Castles are something that have captivated my imagination from my earliest days of reading fairy tale stories with illustrated pictures to more recent events of exploring castles built by the Crusaders in the Middle East. I have now had the privilege over the last few years to have visited 61 different castles in 20 different countries, this list will continue to grow as my fascination never diminishes. Castles are now a symbol of power and prestige but for centuries they provided protection for those lucky enough to be behind their walls.

The castle originally spawned from the ancient city walls, battlements and fortified palaces of the Roman Empire. At first the castle was a wooden structure built on a raised mound and usually surrounded by a ditch. As medieval warfare gradually developed, castles became built of stone with thicker walls, then came the moat and inner keep, and finally huge outer walls with strategic battlements for defending. Initially the keep within the castle was rectangular because it was easier to build but before long people realized the circular keep was much easier to defend.

The most ideal location to build a castle was on the edge of an impregnable cliff and even better if you could find it at the bend of a river where commanding views enabled not only a strong defensive position but also the ability to demand tariffs for passing trade. The best examples of such castles are along the Rhine River in Germany where just a one-hour train ride along the river offers views of over 20 different castles.

Castles were usually built as places of protection from an invading army or marauding bandits; they were a place to retreat and shelter from all the dangers of life in the middle ages. Eventually the castle became an offensive weapon used to control surrounding lands in hostile territory and impose the will of the conquerors on the general population. Prime examples of such castles are the ones built by Edward I of England when he conquered Wales in the 13th century or the castles built by the Crusader armies in the Holy Land.

As warcraft evolved and gunpowder started to be used in battle, the castle was no longer the ultimate form of protection. By the 1500's constructing castles was no longer feasible solely for defense and these structures became residences for nobles and monarchs. Though still often used as prisons, the castle became a place where knights and lords could entertain their guests and, if they were really wealthy, live out their fantasies of building fairytale-like castles of old. The best example of this being Neuschwanstein Castle built by King Ludwig II of Bavaria in southern Germany, which is also the inspiration for the castle in Disneyland.

1. Mamure Castle, Turkey - Image Gallery
Mamure Castle is a stunning old-world Crusader Castle that sits half in the Mediterranean and half surrounded by a moat, on the outskirts of the coastal town of Anamur in Turkey. In the 3rd century, at this site, the Romans had originally built a fort; it was then enlarged during the Byzantine Empire and the Crusades. After having been laid to siege in 1221 by a Seljuk Sultan, the Castle was captured and rebuilt to its current state. The Castle gives you a real taste of an authentic medieval fortification with styles from different conquering armies. There are 3 courtyards with 39 towers and no handrails or safety restrictions. One of the courtyards has an ancient mosque built in 1308 that still heralds the call to prayer 5 times daily. This just adds to the exotic aura of walking the narrow ramparts and exploring a castle that has remained unchanged for over 700 years.

2. Krak des Chevaliers, Syria - Image Gallery
Krak des Chevaliers is an intimidating Crusader fortress in the hills close to the Syrian border with Lebanon.  The Krak is one of the most important structures of medieval military architecture in the world and was the headquarters of the Knights Hospitaller during the Crusades.  Built in 1031 and expanded by crusaders to its present impenetrable state, the fortress is monstrous with outer walls that are 100 feet thick.  Numerous sieges were undertaken to capture this strategically positioned castle by hostile Muslim armies, yet none succeeded.  There are passages leading to stairwells that descend deep into the pitch black depths of the castle.  Regular tourists and guides never venture to these isolated tunnels, watch where you step, if you make a wrong move down here it can be fatal.

3. Neuschwanstein Castle, Germany - Image Gallery
Neuschwanstein castle was built by the eccentric King Ludwig II who envisioned building his masterpiece in the authentic style of an old German knight's castle.  Started in 1869, the castle remained unfinished due to King Ludwig continuously changing his mind and having finished sections torn down and rebuilt.  By 1886, the King was declared insane by the state and mysteriously died only days later leaving many of the interior rooms undecorated; only 14 rooms were finished before Ludwig's death.  Neuschwanstein is the most photographed building in Germany and is Germany's most visited tourist site.  For the keen photographer, climbing the ridge above the castle offers stunning views and no crowds to enjoy lunch.  Although crowds here can get very congested at all times of the year, don't miss this unique fairytale experience.

4. Maidens Castle, Turkey - Image Gallery
Maidens Castle is a Crusader Castle that hovers 200 meters offshore, in the Mediterranean Sea on the far Eastern Turkish coast.  The castle was built in the 12th century, during the Byzantine period, and in ancient times was linked to another castle on the shore by a giant causeway built on a large slab of bedrock almost at water level.  Swimming out to this floating castle from the beautiful golden sand beach was one of the most rewarding moments of my life.  There is nothing more timeless and authentic than swimming out to a monument built centuries earlier, scaling the walls barefoot, and exploring the ruined interior.

