What is the Oldest Standing Castle in the World? -

We all love to explore ruins and imagine ourselves transported back into the time of ancient castles we visit. Out of all the ancient castles out there, have you ever wondered what the oldest standing castle in the world is?

The oldest standing castle in the world is Aleppo Citadel in Aleppo, northern Syria, built around 3000 BC. It suffered severe damage during the civil war but its outer walls gatehouse and other structures in the bailey are still standing.

Aleppo Castle, the oldest standing castle on Earth

The beautiful limestone structure that we see today originates from the Ayyubid period 12-13th centuries.

However, throughout its history, the citadel has been a home for the Armenians, Greeks, Byzantines, Ayyubids, Mamluks and Ottomans, since the 3rd millennium BC.

A UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1986, the Aleppo citadel dominates the city and is a part of the Ancient City of Aleppo.

After withstanding the battle of Aleppo in 2010, the fortress was opened to the public in 2017 with restoration works of damaged parts in progress.

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Reichsburg Cochem | The Oldest Castle in Europe

The chronicles affirm that the Cochen Castle was first mentioned officially in a document in 1051.

In 1151 Cochem Castle became an official Imperial Castle after King Konrad III took its possession through a siege.

In 1688, the castle was overrun by French King Louis XIV’s troops in the Nine Years’ War.

Since the 11th century, Cochem had a colourful history and a succession of quite a few noblemen owning it. Although, the new castle that we admire today started to take shape from 1874 to 1877, based on designs by Berlin architects.

The castle is open to the public, with 40 minutes long guided tours in German and English.

Cochem Imperial Castle — Image by Felix Berger from Pixabay

Which is the oldest Castle in England?

In England, the oldest Castle and largest occupied in Europe is Windsor castle. In just an hour drive from central London and one of England’s most popular attractions.

Up until today, it has housed 39 British monarchs, including the current queen of England. If she’s there, the royal flag is raised, and if not, its replaced by a union jack.

During the civil war, it was used as a military headquarters for the parliament and served as a prison for Charles I.

It was also a place that Queen Victoria spent a lot of time mourning over her husband; in fact, she was often given the name as the Widow of Windsor.

Windsor castle was restored from 1921-1930 and later used as an air aid shelter for WWII royals.

The architecture is a mixture of victorian, gothic and medieval. Near the Castle, there is a 2.65-mile-long road surrounded by grass, where royals used to hunt for dear.

As its still a living residence, Windsor Castle has royal guards that protect its guests.

Today Windsor is also famous for being one of the most expensive castles in the world.

You can witness the change of the guards every morning at 11 am.

Likewise, for more information about visiting, you can check here.

Which is the oldest Castle in Scotland?

Scotland’s oldest standing Castle is Aberdour Castle. This archaic beauty is located in the quaint village of Easter Aberdour.

Aberdour was built as a fortified during the 13th century by The Douglas family.

The Castle is made entirely out of stone and has stunning meticulously detailed painted ceilings in each room.

The Castle caught fire in the 17th century, and only part of it was repaired, causing some areas to decay.

Aberdour Castle only has one roof on the 17-century wing, and the former tower has collapsed.

Today, the Castle is open to visitors all year round, for information about visiting. You can take guided tours; however, due to its surrounded scenery, visitors commonly suggest going here in the summer.

For more information about Aberdour Castle, visit here.

Which is the oldest Castle in Wales?

Formerly a Roman castle, Chepstow castle was built in 1067. This fortress has over 600 years worth of history situated above limestone cliffs overlooking the River Wye in Monmouthshire.

Over the centuries, this Castle has been home to wealthy men from the medieval and Tudor era.

It was initially constructed by Earl Norman William FitzOsbern (a close friend at the time of William the Conqueror).

The Castle served as an exclusive royal residence that housed him and his wife.

Later on, the Castle started to decay and got marked as a Grade I listed building in the mid-1900s. Today many tourists visit each year, to know more about prices and opening times, click here.

Which is the oldest Castle in Ireland?

Ireland’s oldest Castle is Cahir Castle, located in the town centre of an island in the River Suir. Its construction began in the 13th century by Conor O’Brien.

Later on, the powerful and strong Norman family The Butlers took over Cahir Castle in 1375.

Its last owner died in 1961 after Lord Cahir passed, the stated reclaimed Cahir castle. You may have seen this Castle from a battle scene in the film Excalibur.

Today you can visit the Castle as it’s converted into a museum, and it has an audio/visual show.

Which is the oldest Castle in France?

The medieval Loire is thought to be the oldest Castle in France, built between 991-996. Its structure is 92 feet high in the French countryside of Mountbazon. The Count of Anjou built it.

It wasn’t until 2003, the current owners of this Castle, Harry and Jacqueline Atterton, opened it up for the world. The public is now able to see the excellent restoration work spent on the Castle.

Which is the oldest Castle in Spain?

The oldest Castle in Spain is believed to be the Alcázar de Segovia, now a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It sits on a crag overlooking two rivers.

This was a fortress that was initially intended for Roman rule, built around the 12th century.

Later on, when King Alfonsi VI reigned over, he changed it back to a Christian castle. He turned it from a wooden fence to a stone constructed building.

Through its existence, it has been used as a palace, prison, Royal Artillery College, and military academy.

Outside of this Castle, there is a keep, drawbridge, courtyard, and a castle keep. Likewise, the inside has a grand throne room, hall of the gallery, belt room, hall of the fireplace, royal chamber, hall of the gallery, hall of the kings, and armoury room.

Why did they stop building castles?

In old times, castles were built to protect kingdoms and natives of one’s country. Many countries were ruled by monarchies and defended the country by using cannonballs. These objects would kill anyone within reach.

However, the more this happened, the more it caused the castle wall to struggle with its structure.

As many monarchies came no more, governments worldwide took over and employed military technology for a countries defence.

Have you visited any of these castles before? If so, comment down below about your experience. Perhaps let us know the Castle, which appeals to you the most in the comment section.

Which country has the most castles?

The country in the world that has the most castles in Germany. It is estimated that there are about 25,000 castles in this country! However, the exact figure is still yet to be disclosed by the European Castle Institute.