7. Himeji Castle, Japan

Through the centuries, the monarchs of the world have built gigantic castles to protect themselves from their enemies and invading armies. Most were built on high hills or other strategic places to enhance their fortifications. But, while castles were initially built for protection, successive generations of rulers eventually made changes to their stunning fortresses, expanding and updating for both protection and beautification over time. Most of the larger castles that remain today have been partially rebuilt after wars and natural disasters, rising again to become stronger and bigger.

Here, we look at some of the largest castles from around the world, starting with huge Himeji Castle, which covers an area of 41,468 square meters.

Himeji Castle (also called the “White Heron Castle” because of its white walls) is located in the quiet, small city that shares its name, Himeji. The castle is widely considered Japan’s finest, mainly because it was never damaged by war or natural disasters. It is one of the best surviving examples of early 17th century Japanese castle architecture, has been designated a national treasure by the Japanese government and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. During the spring, the Himeji Castle Cherry Blossom Viewing Fair is held on the castle’s beautiful grounds, according to the Japan National Tourism Organization.

6. Buda Castle, Hungary

Buda Castle, often referred to today as the ‘Royal Palace’, is situated on top of a long limestone plateau that towers over Budapest, Hungary. The original castle was built in the 13th century, but the site has had a long, tumultuous history, leading to many structures being destroyed and rebuilt on the same plateau. It was first inhabited by King Belaof Hungary in the 13th century and over a period of 700 years, it was home to many other royal residents.Today, the ‘Royal Palace’ is home to two important museums, reports Lonely Planet, and the Buda Castle courtyards host several festivals throughout the year.

5.Spiš Castle, Slovakia

Built on the ruins of a former Celtic hill fort, Spiš Castle is one of the largest castles in Europe, covering 49,485 square meters according Touropia. Construction of the castle began in the early 12th century, according to UNESCO, but the original structure collapsed because it was built on a geological fault. The castle was rebuilt in the first half of the 13th century, and it was inhabited until the end of the 17th century, when, according to Lonely Planet, large portions were destroyed by fire.

Part of the ruins of Spiš Castle was restored in the 1970s, although sightseers should know that few of the castle’s structures remain whole or intact today. The castle is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage site along with the neighboring medieval buildings in the village close-by. Visitors can also visit the ruins on night tours and there are frequently medieval festivals on summer weekends.The ruins have also been featured in several films, including the 1996 fantasy adventure film,“Dragonheart.”

4. Hohensalzburg Castle, Austria

Perched high on a hill over the Austrian city of Salzburg, Hohensalzburg castle was originally built in 1077 by Archbishop Gebhard. It was considerably enlarged in the early 16th century. Today, it is one of the largest and best-preserved fortresses in central Europe, covering 54,523 square meters, reports Touropia. According to the Salzburg tourism website, visitors can tour the princes’ apartments and the Fortress Museum, which contains ancient weapons, historic musical instruments and Roman coins.

3. Windsor Castle, England

The largest inhabited castle is the British Royal Residence of Windsor Castle. (Photo by Dan Kitwood/Getty Images)

Located in the county of Berkshire, Windsor Castle is the largest, currently inhabited castle in the world, according to the Guinness World Records. It has been home to the monarchy for over 900 years. William the Conqueror first established a royal residence in Windsor in 1070, reports Lonely Planet, and successive monarchs have rebuilt, remodeled and refurbished it into what it has become today. Currently, the castle covers an area of 13 acres, according to its official website, and it is an official residence of Queen Elizabeth II.

Tourists can visit parts of the castle, writes Lonely Planet, and there are free guided tours every half-hour.

2. Prague Castle, Czech Republic

Founded in the ninth century by Prince Bořivoj, Prague Castle is listed as the largest coherent ancient castle by the Guinness Book of Records, with a total surface area of almost 70,000 square meters, an area bigger than seven football fields according to Lonely Planet. It grew to this size over the centuries as each ruler made additions. This continual evolution gives the Castle an eclectic mixture of architectural styles from Roman to Gothic, writes the official castle website.

Prague Castle has been the seat of Czech monarchy since its construction, as well as the official residence of the head of state, reports Lonely Planet.

1. Malbork Castle, Poland

In the quiet, Polish rural town of Malbork, next to the Nogat river, sits the largest castle in the world. Malbork Castle covers an area of 143,591 square meters. The Guinness World Records also proclaims it the largest brick castle. Built almost entirely from locally made red bricks by the Teutonic Knights, a Roman Catholic religious order based in Germany, construction began around 1276.

According to Lonely Planet, the castle was expanded substantially several times, taking its shape in stages over three decades until it became the largest fortress built anywhere during the Middle Ages. Later, it served as a home to the Polish monarchy, according to Castles.info.

Today the castle, which was restored following the damage it received during Second World War, is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

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