From moats to murder holes, this 3D guide builds more than walls—it builds power. Every stone placed for defense, dominance, and drama.

This classic medieval castle has thick, crenelated walls supported by nine stubby towers — all surrounded by a moat. (Prisma Bildagentur/Universal Images Group/Getty Images) ...

Eltz Castle, Germany. Some countries have more than their fair share of gorgeous medieval castles, and Germany is one of them. Eltz Castle is one of the finest examples of a German knight’s ...

This classic medieval castle has thick, crenelated walls supported by nine stubby towers — all surrounded by a moat. (Prisma Bildagentur/Universal Images Group/Getty Images) ...

Although it started life as a Roman fort, the structure evolved over hundreds of years into a prototypical medieval castle with a deep moat, drawbridge, round guard towers and a robust keep, as well ...

As they dug, archaeologists unearthed a forgotten staircase leading into the old moat. A photo shows the partially uncovered steps. The medieval stairs originally started inside the castle’s ...

While it’s moat, corner towers and keep are purely decorative, the 500-year-old castle has nevertheless protected some real treasures, not least the a magnificent double helix staircase said to ...

From the fairytale towers of Bavaria’s Neuschwanstein to the golden battlements of Jaipur’s Amber Fortress in India, these are some of the most beautiful castles around the world.

From the fairytale towers of Bavaria’s Neuschwanstein to the golden battlements of Jaipur’s Amber Fortress in India, these are some of the most beautiful castles around the world.

Read on to find out more about 21 of the world’s most beautiful castles, fortified homes that are both a feast for the eyes and a time trip back to the bygone age during which they were created.