Six Abandoned Castles from Around the World You'll Want To See
Abandoned castles are a perfect combination of history and present. These haunting structures often tower beside modern cities and serve as a reminder of times past.
Here are six castles across the world and their stories:
1. Chepstow Castle — Chepstow, Wales
Chepstow Castle, previously known as Striguil, sits upon a cliff overlooking the River Wye. This now abandoned castle continued to transform as it expanded and even influenced castle design in the 13th century.
The original doors date back to 1190 and are still on display today. They are the oldest castle doors in Europe.
2. Chateau Gaillard — Normandy, France
Former King of England, Richard the Lionheart ordered the Chateau Gaillard be built in the late 12th century. Construction began in 1196 and moved quickly; it was finished by 1198.
The ruins of this magnificent castle still stand today, attracting tourists from all over the world.
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3. Dunnottar Castle — Aberdeenshire, Scotland
The ruins of Dunnottar Castle dramatically stand out on the coast of the North Sea, but what you don’t see from the picture is the rich history the structure holds.
Both William Wallace and Mary Queen of Scots have visited the abandoned castle.
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4. Spiš Castle — Košice, Slovakia
The Spiš Castle is one of the largest castles in Europe. Built in the 12th century, this castle has undergone several different makeovers in its long history.
A fire in 1780 destroyed parts of the historic site, but the ruins still stand strong attracting tourists from all over. It is now home to a museum and has even been featured in several movies.
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5. Ballycarbery Castle — County Kerry, Ireland
The ruins of this 15th-century castle have been overcome by ivy and other vegetation, leaving a hauntingly beautiful reminder of the history of the area.
Oliver Cromwell’s troops seized Ballycarbery Castle in 1652, leaving it in its current state.
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6. Rocca Calascio — Abruzzo, Italy
Rocca Calascio is a now magnificent set of ruins that tower over the meadows below the Apennine Mountains in Abruzzo, Italy. The 10th-century watchtower in the center is the oldest section of the castle, but the castle continued to shift and expand over the following centuries.
While the Rocca Calascio was only built for military purposes, a small village sprung up near its walls until an earthquake destroyed portions of the structure in 1703.
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