u/hoohill

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A tiny rock pool high above lake Winnebago. In the background, the sun seems to be descending into the lake, menacingly threatening to quench itself in the waters, extinguishing it's great fires and extincting us all.

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A huge hot hunk of hydrogen and helium hovering over the horizon in Iron Mountain. There is a man watching, slowly burning away the retinas in his eyes. Also, there are some pretty clouds.

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Just back in June, on a sun scorched Sunday evening, I went for a walk in the Wisconsin wetlands. Suddenly, I stumbled upon a solitary, super cute, snapping turtle. Standing seductively, the sultry snapper stood out against the setting sun and amongst several scattered wild flowers.

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Lovely elongated clouds above a beautifully sharp reflection with a clitoral sunset in-between.

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Stalker, Scotland. Stalker castle (A.K.A. the castle of Aaargh) was first built in 1320 by Clan MacDougall. It took on the form we see today in the 1440's after the Stewarts took over. The Stewarts lost the castle in a drunken bet around 1620 to Clan Campbell. I'll post more in the comments.

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Bozcaada, Turkey. The form of this castle dates back to Sultan Mehmet the Conqueror’s time, when it was built on the ruins of a castle used by the Phoenicians, Genovese, and the Venetians.

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Old Sarum, England. This is a model reconstruction of the Medieval castle of Old Sarum. Originally an ancient Iron Age hill fort, Old Sarum became one of the most important Medieval castles in England (built over the massive earthworks of the ancient hill fort). I'll post much more in the comments.

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Mari, Syria. This is a reconstruction of the amazing fortified city of Mari. Founded around 2,900 BC, this massive ancient city was once possibly the largest in the world. It was protected by two huge circular sets of walls and towers almost 2 km in diameter. I'll post more in the comments.

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Breze, France. This is the giant moat for a truly unique castle. The Medieval Breze castle sits atop an underground fortress and it has one of the deepest moats in all of Europe (60ft) as well as a vast labyrinthine of man made caverns... It's bigger on the inside... I'll post more in the comments.

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Kyburg, Switzerland. This is a good example of a well preserved Medieval Swiss castle. The castle dates all the way back to 1027 and like many of the best Swiss castles, it was built in Switzerland.

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Bourtange, Netherlands. Built in 1593 (during the Eighty Years' War), this is a great example of a Star Fort. Both the Spanish and Germans laid siege to the fortress, but neither could conquer it. In the 19th century the fortress was converted into a village. I'll post more in the comments.

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Hochosterwitz, Austria. This formidable castle was first mentioned in the 9th century. It is situated on a steep spire of rock 160 meters (525 ft) high and the only approach to the castle is via a long fortified path guarded by 14 consecutive gates. I'll post much more in the comments.

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Paris, France. This is just a small portion of the old city walls of Paris. Paris was amongst the most fortified cities in history with as many as eight separate city walls. The oldest wall was built over 2,000 years ago and the largest enclosed 78 sq kilometres! I'll post much more in the comments.

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Caussade, France. Located in an ancient forest, this well preserved Medieval castle (dating back to at least the early 12th century) is still a private residence.

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Suze-la-Rousse, France. This compact and well-defended Medieval castle clings strategically to a large rock high above the surrounding area. During the Renaissance, it was greatly renovated from a more strict fortress to be more liveable. I'll post more in the comments.

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Slagelse, Denmark. This is the remains of a Viking ring fortress. Dating back 1,000 years, the thick ramparts of this Viking fortress were originally faced with two sets of wooden walls and could have protected 1,300 people. I'll post more (including some reconstructions) in the comments.

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Carondelet, Belgium. This small Medieval castle (it's basically just a keep with a moat) was probably built in the early 13th century (some claim it was built in the 11th or 12th). Unfortunately, it is privately owned by someone who is not me. I'll post a bit more in the comments.

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Khetri, India. This massive fortress sprawls across a plateau in an easily defensible position atop a steep rocky hill. The walls of the fortress protect some once opulent palaces. However, the entire site has long since been abandoned and the palaces left to decay. I'll post more in the comments.

