TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - Across Europe and beyond, castles once played a critical role in the rise and defense of civilizations. While many have crumbled into ruins or been lost to history, some of the oldest castles in the world remain remarkably intact.
With their grand architecture and weathered stone walls, these castles quietly reveal past stories, offering a rare and tangible connection to centuries gone by. Even more remarkably, many of them are still open to visitors today.
List of the Oldest Castles in the World
According to World Atlas and Oldest.org, the Citadel of Aleppo is widely recognized as the oldest castle in the world, with origins tracing back to 3000 BC. Other noteworthy castles that have stood the test of time include:
1. Citadel of Aleppo
Located in Syria, the Citadel of Aleppo is considered the oldest castle in the world, dating back to at least 3000 BC. Over the millennia, the Citadel has been destroyed and rebuilt multiple times, with the most significant upgrade being the monumental Entrance Block that al-Malik al-Zahir rebuilt during the latter part of his leadership. In 1986, this masterpiece of medieval Islamic architecture was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
2. Prague Castle
Nestled within the heart of Prague’s historic center, Prague Castle was founded in 880 AD by Prince Boivoj of the House of Pemyslids. Over the centuries, it has evolved into a remarkable blend of architectural styles, ranging from 10th-century Romanesque to 14th-century Gothic. Beyond its deep historical roots, the 70,000-square-meter castle also holds a modern-day distinction, recognized by the Guinness World Records as the world’s largest castle complex.
3. Reichsburg Cochem
Towering over 100 meters above Cochem in Germany, Reichsburg Cochem is recognized as one of the oldest castles in the world. Built around 1000 AD, this late-Gothic building was designated an imperial residence by King Konrad III. Over the centuries, it experienced everything from being seized by the French to lying in ruins for nearly 200 years, before being rebuilt by Berlin merchant Louis Ravene.
4. Krak Des Chevaliers
Another Syria-based castle is Krak des Chevaliers, originally built by European crusaders in 1031 AD for the Emir of Aleppo. A UNESCO World Heritage Site, this fortress once became the headquarters of the renowned Crusader Knights Hospitaller during the 12th and 13th centuries. Its structure is well-known among the most notable examples of medieval military architecture.
5. Warwick Castle
In England, Warwick Castle began as a wooden fort built by William the Conqueror in 1068. It was later transformed into a stone fortress and eventually a stately home, owned over the centuries by five prominent families in succession in English history—Beaumonts, Beauchamps, Nevilles, Dudleys, and Grevilles. Today, it remains one of the best-preserved medieval castles in England, blending historical authenticity with family-friendly attractions.
6. Windsor Castle
Originating in 1070 AD, Windsor Castle is another masterpiece commissioned by William the Conqueror. As the oldest continuously occupied castle in the world, it has served as a royal residence since Saxon times and continues to be used by the British royal family to this day. Throughout its long history of noble residence, Windsor Castle has undergone several major reconstructions, including significant work under Henry II and Henry III.
7. Hohensalzburg Castle
Built by Archbishop Gebhard in 1077, Hohensalzburg Castle rounds out the list of the oldest castles in the world. Like most historic castles, it underwent continuous development under successive rulers.
By around 1500, the fortress saw significant expansions that gave it much of its present appearance. Notably, many of the furnishings inside the castle are original, dating back to around 1501–1502.
Enduring strongholds that offer more than just architectural grandeur, these ancient castles are undoubtedly living museums. Whether standing in ruins or magnificently restored, each castle is a stone-bound chronicle of humanity's past. For a similar journey through time, let’s explore the oldest temples in the world.
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