While Germany may have the most amount of castles, Wales is the country with the most castles per square mile. Despite its small size, Wales had over 600 castles. Today over 400 castles still stand and are waiting to be explored by visitors. This is the largest castle in Wales and the second largest in Britain.
Whilst the exact number is not known, experts have estimated that Germany is home to over 20.000 castles. From castles that look like they come straight out of a fairy tale to medieval fortresses with moats, Germany features some of Europe's most impressive castles and palaces.
The castles of Ireland weren't built for royalty or for ostentatious reasons but rather as fortified homes of Ireland's chieftains or Anglo-Norman settlers. Their thick walls and ramparts were built for defense. Many of these castles are medieval in origin, dating from the 11th to the 15th century.
The leaders of the states and territories within the Empire built castles to control their areas, for defence, and as centre of administration. Castles were a symbol of power! Castles in Germany were often built at strategic points, on top of a mountain, or at a place to protect an important trading route.
Located in Poland, Malbork Castle is the largest castle in the world. The castle was founded in 1274 by the Teutonic Knights who used it as their headquarters to help defeat Polish enemies and rule their own northern Baltic territories.
From fairytale castles to mighty fortresses, the Dordogne Valley is the proud owner of a stunning cultural heritage and some of the prettiest sites in France.
Among Germany's vast forests and impressive medieval towns lie its enchanting castles. Thousands of them. In fact, there are around 20,000 castles in Germany, possibly as many as 25,000.
Windsor Castle is officially one of the biggest residences in the world, with around 1,000 rooms and 484,000 square feet. It sits on about 13 acres of land, and its imposing towers are visible from every approach.