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Gorgan, Iran. This should be more well known. The diagonal scar across the landscape of this photo is what remains of one of the largest fortifications ever built (a gigantic wall and moat over 195 kilometres long with 33-40 separate fortress built 1,500 years ago). I'll post more in the comments.

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Laferriere, Haiti. This powerful mountain fortress (one of the largest in the Americas) was built by the former slaves of Haiti to help safeguard against invasion after they had successfully rebelled against their slave-masters and won their independence from France. I'll post more in the comments.

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Rivalta, Italy. This castle dates back to the 11th century.

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Hellenstein, Germany. This imposing Medieval castle was once the home of the Lords of Hellenstein. Local legend claims that babies are pulled from a large well within the castle before they are born (as opposed to a stork or a vagina). I'm not convinced.

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l'Ile d'Yeu, France. Built in the Middle Ages on a relatively impregnable rocky islet to protect an island off the coast of France (from the English, Spanish, and from Pirates), this compact castle once managed to hold out against several thousand Spanish soldiers. I'll post more in the comments.

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Etowah, United States. This is a reconstruction of the fortified city of Etowah. Built before Europeans arrived in what is now the USA, this Medieval indigenous city had relatively sophisticated defences including a set of town walls and a moat (much like in Europe), I'll post more in the comments.

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Norwich, England. This is a reconstruction of the Medieval castle of Norwich. First built by William the Conqueror, the castle was spread over 5 separate earthworks. Norwich was also protected by a set of town walls, and was once one of the largest cities in England. I'll post more in the comments.

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Berlepsch, Germany. This Germanic castle was built during the 14th century by some Germans in what is now the country of Germany. It was devastated during the Thirty Years' War and in the 19th century it underwent significant renovations by a German. I'll post a little more in the comments. Germany.

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Lassay, France. This stout castle was first built in the 12th century and then greatly strengthened in the late Middle Ages. The castle is well preserved and offers a good example of Medieval military architecture. It could be well defended by a small garrison. I'll post more in the comments.

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Berwartstein, Germany. Springing forth from a huge single rock (45 metres / 148 feet high) with vertical cliffs on all sides, this unique Medieval castle was once only accessible via a long rope ladder placed in a chimney cave inside the rock. I'll post more in the comments.

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Trosky, Czech Republic. Placed on the summits of two sheer volcanic plugs and the small plateau between them, this vertigo inducing Medieval castle was a center of the pro-Catholic sides during the Hussite Wars. I'll post more (including a reconstruction) in the comments.

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Stahleck, Germany. This 12 century castle saw tons of action during the Thirty Years' War and changed hands many times. In the early 20th century it was rebuilt and used for the indoctrination of teenagers and young adults by a group of VERY naughty Germans. I'll post more in the comments.

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Bouzov, Czech Republic. An early 14th century fortress, Bouzov was built to protect an important Medieval trade route. The castle gained today's appearance after massive Neo-gothic reconstruction between 1895 and 1910. I'll post more in the comments.

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Ried, Italy. Built around the year 1200 AD, this is a good example of a Medieval castle that is not vast, spacious, or of a considerable size, but is instead rather cramped, restricted, and diminutive in stature. In fact, it may even be called small. Never conquered, it is still privately owned.

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Lacave, France. Strategically situated atop sheer cliffs overlooking a valley, this Medieval castle dates back to the 9th century. During the Hundred Years' War the castle served as a fortress and was attacked and occupied numerous times. I'll post more in the comments.

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Prunn, Germany. Almost a thousand years old, this well preserved Medieval castle once belonged to the Teutonic Knights of Fraunberg. It is protected on three sides by sheer cliffs (a large rock cut moat protects the narrow fourth side). I'll post more in the comments.

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Oude Loo, Netherlands. Oude (old) Loo (an old dutch word meaning a clearing in the forest) castle was built in the 15th century and used as a hunting lodge. Currently owned by the state of the Netherlands, it is rented to the royal family who frequently use it. I'll post more in the comments.

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Fleckenstein, France. An imposing castle placed atop a giant vertical rock, Fleckenstein was once considered impregnable. Built in the 12th century, the castle stood its ground for four centuries before eventually facing destruction. I'll post more (including a reconstruction) in the comments.

