Castles Travel Guide — Things to Do, Food & Hotels
type of fortified structure built in Europe, Asia and the Middle East during the Middle Ages by nobility
About Castles
Whilefortificationsandstately homeshave been known since ancient times, the combination of those functions arose in Europe around AD900, as strongholds of local feudal lords, to hold off enemy raids byVikings, Magyars,Saracensand nomads, as well as rival lords. While we do not know a specific "year zero" of castle construction, the rise of castles in the 10th century is one of the features that define the transition from the Early Middle Ages to the High Middle Ages. Castles went through many stages of development, to respond to military and economic needs. They were usually built on high ground, to improve their role of defense, as well as their role for observation and prestige. A castle was usually the dominant building of a town, only contested by the church. In some locations (notably
Castles Travel Guide Sections
Our comprehensive guide covers 5 sections including: