The Biggest Castles in The World
The Ten Largest Castles in the World
10. Edinburgh Castle in Scotland -35,737 square meters
It dominates the skyline of the city of Edinburgh in Scotland and located on an extinct volcanic crag. It includes St Margaret’s Chapel, the oldest surviving building in Edinburgh dating back to the 12th century.
9. Citadel of Aleppo in Syria - 39,804 square meters
One of the oldest castles in the world. It stands on 50-meter-high hill in the center of Aleppo. Occupied by many civilizations, the majority of the construction dates from the 13th century.
8. Himeji Castle in Japan 41,468 square meters
Japan’s most beautiful castle and is one of the few that survived the civil war, earthquakes and bombings. The castle complex was completed in 1609.
7. Buda Castle in Hungary - 44,674 square meters
Located on the southern tip of Castle Hill in Budapest in Hungary, Buda Castle was first fortified due to a Mongol attack led Buda’s citizens to seek a more easily defended neighborhood in the 13th century.
6. Spis Castle Slovakia 49,485 square meters
One of the largest Medieval castles in central Europe. The main body of the castle was fortified by stone walls in the 13th century.
5. Hohensalzburg Castle in Austria - 54,523 square meters
Located in the Austrian city of Salzburg is one of the largest and best-preserved castles in Europe. The castle was constructed in 1077 and was significantly enlarged between 1495 and 1519 when it reached more or less its present proportions.
4. Windsor Castle in England- 54,835 square meters
The largest castle in England and was one of the official residences of Queen Elizabeth II who spent many weekends of the year at the castle.
3. Prague Castle in Czeck Republic - 66,761 square meters
The castle dates back to the 9th century and was expanded several times. The castle itself houses a complex of sights including the St. Vitus Cathedral and the St. George’s Basilica.
2. Mehrangarh Fort in India - 81,227 square meters
Although officially called a fort, Mehrangarh Fort can easily be considered a castle. The fort was initially built in 1459 by the founder of Jodhpur, Rao Jodha after he shifted his capital here from Mandore. However, most of what stands today dates back to the 17th century.
1. Malbork Castle in Poland 143,591 square meters
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. The castle was expanded several time to host the growing number of Knights until their retreat to Königsburg in 1466.