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Niederfalkenstein, Austria. This well preserved 12th century castle is unfortunately privately owned by someone other than me. I'll post more in the comments.

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Rochepot, France. This 13th century castle sits on a steep outcrop of limestone that has been inhabited since prehistoric times. The castle was built over the remains of an earlier castle that was in turn probably built over the remains of a Gallo-Roman fortress. I'll post more in the comments.

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Peyrelade, France. This important Medieval castle had large walls surrounding a unique central keep that was built out of a vertical spire of rock more than 50m (163 ft) high. It was the scene of incessant battles and sieges. I'll post more in the comments (including some model reconstructions).

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L'Ortenbourg, France. Placed atop a small granite mountain, this Medieval castle is surrounded by a large rock cut moat and features a unique towering keep protected by a high curtain wall. The castle became a den of outlawed knights and was used to extort travelers. I'll post more in the comments.

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Montfort, France. First mentioned in 866, this once important French castle clings precariously to sheer cliffs above the Dordogne River. It has a very bloody history of many sieges and has been destroyed and rebuilt numerous times. I'll post much more in the comments.

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kankwari, India. This isolated and imposing Medieval fortress clings to a steep ridge. The fortress has a mysterious history and has long since been abandoned to the jungle. It now sits in the middle of a national park / tiger reserve. Beware of the kitties. I'll post more in the comments.

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San Leo, Italy. This village built on a plateau is protected by sheer cliffs and a powerful fortress. The fortress of San Leo was first built by the Romans and it was bitterly fought over by the Byzantines, Goths, Franks and Lombards. I'll post more in the comments.

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Shaharah, Yemen. This isolated Medieval stronghold remained unconquered for centuries. Placed on top of a mountain 2600 metres (8530 feet) high and constructed with many cisterns and granaries, it was capable of sustaining long sieges for many months. I'll post more in the comments.

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Angers, France. Built over an old Roman settlement in the 9th century, this historically important castle was expanded in the 13th century to become one of the most powerful in all of Europe. The mighty castle was also connected to a massive set of town walls. I'll post MUCH more in the comments.

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Felino, Italy. This once powerful castle was probably first built around 890 (it is speculated). For about the last 6 centuries there have been 0 successful attacks on the castle...

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Deeg fortress, India. Built in the Ancient town of Deeg, this powerful fortress featured massive 6 m (20 ft) thick walls surrounded by a deep moat (this photo shows just the barbican of the fortress). Despite its immense strength, Deeg was conquered by the British. I'll post more in the comments.

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Satzvey, Germany. First constructed in the 12th Century, Satzvey castle is a typical German wasserburg, (which translates to “water castle”). It is still privately owned. I'll post more in the comments.

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Calvi, France (Corsica). This beautifully situated fortress was first built in the 13th century to protect the ancient town of Calvi. During the siege of Calvi in 1794, Lord Nelson (one of history's greatest admirals) sustained the injury that cost him his eye. I'll post more in the comments.

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Takeda, Japan. Takeda was built on the summit of a small mountain in 1441 in the path of aggression between feudal lords. In 1577 it was conquered by Toyotomi Hideyoshi and was later abandoned under tragic circumstances. I'll post some more (including reconstructions) in the comments.

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Daulatabad, India. Once believed to be impregnable, this massive fortress (built in the 12th century) has a large moat, three concentric walls (the outer walls stretch almost 3 miles) and a keep built on a conical hill with man-made sheer cliffs on all sides. I'll post much more in the comments.

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Fenghuang & the Miao border wall, China. The amazingly well-preserved fortified city of Fenghuang was protected by town walls and the gigantic Miao border wall. It was the center of the unsuccessful Miao Rebellion. I'll post more in the comments.

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Mothe-Chandeniers, France. Originally built as a stronghold in the 13th century, this castle was greatly renovated over the centuries to become more livable. It was partially destroyed by a great fire in 1932 when the owner tried to install central heating and has been abandoned ever since.

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Hosap, Turkey. This imposing Medieval castle sits atop sheer cliffs and was connected to a set of town walls. Once a powerful Seljuk fortress, it was expanded by the Kurds and was said to have as many as 360 rooms (including two mosques). I'll post more in the comments.