5. Burg Hohenwerfen - Image Gallery
Burg Hohenwerfen is one of the most imposing and dramatic castles in Europe. It sits majestically on a 155 metre plateau in a narrow steep valley surrounded by the mighty Tennengau and Hagen mountain ranges. Located only 40 km from Salzburg, this impressive location in the Alps enhances the castles fantastic medieval appearance with rough jagged peaks towering over the prominent turrets and walls. Built in 1077 and then expanded during the 12th century this castle was a second line of defence and a hunting lodge for the powerful Archbishops from Salzburg. The climb up to the castle from the valley floor is an arduous task that pays off hugely upon walking through the defense narrow gate. The guided tours are excellent with an awesome weapons collection on display. The route takes in every major aspect of the castle from the highest turret to the dungeon in the depths of the castle complete with crude and punishing torture equipment. After peering into the 10 metre deep pit of death in the dungeon you can go outside and sit on the open grass enclosure where a falconry show is displayed. Bald eagles from America and hawks from Tibet fly overhead swooping down to land on the bird master's arm. In a grand finish they release a huge vulture that soars above the castle before flying down and massacring a piece of meat. The castle that towers dramatically over the small town of Werfen is a medieval experience you will not find anywhere else.

6. Caernarfon Castle, Wales - Image Gallery
Caernarfon Castle is a picturesque and uniquely designed fortification with octagonal towers located in Northwest Wales. King Edward I of England constructed a ring of castles surrounding the mountain of Snowdonia following his conquest of Wales in 1283. Caernarfon was the headpiece of these power symbols designed to quash the resistance to English domination. The structure was never fully finished and this makes for an excellent adventure exploring its rough passages that suddenly dead end or climbing the time-worn steps of each tower. The views from the top of the walls are amazing with the fortified old town running alongside the river that has green fields rolling off into the distance. The front of the castle faces the sea; enjoying a cold pint at the old pub in the shadow of the main tower is a memorable experience you won't forget.

7. Château de Chillon, Switzerland - Image Gallery
Château de Chillon is picturesquely located on the North Eastern shore of Lake Geneva in Switzerland. This fortress deservedly receives more visitors than any other building in the country. The castle sat on a key trade route that ran through the Alps connecting Germany and Italy. Its defensive position meant it could demand a hefty toll to pass and grew increasingly wealthy on this revenue. First mention of the castle is from the 11th century AD; the castle has a total of 25 independent buildings that, over time, were gradually connected to the main structure. You can spend hours exploring narrow medieval fortifications that connect towers, courtyards, staterooms with weapons and armour, and the infamous dungeons. The Castle was never taken in a siege and doubled as a prison over its history. It was made famous when a poem was written about a Genevois monk and politician who was imprisoned in the dungeon from 1530 to 1536. The pillar he was chained to still has some worn shackles and offers a reminder of the brutality and suffering that went on in this dark place for centuries.

8. HohenSalzburg, Austria - Image Gallery
HohenSalzburg is the mightiest fortress in central Europe. It is a powerful castle sitting in a prominent position dominating the skyline of the town of Salzburg in Austria. Salzburg Castle is one of the largest and best preserved medieval castles in all of Europe.  During its long history, it has never been conquered by enemy troops. Construction began in 1077 and by 1462 the ring walls and towers were built.  Exploring the huge grounds of this castle can take hours with full access to almost all areas: there are stables, kitchens, battlements, towers and impressive state rooms for the powerful archbishops that ruled from this high perch. In Salzburg, the Archbishops were influential political figures who profited hugely from nearby salt mines. Consequently, the castle has expanded over the centuries to protect their interests and their large entourage. To access HohenSalzburg you can either take a cable car or hike the old one track road to the main gates. As you labour your way up the steep hill to the main gate you gain a distinct appreciation for how hard it would have been to capture this mighty castle.

9. Windsor Castle, England - Image Gallery
Windsor Castle is arguably the grandest and most impressive castle in the world, and is both a current residence and power symbol of royalty in England. William the Conqueror originally built this fortification as part of a defensive ring of castles surrounding London in his conquest of the British Isle in 1066. The castle keep and exterior walls are immaculately maintained and look like they were just completed. The interior takes you through former bedrooms of past rulers and grandly decorated halls. One of the finest halls has a massive collection of armour, with swords, battle axes and guns all arranged into collages. There are also secret doors blended into the walls in some rooms that feed your imagination on where they could lead. The majority of the Kings and Queens of England have had a direct influence on the construction of the castle. The design has changed and evolved according to the times, finances and ideas of successive monarchs. Exploring the castle, the cathedral and manicured grounds of Windsor gives you a look at the power and opulence of 1000 years of British royalty. Don't miss this amazing piece of human history.

10. Edinburgh Castle - Image Gallery
Edinburgh Castle is a perfectly situated defensive stronghold that has had multiple additions and moments of destruction over its long history. Historical records first mention Edinburgh Castle in 600 AD but there are some theories that the area on castle rock hill has been inhabited for much longer. The current structures are from around the 16th century, with some decent ramparts and stone made buildings that tower over the city. There are fantastic views over the Edinburgh skyline from all angles with the dramatic sharp spires piercing the sky. The castle shows many different periods of its history with examples like the strategic cannon positions and a look at the impressive Scottish crown jewels. The castle is still associated with the military in Scotland; the Governor of the Castle has always been the head of the Army. Edinburgh is one of the United Kingdoms most atmospheric and visually impressive cities; at its centre is Edinburgh Castle looming large over the town. Ensure you don't miss this stunning piece of history.