Europe is one of the places very well known for castles across the world. And this is because there are so many of them built very many years ago. However, many people know about the current standing ones. Few people know about the castles that have been abandoned and now are left as ruins, remnants of history just waiting to be explored.
These castles were there in the past and lived to their glory and so much change that lent to their ruins. Discovering such places is an exciting way to learn about the flip side of castles and the history behind them. They include the following.
10 Caerlaverock Castle, Scotland
Caerlaverock Castle is a masterpiece from the medieval period built in the 13th century. The castle, located around Scotland's southern coast, features a triangular design meant to serve a defensive purpose. It also has a tower on each of the triangle ends. It is a castle that includes prestigious accommodation facilities. However, the structure was abandoned around the 17th century. It is a beautiful place to visit and learn about the past and is open to the general public.
9 Sammezzano Castle, Italy
Located on a hilltop just outside Florence, Sammezzano Castle was built in the 17th century as a royal palace. Later, it was remodeled in the 19th century to take a Moorish Revivalist style. It was a magnificent castle as it had 365 rooms with beautiful colors and patterns. It also has drawings of geometries and rainbows. It was turned into a luxury hotel after the second world war. The castle was later closed around the 1990s.
8 Ballycarbery Castle, Ireland
Ballycarbery is one of the oldest castles one will find in Ireland. As early as 1398, there was evidence of residence in the area. However, the actual castle was built around the 16th century. It is a castle with stone walls that remain to date. Although the stone walls are all that remain, there are other pieces of the castle to see. It was damaged during the 1600s, as troops of Oliver Cromwell attacked the place with cannon fire.
7 Criccieth Castle, Wales
Criccieth Castle is one of the most mysterious castles one will find in Wales. There are many stories about this castle. Much of its remains are still standing to date, and it is incredible. It was built in the 13th century by the Prince of Gwynedd, Llywelyn the Great. It has a towering fortress, used as a prison during early times to the 1400s. History also shows that Llywelugyn's son was once imprisoned there. With the castle burning down during the 15th century, there is so much for people to learn.
6 Dunnottar Castle, Scotland
Situated on a cliff just above the North Sea, Dunnottar Castle was fortified during the Early Middle Age. However, it survived many years to the 16th century. It became a home for famous figures such as the 4th Queen of Scotland, Earl Marischal. So much happened at the castle when battles broke out, and the government later confiscated it. It was then abandoned from the 18th century to 1925 when it received a restoration. Now it is open to the general public.
5 Kilchurn Castle, Scotland
Kilchurn Castle was built in Scotland during the mid 15th century by Campbells of Glenorchy. When visiting the rocky peninsula at the northeastern end of Loch Awe, one will find this fantastic castle with plenty of history. Although it has turned into ruins, there is so much to see and learn about the castle. It was initially used as a residence but then used as a garrison in the Jacobite Rebellion. It was later struck by lightning and left to ruin for hundreds of years.
4 Menlo Castle, Ireland
Built in the 16th century, Menlo Castle is close to Galway in Ireland. It is a castle built for the nobles and the Blake family. However, the castle never lived to its purpose as it was destroyed by a fire in 1910 and abandoned. With time, the castle has become a ruin and changed as plants have consumed it. The Menlo castle remains an attraction for many people to see and learn more about its history.
3 Mesen Castle, Belgium
Mesen Castle in Belgium is an abandoned castle worth visiting for several reasons. The castle is found in Lede, one of the smallest Belgium towns with just a thousand inhabitants. The castle served as a school for girls, a sugar refinery, and a tobacco factory in the 15th century. The castle is now left to ruin but protected by the government as a monument.
2 Lennox Castle, Scotland
It is a castle found 11 miles north of Glasgow. Lennox Castle was constructed in 1841 in Lennoxtown. It was used as a royal residence and served until 1927. The Glasgow Parish Council later bought it. Later on, it was transformed into a mental institution that operated until 1987. Later, in 2002, Lennox castle was abandoned entirely.
1 Dunstanburgh Castle, England
It is located in Northumberland, England, and was constructed in 1313. The castle has been abandoned for an extended time and is now left in ruins. Earl Thomas of Lancaster built it to protect the king. The ruins remain in northern England.