Countless stories, unsolved mysteries, proud human history, and drama allure generations towards the astonishing architecture of the largest castle in the world. Some are the symbol of romance but somewhat mystical, some spark the vision of brave knights in shining armors while some narrate the stories of powerful queens. It is the place where witty plots were hatched; murder carried out, royal children born, sacrifices made, marriage vows taken, and whatnot.

It never has shortages of fascinating stories. If you are amongst the folks who are in love with the castle then read on to find out the largest castle in the world that will feast your eyes and will take you back to the bygone ages. So are you ready for the drive?

Without a blink, of course, YES!

1. Prague Castle

Guinness Book of Record crowns the Prague castle with the title of the largest castle in the world. Even UNESCO included it in its World Heritage site. Currently, it serves as the official building of the Heads of the State. The place attracts over 1.8 million tourists every year. The castle is the witness of many authoritative rulings of Bohemia Kings, Holy Roman rulers, Prague Bishops, and presidents of Czecho-Slovakia.

The castle includes the Romanesque Basilica of St. George, monastery, Gothic St Vitus Cathedral, other palaces, gardens, and towers. Even the famous Bohemian Crown Jewels are also kept in the hidden room of the place. The museum will take you through the rich history of Czech through art and exhibitions. You should surely not miss the Summer Shakespeare Festival while in the city.

Size: 66,761 square meters

Built by: Czech Monarchs in 880 AD

Address: Prazsky hrad, 11908 Prague, Czech Republic.

Visiting hours: 9:00 to 18:00

2. Malbork Castle

UNESCO considered it as the largest castle in the world in terms of land area. Built in the 13th century with the help of bricks at the bank of the Nogat river. Earlier it was used by warrior monks as the headquarter to conduct marches against pagans. In 1466, it was taken over by the Polish monarchy; however, the castle faced heavy damages during World War II. Since it’s been restored in the 20th century, it has attracted thousands of visitors every year.

We are done with the history talk. Let’s now divert our attention to what the castle has to offer to its visitor. Tourists can enjoy the richness and beauty of the castle through its self audio guide. On the western side of the castle is the Grand Masters’ Palace with splendid interiors and a Great Refectory. Amber Museum exhibits a great display of weapons and armor, make sure to peek at St Anne’s Chapel, High Castle, St Mary’s Church, great weapon exhibitions under Polish rule.  

Size: 1,545,600 square feet

Built by: Teutonic Knights

Address: Starościńska 1, 82-200, Malbork, Poland

Visiting hours: 9:00 to 19:00

3. Mehrangarh Fort

Located at 410 feet above the ground and bounded by the thick walls, Mehrangarh Fort is no less than a castle. The fort is guarded by seven unique entrance gates to protect the fort from enemy attack, each built by different rulers. Its stunning structure and beautiful interior stand for the fascinating Indian culture and its richness. The main attractions of the fort include the Phool Mahal, the mirror palace, temple, Moti mahal, museum, and tales praising the bravery and sacrifices. 

Size: 871,876 square feet

Built by: Rao Jodha, founder of Jodhpur city(India)

Address: P.B. No.165, Fort Road, Jodhpur, Rajasthan, India.

Visiting hours: 9:00 to 17:00

4. Windsor Castle

Windsor Castle is the largest castle in England and the official residence to the Queen of England, Queen Elizabeth II to spend weekends and vacations here. The place is home to the royal library consist of classical masterpieces of Raphael, Michelangelo, and Leonardo da Vinci. The main attractions of the castle include the dollhouse of Queen Mary, royal towers, state apartments, and a Gothic design chapel. The Royal Standard flag flies high indicates that the queen is visiting the place. This is an amazing place to experience royalty.  

Size: 590,239 square feet

Built by: William the Conqueror

Address: Windsor, Berkshire SL4 1NJ, UK

Visiting hours: 9:45- 17:15

5. Buda Castle

The reason behind the construction of Buda castle was to defend the kingdom from the Mongol invasion. Once the home of the royal family now addresses the Budapest History Museum and Hungarian National Gallery. It is in the World Heritage Site by UNESCO.

