Numerous beautiful relics of the Middle Ages have survived down through the centuries.  One example is the easily recognized medieval strongholds.  So without further adieu, here are the 25 most beautiful medieval castles on earth.

1. Eltz Castle, Germany

Eltz Castle is located in the municipality of Wierschem.  Located in the thickly-forested Elzbach Valley in Rhineland-Palatinate, it has a mysterious air to it.  It’s one of the only castles on the Rhine River that has never been destroyed.  This castle in the Moselle wine region has belonged to the same family since the 1100s.  Historians confirm that this is actually very rare in Europe.   It is becoming steadily more and more popular on Instagram.  

2. Eilean Donan, Scotland

Thanks to its appearance in the 1986 motion picture Highlander, Eilean Donan is arguably one of the most famous medieval castles on the planet.  It is one of the “must-see” attractions when visiting Scotland’s popular Western Highlands.  This castle is situated on an isle between a trio of sea lochs–Loch Alsh, Loch Duich, and Loch Long.  Erected in the 1200s, this was once the Clan Mackenzie’s stronghold.  The original was destroyed in the 1700s and rebuilt in the 1900s.

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3. Edinburgh Castle, Scotland

Most medieval castles were strategically located.  Therefore it should be no surprise that Edinburgh Castle is perched high atop famous Castle Rock, overlooking Scotland’s capital.  They wanted to be able to see the enemy and still be situated someplace hard to reach.  The Scottish Wars of Independence caused the castle’s ownership to change a few times but today Edinburgh Castle is one of the “must-see” attractions for anyone visiting the area.  Guided tours are available.

4.  Bran Castle, Romania

Romania is the home of several storybook castles.  Bran castle is situated on the site of a former stronghold for  Teutonic Knights dating back to the 1200s.  The castle itself can only be traced back to 1377.  

It stands roughly 2500 feet above sea level and is surrounded by trees.  It is perhaps most famous for its connection to the novel Dracula.  Bram Stoker’s book was inspired by Bran Castle who used it as Dracula’s mysterious manse.   

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5. Kilkenny Castle, Ireland

Kilkenny Castle is said to be a true Anglo-Norman stone castle.  It began as little more than a wooden fort in the 1100s. Since then it has gone through many changes revealed by its blend of architectural styles including Gothic Revival.  The castle has a historically significant location at a spot strategic to controlling the River Nore’s crossing.  Today the castle is now surrounded by manicured lawns and impressive, gorgeous gardens.  Tours of the castle are available. 

6. Mont-Saint-Michel, France

The Mont-Saint-Michel structure is nestled on the rather picturesque island community of Normandy.  While it is technically not an actual castle, it is nonetheless memorable.  Erected for defensive purposes, it features massive outer walls and is surrounded by water too.  It was once the medieval Saint Michel’s monastery,  It weathered a hundred tempestuous years and today is an official UNESCO World Heritage Site.  See the turquoise spire and the statue of Saint Michel that make this fortress special.

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7. Windsor Castle, England

One of Europe’s most famous medieval castles, Windsor Castle is steeped in traditional 11th-century charm.  This is the longest-occupied palace on the entire continent.  The castle complex is surprisingly large.  It is ensconced amidst 13 acres of land and includes a palace, a fortification, and even a small town.  The Castle also includes interiors that were designed in the traditional Georgian architectural style.  It’s not only a big tourist attraction but also Queen Elizabeth II’’s weekend abode.

8. Castel del Monte, Italy

The unique Castel del Monte is a stand out structure located high on a rocky peak in one of Southern Italy’s secluded forests.  This citadel from the 1200s is found in the Apulia region.  It was constructed under the orders of Emperor Frederick II.  Since its initial construction, the building has gone through no significant structural changes.  The austere octagon fortress-like façade includes architectural elements of north European Cistercian Gothic, Islamic Orient, and classic antiquity.  

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9. Alhambra, Spain

Alhambra is a complex located in Andalusia.  It includes a palace and fortress constructed in the 1200s.  Alhambra was commissioned by none other than Nasrid emir Mohammed ben Al-Ahmar of the well-known Emirate of Granada. 

It was actually erected over old Roman ruins.  Designated a royal palace in 1333, the site was declared the official Royal Court of Ferdinand and Isabella 100 years later.  This was allegedly where Christopher Columbus received the official endorsement for his famous expedition.

10. Vianden Castle, Luxembourg

Luxembourg might be a comparatively small European country but it is home to one of the biggest castles west of the famous Rhine.  It’s called Vianden Castle and is found in the town of Vianden.  The castle’s beginnings harken back to the 900s.  

Additional construction continued into the 1300s.  Despite later Gothic additions to the structure, today this castle is a fine example of classic Romanesque architectural style.  Note the trademark semi-circular arches and see for yourself.

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11. Château de Suscinio, France

The Château de Suscinio is located on the coast of northwestern France near the Atlantic Ocean.  This late-medieval castle is surrounded by marshes and was originally the home of Dukes of Brittany and a manor for an agricultural estate.  In the 1100s it was converted to a castle.  It includes a dovecote, a dilapidated chapel, a castle with a moat, and several other ruined structures.  It remains a well-preserved example of a Western European fortress.

12. Malbork Castle, Poland

Known to some as “the Teutonic Order in Malbork,” Malbork Castle is a castle and fortress that dates back to the 1200s.  Located in Northern Poland, it is reported to be the largest castle on the planet when measured by land area.  Construction here was not actually finished until 1406. It had to be expanded numerous times because the number of Teutonic Knights experienced significant growth.  At one time in its history, it was the home of more than 3000 knights.

