In Medieval times, castles were daunting strongholds against invading forces, designed to be difficult to attack and easy to defend.
Fortified settlements, the precursors to the castles we know today, first appeared some 6,000 years ago, in Central and Eastern Europe and the Middle East.
Enormous fortresses have been built across the world in the centuries since by royals and elites to showcase their wealth and give them an insurance policy for when conflicts with rival nations boiled over.
Military defenses have progressed somewhat since, but many of the vast structures are still standing. But while some are still residences or used for official purposes, others are open to public and collectively attract millions of visitors per year.
Discovery UK has compiled a list of the biggest in the world, showing fascinating variations in style and design. They are all incredible in their own right – and two of them are in the UK. While some appear built expressly for repelling enemies, others have a greater emphasis on epic scale and architectural grandeur.
Scroll down to find out more about the world’s most epic castles.
9. Edinburgh Castle
Sneaking onto the list is Britain’s own Edinburgh Castle in the Scottish capital.
The structure was built in 1103 AD and is one of Europe’s oldest fortified places.
The 900-year-old landmark has a storied history having had various functions including being a military garrison, and even a prison.
But it also has rich royal heritage, having been the place where Queen Margaret died in 1093, while King James IV famously threw grand banquets on its grounds.
The stunning building spans an incredible 8.8 acres.
(Image: Getty)
8. Citadel of Aleppo
Aleppo Citadel is a vast medieval fortified palace in the old city of Aleppo, northern Syria.
The awe-inspiring grounds, which are spread over 10 acres, were first built in the 13th century, and constructed on a hill of great strategic importance for various civilisations over the years.
This includes the Armenians, Greeks, Byzantines, Ayyubids and Ottomans, according to HistoryHit.
Most of the architecture that stands today within the complex is thought to have been erected during the time of the Ayyubid Dynasty, which ruled over Egypt and what is now upper Iraq, most of Syria, and Yemen.
(Image: Getty)
7. Himeji Castle
Also known as Shirasagi-jo or “the White Heron castle”, Japan’s Himeji is perhaps the country’s most famous fortress, and has stood firm through the centuries despite natural disasters and conflict.
Located in Himeji City in the Hyogo Prefecture, the World Heritage Site is made up of eighty-two buildings, according to UNESCO.
The 17th century structure is “centred on the Tenshu-gun, a complex made up of the donjon, keeps and connecting structures that are part of a highly developed system of defence and ingenious protection devices dating from the beginning of the Shogun period”, the body says in its explanation of the site’s “Outstanding Universal Value”.
It’s thought to cover some 10.2 acres, making it the seventh in the list of the world’s biggest.
(Image: Getty)
6. Buda Castle
Buda Castle in Hungary is another fortress that has been called home by various states over the centuries, and showcases a complex mix of Rennaissance, Ottoman, Habsburg and even Communist style, according to Time Out.
The enormous palace complex in Budapest sits on Castle Hill and overlooks the River Danube.
It was initially built completed in 1265, though the Baroque palace that that covers most of the site now was built in the 1700s.
The complex, which spans around 11 acres, is like a miniature city, with impressive courtyards, churches and chapels, and even restaurants, according to TripAdvisor.
Among the most iconic attractions is the Fisherman’s Bastion, a panoramic viewing terrace where you can take in its “fairy tale”-esque towers.
(Image: Getty)
5. Windsor Castle
Fifth on the list is Windsor Castle, which was built by William the Conqueror in the 11th century and is the oldest and largest occupied castle in the world, according to the Royal Collection Trust.
The grounds have been a royal home for over 1,000 years, including King Charles III who visits twice a week.
The Prince and Princess of Wales also live close by in Adelaide Cottage, a four-bedroom home on the Windsor Estate.
The estate covers an area of 13 acres, making it the fifth largest on the entire planet.
(Image: Getty)