Around the world we can contemplate these great architectural works that dazzle us not only because of their finishes, but also because of their size. Mostly built in the Middle Ages, castles are some of the most extraordinary man-made buildings in the world, and some of them are incredibly large.
Currently, a large part of these architectural wonders have been restored, in order to preserve the cultural heritage of the countries to which they belong.
In this way, below we list the 5 largest castles in the world, with respect to the approximate surface covered by the built-up area of ​​each fortress.
5. Hohenzollern Castle
- Approximate area: 54,000 m2
- Location: Town of Bisingen, Zollernalb District, Germany.
To start our top of the 5 largest castles in the world, in fifth and last place we have Hohenzollern Castle. This jewel of medieval architecture is located at the top of Mount Hohenzollern, near the German community of Hechingen.
Since its inception, the fortress was built to be used as a stately residence. However, today it appears as an artistic complex of great tourist attraction in the area.
As the story goes, the place where the current fortress stands was previously occupied by a first castle built during the 11th century. This was destroyed in 1423, being replaced by another fortress that rose at the hands of the family of the Hohenzollern Dynasty.
However, the castle that we see today is a construction carried out between the years 1846 and 1867. It was erected by order of King Frederick William IV of Prussia.
Among its charms and riches, the fortress currently boasts a wide exhibition of objects and weapons from the Middle Ages, such as the Gassenhauer sword.
Did you know what?
One of the treasures kept inside the fort is a letter written by George Washington himself. This contains a message of thanks for his service during the American War of Independence addressed to the Prussian officer, Baron Von Steuben.
4. Castle of Windsor
- Approximate area: 55,000 m2
- Location: Windsor town, Berkshire county, UK.
Occupying fourth place we have the luxurious weekend residence of the current Queen of England, Windsor Castle. This palatial building, to date, remains the largest and oldest inhabited castle.
As well as being home to at least 40 different monarchs, it was for a time considered the most expensive building in the UK.
At first the fortress was an old medieval castle. However, over the centuries it was remodeled until it acquired its current sumptuous appearance.
Likewise, the residence witnessed important historical events, in addition to having endured the turbulent passage of various periods of war.
Did you know what?
The most punctual! The clocks in the Great Kitchen at Windsor Castle are 5 minutes ahead. This modality was adopted so that the servants of the palace could ensure that the queen’s food was always served on time.
3. Prague Castle
- Approximate area: 67,000 m2
- Location: city of Prague, Czech Republic
Occupying the third place of our top of largest castles in the world, we find the imposing castle of Prague. It is one of the most emblematic architectural complexes of the capital of the Czech Republic.
This infrastructure, built during the 9th century, extends approximately 570 meters by 130 meters wide. Likewise, inside it shelters invaluable collections of art and wealth, such as Renaissance paintings and the so-called Bohemian Crown Jewels.
On the other hand, in addition to having served as a residence for kings and emperors, it is currently considered the largest ancient castle in the world.
Did you know what?
In front of the castle you can find a statue of the first Czechoslovak president, Tomáš Masaryk, which has an exact duplicate located in Mexico City.
2. The Castle or Mehrangarh
- Approximate area: 81,000 m2
- Location: Jodhpur town, Rajasthan state, India.
The following castle is one of the most impressive fortresses in the entire world. The Castle or Mehrangarh, its construction began in 1459 by order of Rao Jodha, founder of the city where the fortress is located. However, most of the complex dates from the years 1638 to 1678, the period of Jaswant Singh’s rule.
According to the etymological origin of its name, Mehrangarh, comes from “Mihir” which translates as sun and “garh” which means strong. Therefore, its name can be interpreted as “Fort of the Sun”.
It was used as a military fortress to fight against the invading armies of the town. However, today its interior houses one of the most important and largest museums in India. It has a wide collection of perfectly preserved pieces of furniture and miniatures.
Likewise, the tour within the facilities allows you to visit the different palaces that comprise it, such as: Moti Mahal, Phool Mahal, Sheesha Mahal, etc.
Did you know what?
A real tragedy! In 2008, a human stampede occurred inside one of the castle’s temples, in which 249 people died and another 400 were injured.
1. Malbork Castle, the largest in the world
- Area: 143,591 m2 (the outer walls extend over an area of ​​210,000 m²)
- Location: On the banks of the Nogat River, in northern Poland.
Finally, the title of the largest castle in the world corresponds to Malbork Castle, better known as Marienburg Castle. It is the oldest and most extensive Baltic Gothic-style fortress in the entire European continent, and also in the world.
Founded in the year 1274 at the hands of the Teutonic Knights, from its beginnings this enclosure was used as a home for the military forces. During its golden age, the castle came to house around 3,000 soldiers from the community.
After the outbreak of the Second World War, the castle underwent a series of renovations, the last restoration being completed in 2016. Today all its facilities are in excellent condition for public enjoyment.
Similarly, in 1997 UNESCO declared the entire building together with its interior museum as a World Heritage Site.
Did you know what?
The best guided tour! People who visit the facilities of this castle can enjoy a visit with audio guide service. Likewise, the service is available in languages ​​such as Polish, German, Russian, Spanish and English.
