Castles are the most important buildings of the era of feudalism and they began to proliferate especially in Europe, from the sixth century, as a simple rock formations used for the shelter of the people, but it was not until the tenth century when they start to become popular in the old continent and in other parts of the world, whether in Africa or Asia as a fortress in which there are several rooms and at least one habitable tower, as we can see in the blog of 101 lugares increíbles (in Spanish).
Almost always, they had a mission directly related to defense, but the castles also served the Lord to extend his domain and make it more profitable, until the decline, from the sixteenth century. Here are some of the unique medieval castles that remain in such remote places as Japan, India and Syria.
The ancient emperors of this kingdom, tired of being nomads, decided to build a shelter from the rainy season, so in 1635, a medieval walled castle was born with a spectacular mixture of styles. In 1979 it was declared a World Heritage by UNESCO.
2. Osaka Castle, Japan
It is one of the most famous castles of the country since it played an important role in the unification of Japan during the sixteenth century. It was built on a high stone, with walls and surrounded by a moat similar to European castles. It is currently a popular spot during traditional celebrations of hanami and contains among other facilities, a museum.
3. Mehrangarh Fort, India
It is situated on a hill above the beautiful city of Jodhpur, it has become one of the most magnificent forts in India and its construction began in the fifteenth century. It houses a museum with a rich collection of miniatures, musical instruments, furniture and even the original canons.
4. Castle of Rayen, Iran
The lush castle of Arg-e-Rayen, built of adobe, is perfectly preserved and it displays all the architectural elements of a citadel of the desert. It was inhabited until about 150 years ago and it is believed to have at least 1000 years old, so it could belong to the pre-Islamic Sassanid Empire, one of the most important historical periods in Iran.
5. Krak des Chevaliers, Syria
It was an important castle during the time of the Crusades, since it was the headquarters of the Order of the Hospital of St. John of Jerusalem and it was recognized as a World Heritage Site by Unesco in 2006. It was built in the twelfth century by the Crusaders on a spur of the Syrian desert in order to protect the route linking the Syrian city of Homs to Tripoli.
6. Himeji Castle, Japan
It is situated in the town of same name and besides being a National Treasure and be part of a World Heritage Site, it is the most visited of the country, as it remains in perfect conditions since the Middle Ages. It is popularly known as the White Heron Castle because of its bright white.
7. Lahore Fort, Pakistan
Known as Shahi Qila, this amazing walled protects a 425-meter long by 340 wide palace complex. It already existed in the eleventh century, so it is not known exactly when it was built.
8. Singer Castle, United States
Located on the border with Canada, in Dark Island, this is not really a medieval castle, having been built in the late eighteenth century, but its architectural style is a reminiscent of European castles.
Tags: castles, ethiopia, european castles, gondar, himeji castle, home, india, iran, japan, krak des chavliers, lahore fort, medieval castles, osaka, pakistan, rayen, syria