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Gwalior, India. Gigantic, impregnable, Gwalior is one of history's great fortresses. Built in the 8th century on an isolated rock, it rises hundreds of feet above the surrounding plains and is the site of the first ever recorded use of the number zero. I'll post much more in the comments.

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Sigmaringen, Germany. First mentioned in 1077 following an unsuccessful siege during the Great Saxon Revolt, Sigmaringen was the seat of government for the Princes of Hohenzollern-Sigmaringen. Originally a fortress, it was converted into more of a palace. I'll post more in the comments.

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Padmadurg, India. This isolated ocean fortress was built long ago by the Maratha Empire and was later occupied by the Siddis and the British. Abandoned and largely ruined, it is inaccessible to the public (unless one has a private boat). I'll post more in the comments.

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Mehrangarh, India. This gigantic impregnable fortress spreads over 3 miles (5km) on a precipitous ridge 400 ft (122m) above the old city of Jodhpur. It is protected by 7 separate gates and has huge walls up to 118 ft (36 m) high and 69 ft (21m) thick. I'll post much, much, more in the comments.

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Lavoute Polignac, France. Originally built in the 10th century on a rocky bluff above a loop in a river, this castle had four corner towers, three wings, and it was defended by a double line of ramparts. The south wing is the only structure still standing today. I'll post more in the comments.

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Dunster, England. Positioned on a steep, 200-foot hill, Dunster has been fortified since the late Anglo-Saxon period. Turned into a motte and bailey castle soon after the Norman Conquest, the castle survived a siege during the early years of The Anarchy. I'll post more in the comments.

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Dar Al Hajar, Yemen. A Yemeni chateau, Dar Al Hajar (AKA: the rock palace) was built over the ruins of an ancient building on top of a spire of rock. I'll post more in the comments.

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Gormaz, Spain. Built in the 9th century by Abd al-Rahman I (the founder of a Muslim dynasty that ruled most of Iberia for nearly 3 centuries), Gormaz was once the largest fortress in Europe. Fought over by Muslims and Christians, it changed hands several times. I'll post more in the comments.

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Kufstein, Austria. Dating to sometime before the 13th century (it was first mentioned in 1205), this Medieval castle was reinforced into a fortress for the gunpowder age. The fortress was a prison for many political dissidents during the Austro-Hungarian empire. I'll post more in the comments.

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Montmedy, France. Covering the top of a hill, this historically important fortress was originally a powerful Medieval castle. The fortress saw much action and was greatly improved by the genius Vauban. Today, people still live in a village inside the fortress walls. I'll post more in the comments.

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Monteriggioni, Italy. This famous fortified town (referenced in Dante's Divine Comedy) was built by the Sienese in 1213 as a front line defense in their wars against Florence. It withstood many attacks from the Fiorentini and the forces of the Bishop of Volterra. I'll post more in the comments.

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Puilaurens, France. One of the most dramatically situated castles in Europe, Puilaurens sits on a steep spire of rock high above the Boulzane Valley. Built some time before the 12th century, it was strategically placed to defend the French border against the Spanish. I'll post more in the comments.

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Rajgad, India. Known as the king of forts, the ruins of this staggeringly huge mountain fortress blanket several different plateaus thousands of feet high surrounded by cliffs. Once claimed unconquerable, It covers 40 kilometres and is over 2,000 years old. I'll post much more in the comments.

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Brecqhou, UK. This chateau on a privately owned island in the English Channel is only a few years old. There was an old manor house on the site that was razed to make way for the new building.

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Londinium, England. This reconstruction shows the fortifications of Londinium (the capital of Roman Britain). The city was defended by a fort and nearly 3 miles of walls. These vast defenses were one of the largest construction projects carried out in Roman Britain. I'll post more in the comments.

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Jaisalmer, India. Built in 1156, this gigantic living fortress is still the home of about 4,000 people. Placed on a ridge with strong defenses (three layers of walls and 99 bastions), it was an important Medieval city/fortress and saw many battles. I'll post much more in the comments.

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Afyonkarahisar, Turkey. Afyonkarahisar (literally: Opium Black Castle) is dramatically situated on an isolated vertical spire of rock 201 meters (660 feet) high. First fortified over 3,300 years ago, this important castle has a VERY long and epic history. I'll post much more in the comments.

