Updated on 30 July 2026
What Is the Largest Castle in the World?
Malbork Castle in Poland is the largest castle in the world by land area, covering 143,591 square meters (approximately 52 acres) within its walls. Built in the 13th century by the Teutonic Knights, it is also the largest fortified Gothic building in Europe and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. If you measure by building floor area rather than enclosed grounds, Prague Castle in the Czech Republic holds the Guinness World Record as the largest ancient castle complex, spanning 66,761 square meters (70,000 sq m including gardens). Windsor Castle in the U.K. is the largest inhabited castle in the world, with 1,000 rooms across 13 acres.
Castles are some of the most impressive and beautiful structures in the world. They have been around for centuries, and continue to be popular tourist destinations today. In this article, we will take a look at the largest castles in the world. These strongholds are sure to amaze you!
Introduction to The Biggest Castles in the World
Castles have fascinated people for centuries. These imposing buildings were once the homes of kings and queens, and their size and grandeur reflected the power and wealth of their owners.
Today, castles can be found in many different parts of the world. Some, like Windsor Castle in England, are still used as royal residences. Others, such as Neuschwanstein Castle in Germany, have been turned into museums.
However, all castles share a common history, and each one has its own unique story to tell. From the largest castle in the world to the longest, these fascinating structures continue to capture the imaginations of people all over the globe.
The History and Origins of Castles
A castle is a large fortified building or group of buildings. Castles have been a part of human history for millennia, with some of the largest and most well-known castles built in medieval Europe.
However, the origins of castles can be traced back even further, to the ancient fortresses of the Middle East. These early castles were often built on high ground to give their occupants a clear view of the surrounding area, and they frequently featured thick walls and multiple towers.
In Europe, the first castles appeared during the 9th century, when Norman invaders began constructing fortifications to protect against invasions. In addition to being used as military fortifications, they often housed large numbers of people, including soldiers, nobility, and servants.
Over time, these simple Norman castles evolved into the massive stone fortresses with turrets, moats and drawbridges that we typically think of when we imagine a castle.
Thanks to their size and impregnability, castles became an essential part of medieval warfare, and they played a significant role in shaping the history of Europe. The largest castles could take years to build, and required the labor of thousands of workers.
Today, many of these large castles are popular tourist destinations, and they offer a fascinating glimpse into the past. Whether you’re interested in history or just looking for a unique vacation destination, be sure to add a castle to your travel bucket list.
19. Chambord Castle, France
The largest castle in the Loire Valley, the Château de Chambord was originally a hunting lodge for King Francis 1. Built between 1519 to 1547, this beautiful French castle has a distinctive Renaissance style.
One of the most iconic features of Chambord Castle is its double helix staircase. Thought to have been designed by Leonardo da Vinci, the two spirals intertwine but never meet.
There are 440 rooms in the Château de Chambord, with 282 fireplaces and 84 staircases. The Château de Chambord castle grounds are as large as inner Paris. Spread over 5,440 hectares (13,400 acres), Chambord park has a 19 mile long perimeter wall.
The castle itself is 156 meters long and up to 56 meters in height. Inside the Château de Chambord, there are 440 rooms, 282 fireplaces, and 77 staircases. Today, the castle is open to the public and houses a museum that tells the story of its fascinating history. Having lived in the Loire Valley in France, I can say that this is one of my favorite French castles of all time!
18. Hohenzollern Castle, Germany
Another enormous castle is Burg Hohenzollern in Germany, which was originally built as a fortress for King Frederick William IV of Prussia and the Hohenzollern dynasty. It has since been repurposed as a museum and tourist attraction. Located around 53 kilometers from Stuttgart, Hohenzollern is visited by around 300,000 people each year.
With 140 rooms, this majestic castle offers stunning views of the surrounding countryside from its hilltop perch at 855 meters high.
Hohenzollern Castle is privately owned by the House of Hohenzollern. When the family are in residence, their flag flies on the building.
17. Neuschwanstein Castle, Germany
There are many impressive castles around the world, but some of the largest and most majestic can be found in Europe. Perhaps the largest and most famous of these is Castle Neuschwanstein, located in southern Germany.
With its soaring towers and imposing grey exterior, this castle really captures the imagination. Built between 1869 and 1892, Neuschwanstein covers around 65,000 square feet.
King Ludwig II ordered its construction and the cost at the time was around 6.18 million Goldmarks. The cost to build this castle today is estimated at $50 million to $60 million USD.
In addition to being one of the largest castles in the world, Neuschwanstein is also known for its stunning architecture, with elements borrowed from both medieval and modern styles. This fairytale castle was the inspiration for the Sleeping Beauty Castle in Disneyland.
Neuschwanstein Castle is visited by around 1.5 million people each year. It’s important to buy your ticket in advance, otherwise you may have to queue for several hours!
16. Sforzesco Castle, Italy
One of the largest castles in Italy, Castello Sforzesco is located in the heart of Milan, Italy. The castle’s fortifications sit on 25.9 hectares of land.
The construction of this castle began in 1360. Completed in 1499, Castello Sforzesco was home to several noble families over the years. These days it houses several museums including the Pinacoteca del Castello Sforzesco.
When Ludovico Sforza became Lord of Milan in 1494, he asked several famous Renaissance artists to decorate the castle. For example, Leonardo da Vinci painted the ceiling of the Sala delle Asse.
15. Balmoral Castle, Scotland
Owned by the Royal Family and the Summer residence of King Charles III, Balmoral is one of the largest castles in Europe if you take the size of the grounds into account. The Balmoral Estate extends to over 50,000 acres (20,000 hectares).
The castle is located in the Scottish Highlands near the village of Crathie. Balmoral Castle was completed in 1856. A fine example of Scottish Baronial style, it has 775 rooms in all.
