While there is no definitive global database that provides an exact count, historians estimate that tens of thousands of castles exist today, primarily across Europe and parts of Asia. A 2026 study by the World Population Review suggests that France holds the most, with roughly 45,000 estimated structures ranging from ruins to fully restored chateaus. Italy follows with approximately 20,000, and Germany boasts over 3,000, including the world-famous Neuschwanstein. In the United Kingdom, there are roughly 1,500 significant castle sites. It is important to distinguish between "medieval fortresses" and "stately homes" built in the castle style; while many original 9th-century wooden structures have perished, the stone fortifications of the 11th through 15th centuries form the bulk of the surviving architectural heritage. Many of these are now UNESCO World Heritage sites, serving as museums, luxury hotels, or private residences.