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Irmelshausen, Germany. Irmelshausen is more than 800 years old. Through diplomacy, it avoided being attacked and destroyed in either the German Peasants' War or the Thirty Years War when almost all of the surrounding castles were taken and sacked. I'll post more in the comments.

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Louvre, France. This is a reconstruction of what the Louvre would have looked like in the late Middle Ages. Long before it became the world's most famous art museum, the Louvre was a powerful Medieval fortress that helped to protect Paris. I'll post more in the comments.

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Diocletian's Palace, Croatia. This heavily fortified palace was built at the turn of the 4th century for Roman emperor Diocletian. The massive palace was protected by large walls with numerous towers. Some times, it housed over 9000 people. I'll post more in the comments.

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Rudkhan, Iran. Occupying the whole length of a precipitous ridge, this ancient and important mountain castle was built before the Middle Ages. It was in continuous use for over a thousand years, but has now long since been engulfed by the vast surrounding forests. I'll post more in the comments.

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Polignac, France. Surrounded by 100 m (328 ft) high cliffs, Polignac castle dates back to at least the 11th century. This castle is only approachable via a narrow path which was well defended with a triple line of fortifications and (at one time) six gates. I'll post more in the comments.

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Phugtal, India. Placed high up into a cliff-side in the mouth of a cave, this remote 12th century monastery is well defended by it's naturally fortified location. I'll post a little more in the comments.

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Lohagad, India. This huge ancient fortress covers the plateau of a table-top mountain that is 1,052 m (3,450 ft) high with cliffs on all sides. It is among the most historically important fortresses in Asia and was first built between 2,000 and 2,500 years ago. I'll post much more in the comments.

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Werenwag, Germany. Springing forth from a narrow cliff above the Danube river, this naturally fortified Medieval castle is still inhabited and is not open to the public. I'll post more in the comments.

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Doune, Scotland. Originally built in the thirteenth century, this historically important castle saw military action on several occasions. Over the years, it accommodated such historical figures as Mary, Queen of Scots and Bonnie Prince Charlie. I'll post MUCH more in the comments.

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Neuchatel, Switzerland. Located on a rocky outcrop overlooking lake Neuchatel, this castle was built at the end of the 10th century. Although, the earliest structures on this castle site probably date back to the Romans. I'll post more in the comments.

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Monemvasia, Greece. This impregnable ancient castle sits on the plateau of a rocky island. The castle is completely surrounded by sheer cliffs 100 meters (328 ft) high. Beneath the castle, at the base of the cliffs, is a historically important fortified town. I'll post more in the comments.

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Castelnau-Bretenoux, France. Construction of this powerful concentric castle started in 1100. It was was fought over during the Hundred Years' War, as the castle was placed at the frontier between the territories controlled by the Kings of England and France. I'll post more in the comments.

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Wasserschloss Glatt, Germany. This is one of the few surviving moated castles in the country and one of the oldest Renaissance castles in southern Germany. I'll post a bit more in the comments.

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Ahhichatragarh, India. This gigantic ancient castle was originally built in the 4th century. It is well defended with two massive concentric walls and features four palaces, pleasure pavilions, gardens, courtyards, temples, and an elaborate water system. I'll post more in the comments.

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Braemar, Scotland. Unfortunately, my computer is being rather silly and I am currently unable to post much.

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Rocamadour, France. Built on the cliff top above Rocamadour, this Mediveal castle served to protect Rocamadour's famous monastic buildings and churches that were built into the cliff and were an important pilgrimage site. I'll post more in the comments.

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Farcheville, France. Built between the 13th and 14th century, this moated Medieval castle is in excellent condition.

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Burresheim, Germany. Originally built in the 12th century as a Medieval fortress, Burresheim never faced destruction in any wars and was eventually transformed into a more liveable Baroque castle. It was privately owned and inhabited up until 1921. I'll post more in the comments.

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Peracense, Spain. Built over a series of large boulders, this castle dates all the way back to the bronze age. In the 10th & 11th centuries it was occupied & strengthened by the Moors and it played a role in the wars between Castile and Aragon. I'll post more in the comments.

