the early 13th century and has maintained much of its exterior grandeur.
  Photo by jones716 (cc)

• Prague Castle
  Prague Castle dates back to the 9th century and is reportedly the largest castle in the world and a focal point of Czech history .
  Photo by priittammets (cc)

• Qasr Amra
  One of the oldest castles in the world, Qasr Amra is a UNESCO-listed 8th century desert castle in Jordan.
  

• Raglan Castle
  Certainly ranking high among any list of the most picturesque castles of the world, Raglan Castle is the dramatic ruin of a 15th century castle destroyed in the English Civil War.
  Photo by Steve Slater (Wildlife Encounters) (cc)

• Raseborg Castle
  Raseborg Castle is a ruined medieval castle in southern Finland first mentioned in writing in 1378.
  

• Restormel Castle
  An interesting entry on any list of world castles, Restormel Castle was a 13th century castle in Cornwall, the pretty ruins of which are well preserved.
  Photo by Darren Shilson (cc)

• Rhuddlan Castle
  Rhuddlan Castle was one of the iron ring of strongholds built by Edward I in his conquest of Wales.
  Photo by ParkerDigital (cc)

• Richborough Roman Fort
  Richborough Roman Fort in Kent marks the site where the Romans successfully invaded Britain in 43 AD.
  Photo by trenchdroid (cc)

• Rosenborg Slot
  Ranking high on any list of castles of the world, Rosenborg Slot is a 17th century royal palace in Copenhagen in Denmark.
  

• Rothesay Castle
  Rothesay Castle is a distinctive medieval ruin with strong links to the royal Stewart dynasty.
  Photo by dun_deagh (cc)

• Sagunto Castle
  Sagunto Castle was a large Moorish citadel, the impressive remains of which overlook the modern town.
  

• Salses Fortress
  Salses Fortress is an impressive medieval fortress in Plateau de Rousillon in France.
  

• Sandal Castle
  One of many castles around the world with a rich history, Sandal Castle was the site of an important battle in the Wars of the Roses.
  

• Shirvanshahs’ Palace
  Shirvanshahs’ Palace is a 15th century castle complex in Baku in Azerbaijan.
  

• Sigiriya
  Sigiriya is a vast rock used over time as a Buddhist monastery and as a 5th century royal fortress.
  

• Silves Castle
  An interesting entry on any world castles list, Silves Castle is an imposing Moorish stronghold.
  

• Spis Castle
  One of the biggest castles in the world, Spis Castle is Slovakia’s most famous castle ruin.
  

• St Fagans National History Museum
  St Fagans National History Museum is a unique open-air museum of the history of Wales.
  Photo by archangel 12 (cc)

• St George’s Castle
  St George’s Castle in Lisbon is a medieval castle which once served as a royal palace.
  

• Stirling Castle
  Ranking among the best castles in the world, Stirling Castle is an iconic royal palace, a medieval stronghold and a focal point for many of the most important events in Scotland’s history.
  

• Suomenlinna Fortress
  Ranking among the most famous castles in the world, Suomenlinna Fortress is an impressive, UNESCO-listed 18th century maritime fortification.
  

• Syracuse Archaeological Site
  The Syracuse Archaeological Site contains the impressive remains of an ancient city including a fort known as the Castle of Euryalus.
  

• Tantallon Castle
  Tantallon Castle was the imposing medieval stronghold of an influential Scottish family.
  Photo by Sandy__R (cc)

• Teotihuacan
  Though not seen as standard for a traditional world castles list, Teotihuacan contains a number of castle fortresses.
  Photo by Darij & Ana (cc)

• Thornbury Castle
  Thornbury Castle is an original Tudor manor house which once played host to King Henry VIII and Anne Boleyn.
  Photo by Simon Pielow (cc)

• Toompea Castle
  Toompea Castle in Tallinn has been a military and administrative stronghold for hundreds of years and now contains the Estonian Parliament - an interesting entry on any list of world castles.
  

• Trencin Castle
  Among the more striking of the world’s castles, Trencin Castle was the main seat of aristocrat Matus Cak, Lord of the Vah and the Tatras.
  

• Tsarevets Castle
  Tsarevets Castle in Veliko Tarnovo is a medieval fortress and was the centre of the Second Bulgarian Empire. Today it is open to visitors and also hosts sound and light shows.
  

• Tulum
  Tulum is a cliff-top Maya castle in Mexico’s Quintana Roo region with some interesting and quite well preserved ruins.
  

• Turku Castle
  Turku Castle is a large medieval castle in Finland which is said to be Finland’s largest intact medieval building.
  

• Tutbury Castle
  Tutbury Castle is an imposing medieval site in Staffordshire which had one very famous prisoner, Mary Queen of Scots.
  Photo by steve p2008 (cc)

• Van Castle
  Van Castle was built in the Iron Age as part of the Urartu Kingdom and now stands as a stunning ruin in modern Turkey. Certainly ranks high among any list of picturesque castles of the world.
  

• Velia Archaeological Site
  The Velia Archaeological Site contains an eleventh/twelfth century medieval castle, which is recognisable by its rounded towers and turrets.
  Photo by hanjeanwat (cc)

• Vianden Castle
  Vianden Castle in Luxembourg is a picturesque medieval castle which served as the home of the local counts.
  Photo by channone (cc)

• Vranduk
  Vranduk is best known for its medieval castle which once served as the residence fot the fifteenth century Bosnian King Stjepan Tomas.
  

• Warwick Castle
  Built by a king, the seat of a kingmaker and vital stronghold in the Wars of the Roses and the English Civil War, Warwick Castle has played an important role in British history. One of many castles of the world that is now popular with tourists.
  Photo by Peter Broster (cc)

• Wawel Castle
  Wawel Castle is an iconic fortified castle complex in Krakow and the former seat of the Polish monarchy.
  Photo by tbertor1 (cc)

• Windsor Castle
  Windsor Castle is the oldest occupied castle in the world as well as being one of the biggest castles in the world. It is the official home of the British monarchy.
  Photo by aurélien (cc)

• Yedikule Zindanlari
  Near the top of any list of world castles, Yedikule Zindanlari is an impressive Byzantine and medieval fort in Istanbul.
  Photo by By Ramblurr (cc)