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13. Trakai Island Castle, Lithuania

Lithuania’s Trakai Island Castle is another big brick castle found in Eastern Europe. Situated on lovely Lake Galvė, the construction of this castle started in the late 1300s.  It would not be finished until 1410.  This island castle was once of great import to the Grand Duchy of Lithuania.  It lost its value to the military following the terrible Battle of Grunwald when the Lithuanian-Polish army defeated the Grand Duchy of Lithuania.

14. Bodiam Castle, England

The moated Bodiam Castle situated in East Sussex is a quintessential European castle.  Dating back to the 1300s, it features round towers, a large gatehouse, and other striking, iconic features.  It was constructed by one of Edward III’s former knights, Sir Edward Dalyngrigge.  Some historians debate whether it was originally meant to be a haven for royalty or a structure for defense purposes during the infamous Hundred Years’ War.  Today it is a well-known, popular tourist attraction.

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15. Bojnice Castle, Slovakia

The fairytale-reminiscent, romantic Bojnice Castle in Slovakia has surprisingly humble origins.  Located on a travertine hill, it began as little more than a wooden stronghold in the 1100s.  It went through numerous changes based on the preferences of successive rulers.  Count Janos Ferenc Palffy was particularly influential as he embellished it with art, antiques, and vibrant tapestries.  Today it includes a historical museum and hosts the International Festival of Ghosts and Spooks every spring.    

16. Hohenwerfen Castle, Austria

Medieval Hohenwerfen Castle near the Tennen Mountains is ensconced within the Berchtesgaden Alps.  This rugged rock castle is roughly 25 miles away from Salzburg.  It was erected during the 11th century.

Built atop a 500-foot high rock, it was meant to be a strategic military base.  It was also a home, a hunting retreat, and, perhaps most interestingly, a state prison.  Today the castle complex is a museum highlighted by a huge collection of weapons.

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17.  Château de Pierrefonds, France

The gargantuan Château de Pierrefonds is located in the commune of Pierrefonds.  It is said by some to be an excellent example of “defensive medieval military architecture.”  Constructed in the late 1300s, it would not be complete until sometime in the early 1400s.  

It would later be destroyed and remain in ruins for the next 200+ years.  Finally, in 1810 Napoleon purchased the ruins and rebuilt it.  It’s been a historical monument since 1862.

18.  Corvin Castle, Romania

Corvin Castle, also known as Hunedoara Castle or Hunyadi Castle is located in Hunedoara.  This Gothic-Renaissance castle was constructed towards the close of the Middle Ages.  It is said to be one of Europe’s largest castles.

The castle is an imposingly large building.  It comes complete with bastions, diversely colored roofs, tall towers, rows of balconies and windows, and an inner courtyard.  Each balcony features stone carvings.  The impressive Buzdugan Tower was constructed for purposes of defense.

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19. Hluboká Castle, Czech Republic

Hluboká Castle is found in Hluboká nad Vltavou.  Unlike numerous castles erected in the Middle Ages, this chateau was not built to serve as a defensive military stronghold.  It features a prominent Gothic architectural design and was actually expanded during the Renaissance and eventually rebuilt into a beautiful Baroque castle.  Later, Johann Adolf II von Schwarzenberg rebuilt it yet again to make it look more like England’s famous Windsor Castle.

20. Doorwerth Castle, Netherlands

You’ll find the charming Doorwerth Castle not too far from Arnhem on the famous river Rhine.  It’s believed that it was originally little more than a wooden building.  No records of the structure exist prior to 1250.

As time passed it would be rebuilt from stone.  The castle of Doorwerth presently has an attractive, unique appearance. Visitors say that despite the moat, the castle still somehow has an inviting vibe to it.

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21.  Château du Haut-Kœnigsbourg, France

The Château du Haut-Kœnigsbourg is situated in the Vosges mountains.  It faces towards the Black Forest and overlooks the well-known Alsatian plain.  This medieval castle was constructed circa 1147.

Built from pink sandstone, the castle has all the expected features of a fortress.  Its location is perfect for purposes of observation and, if need be, retreat.   The ground floor includes the grand bastion and living quarters.  Above you’ll find other charming chambers.  

22. Fenis Castle, Italy

Unlike other castles erected for purposes of military defense, Fénis Castle is found atop a small knoll in the town of Fénis.  While this medieval castle has a defensive structure, it only served as the official seat of the famous Challant family.

The castle has a pentagonal layout and round towers.  The southwest corner is unusual in that it features a huge tower.  The watchtowers are linked via a single walkway.   

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23. Castillo de Coca, Spain

You’ll find Castillo de Coca in Segovia in Central Spain.  This castle was constructed in the 1400s.  Travel experts report that it is perhaps one of the very best examples of old Spanish Mudejar brickwork.  The bricks that were used in building Castillo de Coca are significantly different than normal bricks in that they are actually hardened to better withstand an enemy onslaught.

24.  Karlštejn, Czech Republic

Karlštejn Castle is roughly 19 miles out of Prague.  It was constructed in the mid-1300s.  It was originally meant to be a safe place to store the valuable Imperial Regalia, royal treasures, holy relics, and crown jewels.

This castle had a noteworthy defense system.  It is situated on a hill, has a bastion, a battlement, a moat and drawbridge, and two separate gates.  It features mainly Gothic architecture.

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25. Burghausen Castle, Germany

The must-see medieval Burghausen Castle is situated near the borders of Austria and Germany.  It still has almost all of its original fortifications intact.  Burghausen Castle is one of the world’s largest castle complexes.  

According to Guinness World Record officials, it is also the longest.  Built in traditional Gothic style, it was the second home of the Dukes of Lower Bavaria.  The castle’s gallery also has an impressive collection of Gothic panel paintings.

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