Folks what you should know is that finding the largest castle in the world is not a piece of cake.
The first reason for that is that the exact definition of a castle is
‘a defensive structure built as a residence for a ruler or nobleman’ and
it is not always clear what a castle really is. Now most people would
agree that Moscow Kremlin is not exactly a castle but the Forts in India
are. In this particular article, the ranking of the castles are based
on how much area they cover on the ground and not judged on height and
number of rooms. I hope this list proves educative. I would sure love to
live in one of these.
10. EDINBURGH CASTLE
At number ten we have the Edinburgh Castle which is located in
Scotland in the city of Edinburgh. It dominates the skyline of the
entire city. It sits on a volcanic crag that is extinct now. A few
buildings in the castle date back to the sixteenth century. Have you
heard of the St. Margaret’s Chapel? Well, that is the oldest surviving
building in the city. It dates back to the early twelfth century. The
castle covers an area of 35,737 square meters.
9. CITADEL OF ALEPPO
This happens to be one of the oldest castles in the entire world. It
is situated on a fifty meter high hill that is in the center of Aleppo
in Syria. Research suggests that the usage of the hill by humans began
at least in the middle of 3rd millennium BC. The castle has
been occupied by Greeks, Byzantines, Ayyubids and Mamluks since it was
built. The majority of what you see as a structure dates back to the
thirteenth century. So, if you visit it, what you will see are preserved
remains of thirteenth century castle; should be good. It covers an area
of 39,804 square meters.
8. HIMEJI CASTLE
This is considered to be the most beautiful castle in all of Japan
and it is one of those few that escaped the tortures of civil war and
earthquakes and bombings. A fort was built (where the castle stands) in
the fourteenth century and it was gradually increased with time. Today
it covers an area of 41,468 square meters and it looks absolutely
gorgeous. The castle (as it stands today) was completed in the year
1609.
7. BUDA CASTLE
The Buda Castle is located in Budapest, Hungary. It was fortified in
the thirteenth century. That happened because of an attack by a Mongol.
The people wanted a safer environment and therefore the fortification.
The architectural style varies from Gothic to Baroque because it was
invaded many times and the rebuilding led to changes in the basic
architecture. The castle looks absolutely gorgeous and night and covers
an area of 44,674 square meters. The castle is situated on the southern
tip of the Castle Hill.
6. SPIS CASTLE
This is one of the largest Medieval castles
in the Central Europe. The Spis Castle is located in the eastern part
of Slovakia. During the first half of the thirteenth century, the main
body of the castle was strongly fortified with stone walls. The lower
courtyard was also fortified during the mid of fifteenth century. It is
located in the countryside (very beautiful). The location is also used
for shooting of different films and that includes ‘The Last Legion’ and
‘Dragonheart’. It covers an area of 49,485 square meters.
5. HOHENSALZBURG CASTLE
The Hohensalzburg Castle is located in Salzburg; an Austrian city. It
is one of the largest castles in Europe and it is also one of the
largest ones to be preserved that efficiently. The Hohensalzburg Castle
was constructed in 1077. It was expanded exponentially between the years
1495 and 1519. Not many alterations or expansions were made after that
period. The castle covers an area of 54,523 square meters.
4. WINDSOR CASTLE
The Windsor Castle is definitely the largest castle in all of
England. It is also known as the largest inhabited castle of the world.
You should know that the Windsor Castle happens to be one of the
official residences of the Queen Elizabeth II. She spends a lot of
weekends in this castle during the year. She uses the castle to
entertain both, the state and her family. It is a sight to behold to be
very honest and it covers an area of 54,835 square meters.
3. PRAGUE CASTLE
This castle is listed as the largest castle in the world according to the Guinness Book of World Records
and since you can see that we gave this one the number three spot, it’s
obvious we don’t believe that. The castle dates back to the ninth
century and it was expanded countless times till the second half of the
eighteenth century. There are many attractions in the castle and many
sights including the St. Vitus Cathedral and the St. George’s Basilica. I
am not putting my foot down on anyone, but do visit any one of these
beautiful castles if you ever get the chance. It covers an area of
66,761 square meters.
2. MEHRANGARH FORT
This place is not referred to as a castle. It is called a fort and it
is equivalent to a castle in India. The castle is sitting on a hill
that is 122 meters. It is surrounded by 36 meter high walls that are 21
meters wide. It can be entered after crossing the seven gates. This fort
was originally built in 1459 by Jodhpur, Rao Jodhha. He shifted his
capital from Mandore during this time. What’s interesting is that what
is left of the fort dates back to the 17th century. It covers an area of 81,227 square meters.
1. MALBORK CASTLE
The Malbork Castle ranks number one on this list and it is located in
Poland. It is the largest castle in the world and it covers 143,591
square meters. This castle was founded by the Teutonic Knights (Ah, Age
of Empires II) in the year 1274. The Malbork Castle was used as
headquarters during their skirmishes with the Polish and it was
effectively utilized in defeating the Polish armies. It was also used as
Headquarters to rule over the northern Baltic Territories. Since the
numbers of knights were ever increasing, the castle was expanded many
times until they retreated in 1466.
source : http://www.smashinglists.com/largest-castles/
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