Ancient castles have their own unique charm. They help us to feel the spirit of the time, imagination travel back in the time of kings and emperors, knights and the Crusades … Many castles have survived to our times only in the form of ruins. But some of them have survived just fine, and at the sight of them still take your breath away!

Afyonkarahisar – Turkey

This castle on a rock just amazing! The sight of a dizzying height and its rich military history would envy even the creators of “Game of Thrones”!

Bourtange – Netherlands

Fortress in the shape of a star was built in Holland in 1593-m, in the burst of war against Spain for independence. Today it is one of the most unusual tourist attractions in the province of Groningen.

Bouzov – Czech Republic

This castle was built in Moravia, in the XIV century to protect the trade routes passing through this part of the country. 1895-1910, the castle was substantially renovated, but the differences of old and new masonry is easy to see with the naked eye.

Chateau de Shiyon – Switzerland

Located on Lake Geneva, this romantic castle became the prototype of the castle of Prince Eric from the Disney cartoon “The Little Mermaid.”

Château de Chambolle – France

Another beautiful castle can be seen in the famous animated film “Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs” by the same Disney.

Castle Breze – France

The dream of the knight! Castle Breze is surrounded by a real moat under its towers. Secretly placed a huge underground fort with a mysterious labyrinth, in which the enemies used to get lost and die of hunger and thirst.

Defensive wall of Fenghuang

In the ancient Chinese city of Fenghuang hundred years ago people built defensive walls willing to make greatest defenses in the area.

Hohostervits – Austria

This castle was first mentioned in chronicles as early as the IX century. In the old days it was considered impregnable: it led to only a narrow road, which has consistently blocked the gate with 14 defenses.

Hohenwerfen – Austria

This majestic castle is located just 40 kilometers from Salzburg. Towering behind it wooded mountains and snow-capped peaks of the impression of yet another, even more formidable fortifications, suggesting the true reverence.

Irmelshausen – Germany

Castle Irmelshausen about 800 years. It is the only castle in Bavaria, not destroyed for centuries by series of wars – from the Peasant and the Thirty Years before the Second World War.

Lavut-Polignac – France

One of the most famous castles of the Loire Valley, Lavut-Polignac used to have three wings and four corner towers. Now it remained only the south wing – but the uninitiated may not even notice it while admiring the beauty of the castle and its surroundings.