Top-10 Largest Castles in the World by 2025, Check the List

Castles have always captured our imagination with their size, strength, and beauty. Built as fortresses, royal homes, or centers of power, many of them still stand tall as symbols of history and culture. Across the world, some castles are so huge they feel like entire cities. Let’s explore the 10 largest castles in the world, each with its own fascinating story and architectural wonder.

Top-10 Largest Castles in the World

Castles have always fascinated us with their grandeur, history, and strength. Traditionally built as fortified homes for kings and nobles, castles also served as military bases and symbols of power. Measuring their size can be tricky since some are vast complexes, while others spread out across large areas.

Here is the list of top-10 largest castles in the world:

Malbork Castle, World’s Largest Castle

Malbork Castle in Poland is the largest castle in the world by land area, covering about 143,591 square meters. Built by the Teutonic Knights in the 13th century, it was their headquarters and symbol of power. Its massive red-brick Gothic structure looks like a small city, with walls, towers, and courtyards. Today, it is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of Poland’s most popular tourist attractions, showcasing medieval history and impressive architecture.

Prague Castle

Prague Castle is one of Europe’s most famous landmarks and holds the record as the largest ancient castle complex in the world. Spanning nearly 70,000 square meters, it is not a single castle but a collection of palaces, churches, gardens, and courtyards. Built in the 9th century, it has been home to kings, emperors, and today, the President of the Czech Republic. Its highlight is the beautiful St. Vitus Cathedral, which dominates the skyline of Prague.

Mehrangarh Fort

Mehrangarh Fort in Jodhpur, Rajasthan, is one of India’s most stunning castles. Built in the 15th century on a 122-meter-high cliff, it offers breathtaking views of the Blue City below. Its thick walls, grand gates, and palaces with intricate carvings make it a masterpiece of Rajput architecture. The fort also houses museums displaying royal treasures, weapons, and costumes. Even though it is called a “fort,” its huge size and palatial structures make it one of the largest castles in the world.

Hohensalzburg Castle

Hohensalzburg Castle dominates the city of Salzburg and is among Europe’s best-preserved medieval castles. Construction began in 1077, and it grew into one of the largest fortresses of its time. Its vast courtyards, towers, and chapels highlight centuries of expansion. Originally built to protect the city’s archbishops, it was rarely attacked, which is why it still stands strong today. Visitors can explore its museums and enjoy panoramic views of the Austrian Alps and Salzburg’s historic old town.

Windsor Castle

Windsor Castle is the largest inhabited castle in the world and has been home to the British Royal Family for over 900 years. Built in the 11th century by William the Conqueror, it covers an area of 54,835 square meters. The castle is famous for its grand state apartments, St. George’s Chapel, and beautiful gardens. Even today, it is regularly used for royal events and ceremonies, making it both a historic fortress and a living royal residence.

Spiš Castle

Spiš Castle, located in eastern Slovakia, is a vast medieval complex spread over 49,485 square meters. Although now partly in ruins, it remains one of the largest castle sites in Central Europe. Built in the 12th century, it once served as a political and cultural hub. Its towering stone walls, courtyards, and remains of Gothic architecture make it a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Tourists visit to explore its ruins and enjoy panoramic views of the surrounding Slovak countryside.

Buda Castle

Buda Castle in Budapest, Hungary, is a grand palace complex built in the 13th century to protect the kingdom from Mongol invasions. Over the centuries, it was expanded and rebuilt in Gothic, Renaissance, and Baroque styles. Covering about 44,674 square meters, it served as a royal residence and today houses museums and galleries, including the Hungarian National Gallery. Sitting on Castle Hill, it offers beautiful views of the Danube River and remains a centerpiece of Hungary’s capital.

Citadel of Aleppo

The Citadel of Aleppo is one of the oldest castles in the world, with history stretching back thousands of years. Built on a 40-meter-high hill, it has been used by Greeks, Romans, Byzantines, and later the Ayyubids, who built much of the fortress in the 13th century. The citadel is massive, with stone walls, gates, towers, and underground passages. Despite damage in recent conflicts, it still stands as a symbol of Syria’s long and rich history.

Himeji Castle

Himeji Castle, also called the “White Heron Castle” because of its graceful white walls, is Japan’s most famous and largest castle. Built in the 16th century, it features a vast complex of 83 buildings connected by winding paths and defensive gates. Unlike many Japanese castles destroyed in wars, Himeji has survived intact for centuries. Recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, it is admired for its beauty, brilliant design, and role in Japanese history.

Edinburgh Castle

Edinburgh Castle is one of Scotland’s most iconic landmarks, perched on top of an extinct volcanic rock. Its history goes back more than a thousand years, serving as a royal palace, military fortress, and prison. Covering about 35,737 square meters, the castle complex includes grand halls, chapels, and defensive walls. Today, it is Scotland’s most visited tourist site, famous for the Crown Jewels of Scotland and the Edinburgh Military Tattoo festival held annually.