All over the world, epic castles and fortresses were built in the past to withstand attacks from enemies. Today, these structures are amazing landmarks of history that still amaze with their power and impregnability. Here are some of the most impressive castles:
1. Rumeli Hisarya Fortress, Türkiye
The amazing fortress in Istanbul was once a defensive citadel on the coast of the Bosphorus, combining a customs point and a prison. However, in 1509, Rumeli fell victim to an earthquake, and in 1746 there was a large-scale fire. Today, the historical landmark is an open-air museum and a cultural center for a residential area of Istanbul.
2. Alcazar Palace in Toledo, Spain
The Alcazar of Toledo has a long history: it was both a Roman palace in the third century and a focal point during the Spanish Civil War. The dramatic events of that war led to the castle being seen as a powerful symbol of Spanish nationalism. After careful restoration, the fortress is now a museum and library.
3. Janjira Sea Fort, India
It is the only fort on the west coast of India that has remained undefeated through many attacks by countries like the Netherlands, Portugal and England. The huge sea fortress on an island near Murud is known as the "Troy of India". The fort has 19 bastions still intact with rusting cannons.
4. Tower of London - Tower, England
The phrase "sent to the tower" would have been enough to strike fear into the heart of any medieval Englishman, for the Tower was not only a palace and royal residence, but also a vile prison. Many people were executed here, perhaps the most famous being Anne Boleyn (second wife of King Henry VIII of England, mother of Queen Elizabeth I of England).
5. Mehrangarh Fort, India
Mehrangarh is a gigantic building that encompasses several large and complex palaces. The castle preserves memories of a long and violent past. The fort is perpendicular to a cliff that rises 120 m above Jodhpur. A traveler may recognize the fort from the latest Batman film, The Dark Knight Rises.
6. Fort Douaumont, France
This fort was one of 19 such buildings built around the town of Verdun in northern France. The forts date back to 1890. The defensive structures were used during World War I. Fort Douaumont was occupied without a fight by a small German force in February 1916 for 9 months. The Battle of Verdun is famous for the cost of countless young lives.
7. Bamburgh Castle, England
Bamburgh is a small fishing village on the Northumberland coast. The building was primarily the home of the English king for many years and was an occasional target for Scots. Since 1894, the castle has belonged to the Armstrong family and has since been opened to the public. Today, the landmark is a popular wedding venue.
8. Citadel of Aleppo, Syria
Considered the oldest and largest fortress in existence, the Citadel of Aleppo sits on a mound that was probably inhabited in the middle of the third millennium BC. The fortress is surrounded by a deep moat, and inside there is a remarkable amphitheater, a palace, a hammam and underground passages.
The world is full of amazing castles, fortresses and forts that are worthy of the attention of a traveler. Powerful structures of antiquity allow you to learn about unique construction secrets, the exploits of our ancestors, and also to be transported back many centuries.