The castle gives you a chance to appreciate Matthias Church, the Royal Palace, Faust wine cellar, Fisherman’s Bastion, and the labyrinth. The Festival of Folk Art is not to miss on your bucket list when in Budapest. You can enjoy the mouth-watering food at its restaurant. This beautiful castle is the part of Katy Perry’s music video “Firework”.

Size: 44,674 square meters

Built by: King Béla IV of Hungary

Address: Szent Gyorgy Ter, Budapest 1014, Hungary

Visiting hours: 10:00 to 19:00

6. Hohensalzburg Castle

Built in 1077 AD, this castle is considered the biggest fortress of Central Europe. Built over the clifftop, it gives a mesmerizing view of the city. The beautiful fortress never fails to beat the enemy troops. The beauty of the castle lies in its exterior architecture. The castle features Salzburg Bull (a house of large aerophone) made of 200+ pipes, Golden Hall, the chapel of Archbishop Leonhard von Keutschach, Bed Chamber, and Golden chamber.

The fearless and eye-catching landmark attracts thousands of visitors annually. Learn about the amazing archbishops through its museum exhibits. The castle is once in lifetime experience place to visit to experience royalty and beauty in the lap of beautiful Austria. 

Size: 586,880 square feet

Built by: Archbishops of Salzburg, Austria

Address: Monchsberg 34, Salzburg 5020, Austria

Visiting hours: 9:00 to 19:00

7. Edinburgh Castle

Edinburgh Castle stands as the crown jewel of Scotland’s capital, perched dramatically atop Castle Rock, an ancient volcanic plug that dominates the city skyline. This historic fortress has played a pivotal role in Scottish history for centuries, serving as a royal residence, military garrison, and symbol of national pride. Its reputation as the most besieged place in Britain speaks to its strategic importance and turbulent past. 

Visitors can explore the grand halls that once housed kings and queens, view the Honours of Scotland (the nation’s Crown Jewels), and see the legendary Stone of Destiny, used in the coronation of Scottish monarchs. The daily firing of the One O’Clock Gun is a beloved tradition that echoes through the city, connecting modern Edinburgh to its storied past. With its breathtaking views, fascinating museums, and centuries-old chapels, Edinburgh Castle offers an unforgettable journey through Scotland’s heritage.

Size:
35,737 square meters

Built by:
Malcolm III (11th century) and later Scottish monarchs

Address:
Castlehill, Edinburgh EH1 2NG, United Kingdom

Visiting hours:
9:30 – 18:00 (April–September), 9:30 – 17:00 (October–March)

8. Citadel of Aleppo

The Citadel of Aleppo is a monumental fortress that has watched over the ancient city of Aleppo for millennia. Rising above the city on a massive, man-made hill, this UNESCO World Heritage Site is recognized as one of the oldest and largest castles in the world. Its origins stretch back to the 3rd millennium BC, with major expansions during the Ayyubid dynasty in the 12th and 13th centuries.

The citadel’s imposing stone walls, grand entrance bridge, and formidable defensive towers have withstood countless invasions, earthquakes, and the passage of time. Inside, visitors can wander through a maze of ancient halls, mosques, and underground passages, each echoing with the stories of civilizations that once thrived here. The Citadel of Aleppo stands as a testament to the region’s resilience andd architectural ingenuity, offering a fascinating glimpse into the heart of Middle Eastern history.

Size:
39,804 sq. meters (approx. 9.8 acres)

Built by:
Ayyubid dynasty (12th–13th centuries), with earlier origins

Address:
Centre of the old city of Aleppo, northern Syria

Visiting hours:
Generally daylight hours (check locally due to restoration/conditions)

9. Himeji Castle

Himeji Castle, often called the “White Heron Castle,” is celebrated as Japan’s most spectacular and best-preserved feudal fortress. Its dazzling white plaster walls and elegant, wing-like roofs give it a graceful appearance, reminiscent of a heron taking flight. Built in the 14th century and expanded in the early 1600s, Himeji Castle has survived centuries of conflict, natural disasters, and even World War II bombings, remaining virtually untouched. The castle’s ingenious defensive design includes a complex maze of gates, walls, and moats that once protected its inhabitants from invaders. As a UNESCO World Heritage Site, Himeji Castle offers visitors a rare opportunity to explore authentic Japanese castle architecture, complete with original wooden interiors, panoramic views from the main keep, and beautifully landscaped gardens. Its timeless beauty and historical significance make it a true national treasure of Japan.

