Safita, Syria
Krak des Chevaliers
Ruins of the Crusaders' headquarters.
Places I want to go
Places on this traveler's wishlist.
Safita, Syria
Ruins of the Crusaders' headquarters.
Beiteddine, Lebanon
After this one-of-a-kind palace was built the architect's hands are said to have been cut off to keep it that way.
Masyaf, Syria
The Syrian headquarters of alleged hashish-smoking assassins.
Mersin Province, Turkey
Mediterranean castle on a tiny Turkish island.
Özkonak Belediyesi, Turkey
This ancient subterranean megalopolis is known for the hot oil traps that were installed above each of its entrances.
Haspra, Ukraine
A castle perched precariously over the Crimean Sea.
Denizli, Turkey
Roman ruins top white travertine terraces formed by ancient hot springs.
Beaufort, Luxembourg
This noble mash-up in eastern Luxembourg is part Medieval, part Renaissance, all castle.
Luxembourg, Luxembourg
An expansive complex of subterranean tunnels is all that remains of one of Europe's most formidable medieval fortresses.
Schleiden, Germany
This former Nazi castle was built as a school to train what would have been the future of the Third Reich.
Esch-sur-Sûre, Luxembourg
Once the local rulers had gone these enchanting ruins housed common folk in an almost real life fairy tale.
La Chapelle-au-Mans, France
A 13th century fortified house built to defend the Duchy of Burgundy.
Valkenburg, Netherlands
The ruins of this Dutch castle sit atop a labyrinth of once-secret tunnels and passageways, dating back over 900 years.
Bassenge, Belgium
A Belgian self-built tower inspired by the Bible and ancient civilizations.
Al Haouz, Morocco
The remains of a magnificent medieval fortress that was the capital of a vast empire.
Sint-Truiden, Belgium
This Belgian palace was long the domain of priests and aristocrats but is now being turned into an art commune.
Treigny, France
Despite centuries of architectural innovation, this French castle is being built like it's the 13th century.
Coussac-Bonneval, France
Legend has it this 11th-century castle was paid a visit from the devil.
Cruden Bay, Scotland
The remains of a grand castle that may have inspired Bram Stoker's Dracula.
Haddington, Scotland
Ruined castle with subterranean vaulted Goblin Ha' or "Goblin Hall."
Laois, Ireland
A rocky Irish outcropping with a history of wealth, conflict, and ruin.
Nuremberg, Germany
A castle from the Holy Roman Empire that hosts traveling youth... in its stables.
Largs, Scotland
This stately estate house features a tower covered in a bright, modern mural.
Schwangau, Germany
The fairy tale castle of the “fairy-tale king,” this was also the inspiration for Disney’s “Sleeping Beauty.”