Is it a castle? My favourites.

A castle is not just a castle. It could also be a fortress. Or a giant mud structure. Or even a rock-hewn city. [And I suspect this list’s going to welcome at least one or two new entries in the following 2 weeks – to be continued.]

Not intending to bore you with history stuff for now, here are the amazing structures and the feelings that stayed with me after exploring them.

1.         Urquhart Castle

Highlands, Scotland

Built: 13^th to 16^th century

The green of March, the quirky spring weather, the rainbow over Loch Ness, and Saint Andrew’s Cross flaunting in the wind.

2.         Trascăului Fortress

Colţeşti, Transylvania, Romania

Built: 1296

The intoxicating June heat, the constant buzzing of the insects, the luscious green surroundings.

3.         Ostrožac Castle

Una-Sana Canton, Bosnia and Herzegovina

Built: 16^th century

The astonishing view seemingly encompassing the whole of Bosnia, the high grass inviting you for a jump, the eerie and mysterious vibe. 

4.         Uplistsikhe

Eastern Georgia

Built: 8^th to 9^th century

The sunset over Mtkvari River, the smoke rising from the village homesteads, and one of the most extraordinary and powerful feelings I’ve ever come across: this place has soul!

5.         Ardvreck Castle

NW Highlands, Scotland

Built: 1590

‘Would you have liked to live here?’ I was asked.

‘Of course!’ I instantly replied.

What could be more welcoming on a cold early autumn afternoon than staring at greyish Loch Assynt and listening to the murmur of the wind from inside this castle’s walls?

6.         Corvin Castle

Hunedoara, Transylvania, Romania

Built: 1446

It is the typical fairy-tale castle, without the usual commercial aspects that come with this trait… and that includes the crowds.

7.         Enisala Fortress

Dobruja, Romania

Built: 12^th to 14^th century

The cool air of the early evening, mixed with the salty flavour of nearby Babadag and Razim lakes, and one incredible sunset.

8.         Arg-é Bam

Bam, Kerman Province, Iran

Built: 6^th to 4^th century BC [but presumed to have existed earlier]

The awe before what men can create and before the endurance that proved the world wrong.

9.         Rupea Fortress

Rupea, Transylvania, Romania

Built: 14^th to 17^th century

In my opinion, still the most dramatic fortress in Romania. And I believe that says it all.

10.       Peleş Castle

Sinaia, Muntenia, Romania

Built: 1873 – 1914

The mix of modernity, royalness, and humbleness lingering in the air at every single visit.