European Medieval Castles

Alcázar (Castle) of Segovia, Spain

Webmaster — Tue, 02 Dec 2008 05:26:11 -0500

The Alcázar of Segovia or Segovia Castle is a medieval castle-palace located in the old city of Segovia, central Spain, on the Eresma River. The Alcázar of Segovia was originally built as a fortress but it was later used also as a royal palace, state prison, Royal Artillery College and military academy. On of the most distinctive Spanish castle-palaces was first mentioned in 1120 as the Alcázar (an Arabic word for a fortress or palace) but the archaeological evidence prove its earlier existence.

Bellver Castle, Spain

Webmaster — Tue, 02 Dec 2008 05:24:42 -0500

The Bellver Castle is a circular form medieval castle located on a hill looking over Palma de Mallorca on the Island of Majorca, Balearic Islands. The construction of the Bellver Castle was ordered by King James II of Mallorca in the beginning of 14th century both as military fortress and a unique Gothic style palace among the Spanish castles.

Bellver Castle

Château ( Castle ) de Langeais, France

Webmaster — Tue, 02 Dec 2008 05:23:12 -0500

The Château de Langeais is one of the finest examples of late medieval architecture and one of the oldest castles in the Loire Valley in west-central France. The Château de Langeais was originally built as a fortress in 10th century by Foulques Nerra of Anjou. In the 11th century was the Château de Langeais along with the rest of Touraine captured by the Platagenets and later held by their descendants who became the Kings of England.

Château ( Castle ) de Pierrefonds, France

Webmaster — Tue, 02 Dec 2008 05:21:44 -0500

The Château de Pierrefonds or Castle of Pierrefonds is a fortified medieval castle located near the city of Compiegne north of Paris, France. The Castle of Pierrefonds was built in the 12th century as part of the county of Valois but in 1392 was the county turned into a Duchy and the castle was given to Louis D'Orléans, brother of King Charles VI. At the end of 14th and beginning of the 15th century was the castle rebuilt by architect Jean le Noir.

Loarre Castle, Spain

Webmaster — Tue, 02 Dec 2008 05:20:24 -0500

Loarre Castle, Spain

Akershus Castle, Norway

Webmaster — Tue, 02 Dec 2008 05:19:00 -0500

Akershus castle in Oslo, Norway

The Akershus Castle is a medieval castle located in Oslo, Norway. The castle was built by King Håkon V in the 1290's as a fortress to protect the city of Oslo. After the devastating fire in 1624 was the castle in 1648 completely rebuilt in the Renaissance style by King Christian IV.

Alnwick Castle, England

Webmaster — Tue, 02 Dec 2008 05:17:33 -0500

The Alnwick Castle is a medieval castle located along the River Aln in Alnwick, Northumberland in England. The castle was first built in 1096 by Yves de Vescy, Baron of Alnwick defend the England's border against the Scottish invasion. In 1309 was the Alnwick Castle bought by Henry de Percy, 1st Baron Percy who restored the castle and modified its structure.

Alnwick castle in England

Arundel Castle, England

Webmaster — Tue, 02 Dec 2008 05:16:14 -0500

The Arundel Castle is a medieval castle located above the River Arun in West Sussex, England. The castle was built in the 1070's by Roger de Montgomery, Earl of Arundel and a loyal Baron of William the Conqueror. After death of Roger de Montgomery the Arundel Castle passed to the crown but Henry I left it in his will to his second wife Adeliza of Louvain.

Bamburgh Castle, England

Webmaster — Tue, 02 Dec 2008 05:14:51 -0500

Bamburgh Castle in England

Beaumaris Castle, Wales

Webmaster — Tue, 02 Dec 2008 05:13:45 -0500

Beaumaris Castle in Wales