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Sardargarh, India. Occupying a small ridge, this strong fortress with two large sets of walls was designed for both defence and to function as a lavish palace. I'll post more in the comments.

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Provins, France. Protected by a large and formidable circuit of walls, towers, and a keep, this fortified Medieval town (now an UNESCO world heritage site) was home to famous fairs in the Middle Ages that were crucial to the medieval European economy. I'll post much more in the comments.

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Sao Joao Baptista das Berlangas, Portugal. Placed on a tiny Island, off the coast of a small island, off the coast of Portugal, this fortress was built over the remains of a pre-existing monastery. It was an important fortress and saw action several times. I'll post more in the comments.

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Spøttrup, Denmark. This is probably the best preserved Medieval castle left in Denmark. Dating back to at least the 14th century (it was possibly built even earlier), Spøttrup was attacked during the Counts Rebellion (a 16th century Danish civil war). Abandoned for many years, it is now a museum.

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Auerbach, Germany. First built by King Charlemagne, Emperor of the Holy Roman Empire, this castle had two sets of walls and controlled an important trading route along an ancient Roman mountain road. In 1674, the castle was conquered and set on fire by the French. I'll post more in the comments.

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Almourol, Portugal. Part of a defensive line controlled by the Knights Templar, this Medieval castle was a stronghold in the Christian reconquering of Portugal from the Moors. The site of this castle may have been fortified for over 2,000 years. I'll post more in the comments.

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Framlingham, England. The refuge of Mary Tudor before she was Queen, this 12th century castle was involved in much of English history. It was destroyed in the Revolt of 1173–74, rebuilt then besieged by King John in the First Barons' War, and even saw service in WWII. I'll post more in the comments.

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Kyrenia, Cyprus. Kyrenia castle was originally built by the Byzantines in the 7th century to guard the ancient city against the new Arab maritime threat. It was an important castle under the Lusignan Kingdom of Cyprus (Crusades) and was subjected to several sieges. I'll post more in the comments.

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Schonbuhel, Austria. This castle overlooking the Danube river was first built in the early 12th century on a cliff where it is believed that a Roman fortress once stood. It is still privately owned. I'll post more in the comments.

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La Latte, France. Placed at the end of a peninsula with cliffs on all sides, this powerful castle was first mentioned in the 14th century (local legend claims it is much older). The castle has a colourful history and was besieged by both the English & French. I'll post much more in the comments.

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Kharpocho, Pakistan. Sitting on a small mountain shelf high above the Indus river and Skardu (the capital of Baltistan in Pakistani controlled Kashmir), this old fortress has seemingly impregnable natural defenses. I'll post more in the comments.

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Kisimul, Scotland. Located just off the coast of the remote Island of Barra, Kisimul was the stronghold of the Clan MacNeil. The origins of the castle are obscure, but the rock it's placed on probably had a fortification on it as early as the 11th century. I'll post more in the comments.

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Chittorgarh, India. Placed on a tabletop mountain largely surrounded by sheer cliffs, this ancient and historically important fortress is staggeringly huge. Once said to be impregnable, it is one of the largest Ancient or Medieval fortresses ever built. I'll post much more in the comments.

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Mussomeli, Italy. Situated high on an isolated spire of rock in Sicily, Mussomeli Castle (A.K.A. Chiaramonte Castle) was built in the 14th century by the infamous Sicilian nobleman Manfredi Chiaramonte. I'll post more in the comments.

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Mauvezin, France. This compact but strong Medieval castle consists of a massive keep 37 m (122 ft) high with a small but tall set of curtain walls and a bailey. It belonged to some important historical figures and sits in a stunning location beside the Pyrenees Mts. I'll post more in the comments.

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Gagron, India. This ancient and powerful fortress has a bloody history and it has just been declared an UNESCO World Heritage site. First built in the 7th century in a highly defensible position, the fortress's massive walls are surrounded on three sides by rivers. I'll post more in the comments.

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Lugo, Spain. Built in the 3rd century, the large Roman walls of Lugo stretch for more than 2 kilometres with 71 towers. They are the only completely intact Roman city walls in the world and are the best surviving example of late Roman fortification in Western Europe. I'll post more in the comments.