Size:
233 hectares (575 acres) including grounds

Built by:
Akamatsu Norimura (1333), expanded by Ikeda Terumasa

Address:
68 Honmachi, Himeji, Hyogo 670-0012, Japan

Visiting hours:
9:00 – 17:00 (last entry 16:00)

10. Spiš Castle

Spiš Castle, perched atop a limestone hill in eastern Slovakia, is one of the largest and most impressive castle complexes in Central Europe. Dating back to the 12th century, this sprawling fortress once served as a key defensive outpost for the Kingdom of Hungary. Its massive stone walls, towers, and ruins stretch across the landscape, offering breathtaking views of the surrounding countryside.

Today, Spiš Castle is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, attracting visitors with its dramatic setting, rich medieval history, and lively festivals that bring the past to life. Exploring the castle grounds, you’ll find remnants of Gothic chapels, Romanesque palaces, and ancient fortifications that tell the story of centuries of power struggles and cultural evolution. Spiš Castle’s sheer size and atmospheric ruins make it a must-see destination for anyone interested in Europe’s medieval heritage.

Size:
41,426 sq. meters (10.2 acres)

Built by:
Kingdom of Hungary (12th century)

Address:
Spišské Podhradie 053 61, Slovakia

Visiting hours:
9:00 – 19:00 (April–October; seasonal changes apply)

11. Neuschwanstein Castle

Neuschwanstein Castle, nestled in the Bavarian Alps of Germany, is the epitome of a fairy-tale castle. Commissioned by King Ludwig II in the 19th century, this enchanting fortress was inspired by romantic medieval legends and the operas of Richard Wagner. Its soaring white towers, picturesque turrets, and breathtaking mountain backdrop have made it one of the most photographed castles in the world and the direct inspiration for Disney’s Sleeping Beauty Castle.

Inside, visitors are treated to lavishly decorated rooms, each themed around Germanic myths and Wagnerian operas, showcasing the king’s eccentric tastes and love for the arts. Neuschwanstein’s magical appearance and dreamlike setting draw millions of tourists every year, making it a symbol of fantasy and romance that continues to captivate the imagination.

Size:
6,000 sq. meters (1.5 acres) for the castle itself

Built by:
King Ludwig II of Bavaria (1869)

Address:
Neuschwansteinstraße 20, 87645 Schwangau, Germany

Visiting hours:
9:00 – 18:00 (April–mid-October), 10:00 – 16:00 (mid-October–March)

12. Cité de Carcassonne

The Cité de Carcassonne in southern France is a breathtaking medieval fortress city, renowned for its double-walled ramparts and 53 imposing watchtowers. With origins dating back to Roman times, this UNESCO World Heritage Site was meticulously restored in the 19th century, preserving its fairy-tale appearance and historical charm.

Visitors can wander through cobbled streets lined with shops and restaurants, explore the massive Château Comtal, and admire the panoramic views from the fortified walls. The Cité’s unique blend of history, architecture, and vibrant atmosphere transports guests back to the Middle Ages, making it one of Europe’s best-preserved and most enchanting fortified cities. Its lively festivals and medieval reenactments add to the magical experience, ensuring every visit is unforgettable.

Size:
11 hectares (27 acres)

Built by:
Romans (3rd century AD), expanded in the Middle Ages

Address:
Carcassonne, Aude, Occitanie, France

Visiting hours:
10:00 – 18:30 (April–September), 9:30 – 17:00 (October–March)

Final Words

Come and peep into the history and royalty of these royal biggest castles in the world. Make sure to visit the place once in a lifetime. So, what do you think about these largest castles? Are you the one who naturally drew closer towards these beautiful architectures while we were discussing them in this piece of content? Let us know about your favorite castle in the comment section below and make sure to read Travelila for all travel guides and tips. 

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