Ramparts of Aigues-Mortes

The ramparts of Aigues-Mortes are the almost completely preserved medieval city wall of Aigues-Mortes in the Camargue (Southern France). 

They form a rectangular rampart about 1,640 meters long and approximately 11 meters high, with 15 towers and 10 gates. 

Construction began in the 13th century at the initiative of King Louis IX (Saint Louis), who founded a royal port city here for the Crusades. 

The Tour de Constance was built first (around 1240-1249); the rest of the walls were completed after his death under Philip III and Philip IV, around 1300. 

It is one of the best-preserved examples of 13th-century military architecture in Europe. 

Later, the towers served, among other things, as a prison for Huguenots. 

They have been protected as historical monuments since 1903.

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Kwidzyn (Marienwerder)

Kwidzyn Castle (German: Marienwerder) is a large brick Gothic castle in Kwidzyn, Poland. 

It was built in the early 14th century (around 1320-1350) as the residence of the Pomezanian Chapter within the Teutonic Order. 

Key features: Four wings surrounding a courtyard, with corner towers and a unique dansker (gdanisko): a large latrine tower on five arches, connected by a long covered bridge. 

This is one of the largest and best-known medieval sanitary facilities with a defensive function. 

Next to the castle stands the associated cathedral (14th century), creating a unique defensive and church complex. 

Brief history: The Teutonic Knights had previously established a settlement here (1233). 

The castle served as an administrative, military, and religious center. 

In 1410, it was briefly occupied by King Władysław Jagiełło. 

After the secularization of Prussia (16th century), it served as a residence for various officials. 

Partially rebuilt in the 19th century; now a museum with an ethnographic collection. 

It is a protected historical monument and a fine example of brick Gothic architecture in the region. 

Ideal for a visit in combination with the cathedral!

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Blarney Castle

Blarney Castle is a medieval castle (main tower dating from 1446) in the village of Blarney, approximately 8 km northwest of Cork, Ireland. 

It is one of Ireland's most popular attractions, with extensive gardens, rock formations, and a poison garden. 

Known for the Blarney Stone, a stone at the top of the tower that, when kissed (hanging over the edge), grants the gift of eloquence – a legend from the 16th century. 

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Alcazaba de Almeria

The Alcazaba de Almería is a Moorish hilltop fortress in Almería, Spain, and the second largest Islamic fortress in Spain after the Alhambra. 

Built from 955 under Caliph Abd al-Rahman III and expanded in the 11th century, it served as a defense for the city of Pechina and later as a seat of government. 

The complex has three walled parts: two Islamic ones with gardens, palaces, a mosque and baths and a Christian castle from the 15th century after the reconquest in 1489. 

The Muro de la Vela separates the first two parts, with a clock from 1763. 

With an area of ​​43,500 m², it offers impressive views over the city and harbor. 

It is a National Monument (1931) and Bien de Interés Cultural (1985).

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Rumeli Castle

The Rumeli Castle, also called the Fortress of Europe, is located in the Sarıyer district of the Turkish city of Istanbul on a hill on the European side of the city.

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Bran Castle

Bran Castle is a fairytale castle near the Romanian city of Bran, in the Southern Carpathians. 

The first construction of the castle dates back to the fourteenth century.

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Carrick Castle

Carrick Castle is a 14th-century tower house on the western shore of Loch Goil on the Cowal Peninsula, in Argyll and Bute, west Scotland. 

It is located between Cuilmuich and Carrick, 4 miles south of Lochgoilhead.

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Chateau de Chinon

The Château de Chinon, one of the castles of the Loire, located in Chinon, is a medieval fortress of about 500 meters long and 100 meters wide, overlooking the River Vienne. 

Chinon was the main residence of the kings of England and then of the kings of France.

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Schloss Heidelberg

Schloss Heidelberg is one of the most famous ruins in Germany and the symbol of the city of Heidelberg. 

Until it was destroyed in the Nine Years' War it was the residence of the Electors Palatinate.

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Krivoklat Castle

Křivoklát Castle is a castle in Křivoklát in Central Bohemia in the Czech Republic. 

It is protected as a national cultural monument.

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