10 Abandoned Castles Waiting to Be Explored: Discover Forgotten Beauty

10 Abandoned Castles Waiting to Be Explored: Discover Forgotten Beauty

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Marcel Kuhn, M.Sc.

Bodiam Castle – East Sussex, England

Bodiam Castle – East Sussex, England
Bodiam Castle – East Sussex, England (image credits: unsplash)

Bodiam Castle, nestled in East Sussex, England, is a testament to medieval architecture. This 14th-century fortress, surrounded by a serene moat, was originally built to defend against French invasion during the Hundred Years’ War. Today, it stands as a hauntingly beautiful relic, with its ivy-clad walls and imposing towers. The castle’s reflection in the water adds an enchanting charm, making it a photographer’s paradise. Visitors can walk across the wooden bridge, once the only entry point, and imagine the bustling life that once filled its halls. Though it stands empty now, the whispers of its past linger in the air.

Château de la Mothe-Chandeniers – Les Trois-Moutiers, France

Château de la Mothe-Chandeniers – Les Trois-Moutiers, France
Château de la Mothe-Chandeniers – Les Trois-Moutiers, France (image credits: pixabay)

In the heart of France, Château de la Mothe-Chandeniers tells a tale of opulence and despair. Originally a grand symbol of aristocracy, this castle was ravaged by fire in the 1930s, leaving it in a state of romantic ruin. Surrounded by a moat and hidden by a dense forest, it seems like something out of a fairy tale. The ivy-covered turrets and crumbling stone walls evoke a sense of nostalgia for a bygone era. Recently, a crowdfunding campaign has brought new hope for restoration, as thousands have invested in preserving its legacy. Yet, as it stands now, it remains a hauntingly beautiful ghost of its former glory.

Castle of the Moors – Sintra, Portugal

Castle of the Moors – Sintra, Portugal
Castle of the Moors – Sintra, Portugal (image credits: unsplash)

Perched high on the hills of Sintra, Portugal, the Castle of the Moors offers breathtaking views of the surrounding countryside. Constructed by the Moors in the 8th and 9th centuries, this fortress was a strategic stronghold during the Reconquista. Its rugged stone walls snake across the landscape, reminiscent of the Great Wall of China. Visitors can clamber up the steep steps to explore the battlements and imagine the battles that once raged here. The castle’s remote location and wild atmosphere make it a favorite among adventurers and history enthusiasts alike. Even in its abandonment, it stands as a proud sentinel over the land.

Hohenwerfen Castle – Werfen, Austria

Hohenwerfen Castle – Werfen, Austria
Hohenwerfen Castle – Werfen, Austria (image credits: pixabay)

Nestled in the Austrian Alps, Hohenwerfen Castle is a sight to behold. Built in the 11th century, it served as a fortress and royal residence. The castle’s commanding position atop a rocky outcrop offers panoramic views of the surrounding mountains and valleys. Its medieval architecture, complete with turrets and towers, transports visitors back in time. Today, it is mostly known for its falconry displays, where majestic birds of prey soar over the castle grounds. Though parts of it remain in use for exhibitions, much of the castle is left to the whispers of history, waiting to be explored by the curious traveler.

Dunnottar Castle – Stonehaven, Scotland

Dunnottar Castle – Stonehaven, Scotland
Dunnottar Castle – Stonehaven, Scotland (image credits: unsplash)

Dunnottar Castle, perched on a rocky cliff overlooking the North Sea, is one of Scotland’s most dramatic ruins. Its strategic location made it a key fortress throughout history, playing a crucial role in the Wars of Scottish Independence. The castle’s rugged beauty, with its windswept cliffs and turbulent waters, creates an atmosphere of mystery and intrigue. Visitors can wander through the remnants of its great hall and chapel, imagining the fierce battles and royal intrigue that once unfolded here. Despite its abandonment, Dunnottar continues to captivate with its stark beauty and storied past.

Château Miranda – Celles, Belgium

Château Miranda – Celles, Belgium
Château Miranda – Celles, Belgium (image credits: unsplash)

Château Miranda, also known as the Noisy Castle, is a gothic masterpiece hidden in the Belgian countryside. Built in the 19th century, it served as a summer retreat for the Liedekerke-Beaufort family. However, it was abandoned in the 1990s and has since fallen into disrepair. The castle’s pointed turrets and intricate stonework give it an eerie, otherworldly appearance. Overgrown with ivy and surrounded by dense woods, it has become a favorite spot for urban explorers and photographers. Despite its dilapidated state, Château Miranda’s haunting beauty continues to draw those intrigued by its mysterious allure.

Ballycarbery Castle – County Kerry, Ireland

Ballycarbery Castle – County Kerry, Ireland
Ballycarbery Castle – County Kerry, Ireland (image credits: unsplash)

Ballycarbery Castle, located in County Kerry, Ireland, is a picturesque ruin overlooking the Atlantic Ocean. This 16th-century structure was once a stronghold of the powerful MacCarthy clan. Today, only the ivy-clad walls and a few remaining towers stand as a reminder of its former glory. The castle’s remote location and scenic surroundings make it a popular spot for photographers and history enthusiasts. Visitors can wander through the ruins, imagining the lives of those who once called it home. Though it may be abandoned, Ballycarbery Castle remains a captivating symbol of Ireland’s rich history.

Predjama Castle – Slovenia

Predjama Castle – Slovenia
Predjama Castle – Slovenia (image credits: pixabay)

Predjama Castle, built into a sheer cliff face in Slovenia, is a marvel of medieval engineering. This unique castle, dating back to the 13th century, is famous for its dramatic location and fascinating history. Its labyrinth of secret passages and hidden chambers served as a refuge for the notorious robber knight Erazem Lueger. Visitors can explore the castle’s interior, with its ancient furnishings and artifacts, and imagine the daring escapades that once took place here. The castle’s integration with the natural cave system adds to its mystique, making it a must-visit for those seeking adventure and history.

Neuschwanstein Castle – Bavaria, Germany

Neuschwanstein Castle – Bavaria, Germany
Neuschwanstein Castle – Bavaria, Germany (image credits: pixabay)

Neuschwanstein Castle, nestled in the Bavarian Alps, is perhaps the most famous of all abandoned castles. Commissioned by King Ludwig II, its fairy-tale turrets and breathtaking views have inspired countless legends and even Disney’s Sleeping Beauty Castle. While it was never completed, its opulent interior and stunning architecture draw millions of visitors each year. Despite its popularity, parts of the castle remain unfinished and abandoned, adding an air of mystery to its grandeur. Visitors can tour the lavish rooms and imagine the king’s dream of a medieval utopia. Neuschwanstein continues to enchant with its timeless beauty and tragic history.

Craco – Basilicata, Italy

Craco – Basilicata, Italy
Craco – Basilicata, Italy (image credits: unsplash)

Craco, a ghost town in Basilicata, Italy, is home to a hauntingly beautiful abandoned castle. Once a thriving medieval village, Craco was abandoned in the 20th century due to landslides and instability. The castle, perched atop a hill, offers panoramic views of the surrounding landscape. Its crumbling walls and overgrown pathways tell a story of a once-vibrant community now frozen in time. Visitors can explore the eerie ruins, with their narrow alleys and ancient stone buildings, and imagine the lives of those who once lived there. Despite its desolation, Craco’s haunting beauty continues to captivate those who venture to its remote location.

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About the author
Marcel Kuhn, M.Sc.
Marcel is a big travel lover and already visited more than 50 countries around the world. He loves to shares his experiences and explore new cultures and people.