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Shigisan, Japan. This is a reconstruction of Shigisan castle. Built in 1536, several mountain peaks were carved up creating numerous baileys which were topped with wattle and daub walls. Oda Nobunaga (who initiated the unification of Japan) captured Shigisan. I'll post more in the comments.

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Aleppo, Syria. Built atop a huge, partially artificial hill (faced with stone), this powerful fortress is one of the oldest, most historically important, and largest (outside of South & East Asia) in the world. It's still being fought over today in the Civil War. I'll post much more in the comments.

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Paraggi, Italy. Built in the Middle Ages on a narrow rocky peninsula, this castle was once a small fortress used by the Genoese Republic as a defense against pirates (and possibly to block the landing of victims of the plague). It has since been transformed into someone's private villa.

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Pont Valentre, France. This is a well preserved example of a powerfully fortified Medieval bridge. Built in the early 14th century, this isolated fortress commanded the river. Each end was once protected by a gatehouse with a barbican, doors, and portcullises. I'll post more in the comments.

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Miolans, France. Placed on a steep rocky escarpment, the site of this once powerful castle has been occupied since at least the 4th century. The kinkiest of historical figures, the Marquis de Sade, was imprisoned at the castle and he famously managed to escape. I'll post more in the comments.

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Srebrenik, Bosnia. Placed on a vertical spire of rock surrounded by sheer cliffs, this inaccessible Medieval castle can only be reached via a bridge. Once considerably larger, parts of the precariously placed castle have long since collapsed from the steep rock. I'll post more in the comments.

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Kilcoe, Ireland. Built around 1450, this compact castle is strategically located on a small island just off the coast of Cork. It was one of the last castles to fall to the English after the Battle of Kinsale. Today, it is the private home of the actor Jeremy Irons. I'll post more in the comments.

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Celje, Slovenia. Perched on a 407 metre (1,335 foot) high escarpment, this castle was first built in the late 12th century. It was once the largest fortress in Slovenia and was ravaged during the great peasant revolt of 1515. I'll post more (including some reconstructions) in the comments.

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Wegelnburg, Germany. Placed high above the Palatinate Forest on a long vertical rock, this Medieval castle was besieged several times in the High Middle Ages. It was almost completely destroyed by French troops (only remnants of the walls and the amazing view remain). I'll post more in the comments.

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Fougeres, France. Placed in a highly defensible position on a rock in the middle of a swamp (and further protected by town walls), this large Medieval castle was once amongst the most powerful in Europe and had great strategic and historical importance. I'll post much more in the comments.

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Saint-Pierre, Italy. A late 12th century castle perched on an outcrop of marble.

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Laufen, Switzerland. This old colorized photo from the turn of the 20th century shows the castle of Laufen. Dating back to at least the 9th century, the Medieval castle of Laufen was dramatically placed on rocky bluffs above the Rhine Falls (the largest plain waterfall in Europe).

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Diyarbakır, Turkey. The powerful fortifications of Diyarbakır date back to early antiquity and consisted of a huge double set of city walls stretching for almost 6 km plus a citadel. Still surrounding Diyarbakir, these city walls are amongst the greatest ever built. I'll post more in the comments.

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Hagenwil, Switzerland. Wasserschloss (water castle) Hagenwil is almost 1000 years old and is still privately owned. It is one of the best preserved wasserschloss in Switzerland. I'll post more in the comments.

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Stapelen, Netherlands. Dating back to the thirteenth century, this was once a well fortified Medieval castle. It has been greatly reconstructed in more recent centuries to be more livable and has lost all defensive function.

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St. Andre, France. Dating from the early 14th century, this large Medieval fortress was placed on a steep rocky outcrop overlooking Avignon by the King of France. It was built to keep an eye on the new papal city of Avignon after the Vatican had moved there from Rome. I'll post more in the comments.

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Los Millares, Spain. This is a reconstruction of the ancient fortress settlement of Los Millares. Older than Stonehenge (built over 5,200 years ago), it was protected by three concentric lines of stone walls and bastions with several smaller outlaying forts. I'll post more in the comments.

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Crest, France. This is one of the tallest Medieval keeps in all of Europe. It was once just a part of a massive and impressive castle. This castle was completely razed (excluding the keep) by Cardinal Richelieu because he was a scaredy pants. I'll post a little more in the comments.

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Llansteffan, Wales. Built by the Normans between the earthwork defences of an ancient Iron Age hill fort during the invasion of Wales, this castle was constantly fought over between the Welsh and Normans/English and was captured and recaptured many times. I'll post more in the comments.

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Maruoka, Japan.

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Monteagudo, Spain. This once powerful castle was built by the Moors during the eleventh century and served as both a fortress and a prison. The castle featured underground grain stores and huge underground reservoirs so that the garrison could hold out for long periods of time.

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Lenzburg, Switzerland. Among the oldest and most historically important Swiss castles, Lenzburg was built in Switzerland... Rather like the other Swiss castle I just posted, except that wasn't a repost. I'll repost more in the comments.

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Sandal, England. Here is a reconstruction of Sandal Castle. Built in the 12th century, this castle was the setting for a scene in one of William Shakespeare's plays and it was besieged and destroyed in the English Civil War. I'll post more (including more detailed reconstructions) in the comments.

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Roque des Peagers, France. Built on a defensive site over the top of ancient caves on the flank of a steep hill, this tall compact castle dates back to the 12th century (maybe earlier)... Sorry for the low-res image, but I could not find many good photos, as the castle is now a private residence.

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Dhebar, India. This is a photo of one of several royal chateaus (now abandoned) built around an astonishing 17th century man made lake that covers 34 sq miles! It was an amazing feat of engineering for its time and was once the largest artificial lake in the world. I'll post more in the comments.

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Veste Coburg, Germany. This powerful Medieval castle is one of the largest in all of Germany and was built over the course of several centuries. Famous for sheltering Martin Luther, the large concentric triple walls of Coburg castle were never taken by force. I'll post more in the comments.

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Suzdal, Russia. Strategically built on a bend in a river near the end of the 11th century, this massive fortress protects the important Cathedral of the Nativity and is amongst the great monuments of Russian medieval architecture. It's an UNESCO World Heritage Site. I'll post more in the comments.

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Tenczyn, Poland. Placed on a volcanic outcrop, this Medieval castle was once one of the largest and most important in Poland. Destroyed by Swedish forces looking for the Polish Crown Jewels, Tenczyn castle has long since been abandoned and swallowed up by the forest. I'll post more in the comments.

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Tamworth, England. First built by Æthelflæd (Lady of the Mercians) in 913 to defend against Vikings, this compact castle served as a residence of the Mercian kings. Rebuilt and enlarged by the Normans, it is today one of the best preserved Norman motte-and-bailey castles in England.

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Loarre, Spain. Loarre castle was built upon old Roman walls during the 11th and 12th centuries, when its position on the frontier between Christian and Muslim lands gave it strategic importance. I'll post more in the comments.

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Kilkenny, Ireland.

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Torre Monticchio, Italy. Built in the Middle Ages, this fortified tower served as an outpost in anticipation of possible enemy attacks. Originally placed on a steep hill, some of the ground around the tower was quarried away leaving a spire of rock. I'll post a little more in the comments.

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Pergine, Italy. This 12th century castle was built high on a hill, allegedly over the remains of an ancient Roman fortress (which in turn, was possibly built over the remains a Raeti fortress). It is now being used as a hotel. I'll post more in the comments.

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Jay, USA (NYC). This compact fortress was first built by American revolutionaries in 1776 on a tiny island between Brooklyn and Manhattan. It contributed to the success of General George Washington's retreat into Manhattan after his defeat in the Battle of Brooklyn. I'll post more in the comments.

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Delhi, India. The once great fortifications of the city of Delhi are shown in this drawing for The Illustrated London News in 1858. The huge city walls (inclosing more than 6 square kilometres) are depicted here just before the British undertook a VERY bloody siege. I'll post more in the comments.

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Keiss, Scotland. Placed on a precipitous cliff, this castle was built (possibly) over the site of an older fortress in the 16th-17th century. I'll post more in the comments (including a reconstruction).

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