There are 52 Royal and guest bedrooms as well as 188 staff bedrooms and 78 bathrooms. The largest room is the Ballroom, which can be visited along with the castle grounds and gardens from April to the beginning of August.
14. Osaka Castle, Japan
Situated in central Japan, Osaka Castle was built in 1583 on the site of the former Ishiyama Hongan-ji temple. This imposing castle is five stories high on the outside and eight stories high on the inside.
Osaka Castle grounds are spread over 61,000 square meter (15 acres). They include wide moats and high stone walls, as well as a beautiful park that is popular with locals and tourists alike.
Springtime in Tokyo is a popular time to visit, when the plum and cherry trees are blossoming.
13. Burghausen Castle, Germany
Burghausen is the longest castle in the world, as confirmed by the Guinness World Record company in 2008. Measuring 1051 meters in length, Burghausen Castle is a great example of medieval fortifications.
Since prehistoric times, there were settlers on the ridge above Burghausen town. The castle itself was founded before 1025.
Most of Burg Burghausen’s ring walls are still intact, and it’s well worth a visit. You can see the State Castle Museum (or Palas), the Ducal apartment, the Knights’ Hall, the Bower (or women’s apartments), The State Gallery of Burghausen and five castle courtyards. Climb up 62 steps to enjoy the panoramic views from the Palas viewing platform.
12. Edinburgh Castle, Scotland
Edinburgh Castle is one of the largest and most iconic castles in the world. Located on a rocky outcrop overlooking the city of Edinburgh, this imposing structure has stood guard over Scotland for centuries.
The origins of the castle date back to at least the 12th century, but over time it has gone through numerous renovations and additions. Today, Edinburgh Castle is renowned for its rich history and stunning architecture, drawing visitors from all around the globe.
Whether exploring its dungeons or marveling at its magnificent towers, anyone who visits this iconic landmark will undoubtedly be impressed by its grandeur and timeless beauty. So if you find yourself in the Scottish capital, be sure to pay a visit to Edinburgh Castle like we did – you won’t regret it!
Size: 35,737 square meters
11. Alcázar of Segovia, Spain
Dating from the 11th or 12th century, this former fortress has a prime location in the city of Segovia, Spain. Famous for its resemblance to the bow of a ship, the Alcázar of Segovia was listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1985.
Today, the site is a museum and houses the General Military Archive of Segovia. A popular royal residence for many years, the Castle of Segovia still has an impressive throne room lined with royal portraits.
The Alcazar gardens and many of the castle windows have a clear Moorish influence. Climb 156 steps up Juan II tower and you’ll be rewarded with fantastic views of the surrounding countryside.
Size: 39,000 square meters
10. Citadel of Aleppo, Syria
The Citadel of Aleppo is considered to be one of the most impressive castles in the world. Located in northern Syria, this medieval fortress has played a central role in the history of both the region and its people.
From its earliest days as a strategic military stronghold to its recent devastation at the hands of civil war, the Citadel of Aleppo has stood as a symbol of strength, resilience, and unity. Today, this incredible castle remains an enduring testament to the endurance of human spirit.
With its majestic turrets and invincible stone walls, this mighty medieval structure will continue to stand firm even against the greatest threats. It reopened to the public in 2017 after repairs were undertaken on the structure.
Size: 39,804 square meters
9. Spis Castle, Slovakia
Spiš Castle is the largest castle in Slovakia and one of the largest medieval castles in Europe. It covers an area of more than 10 acres.
Situated on a hill 634 meters above the town of Spišské Podhradie, Spiš Castle was originally built in the 12th century. Unfortunately, it was destroyed in a fire in 1780.
Partially restored, the castle of Spiš is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It is a popular tourist destination and has also featured in movies such as Dragonheart and The Lion in Winter.
41,426 square meters
8. Himeji Castle, Japan
Himeji Castle is one of the largest and most famous castles in Japan. It is also known as the “White Heron Castle” or “White Egret Castle” because of its beautiful white outer walls.
A fine example of Japanese castle architecture, it was built in 1333 by the Akamatsu family. Himeji has undergone many repairs and renovations over the centuries, but it remains largely in its original state. The castle complex consists of 83 buildings, including the main keep, which is 152 feet high.
Himeji Castle is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a popular tourist destination. Every year, more than 1.5 million people visit the castle to see its beautiful architecture and to learn about its history.
Size: 41,468 square meters
7. Buda Castle, Hungary
Buda Castle in Hungary is another large castle that was originally built in the 13th century. The castle was redesigned in Baroque style between 1749 and 1769.
Today, the Buda Castle complex includes a number of impressive museums, such as the Hungarian National Gallery. The National Széchényi Library houses a collection of rare books, while The Budapest History Museum is spread over 4 floors.
This famous Hungarian landmark is a popular tourist destination and one of the most visited castles in Hungary. The castle terraces have recently been renovated and offer panoramic views of the Danube river below. We loved walking around them on our last visit to Budapest.
Size: 44,674 square meters
6. Hohensalzburg Castle, Austria
Standing tall on top of Festungsberg mountain, Hohensalzburg Castle dominates the skyline in Salzburg, Austria. At 250 meters long by 150 meters wide, this is one of the largest medieval castles in Europe.
Built in the 11th century, this well preserved fortress was originally built to defend the city. In fact, the citadel was never conquered.
Today, Fortress Hohensalzburg is extremely popular with visitors to Salzburg. A number of events such as advent markets take place in the castle courtyards.
54,523 square meters
5. Windsor Castle, U.K.
Windsor Castle in England is the largest inhabited castle in the world. It is also the oldest castle to be continually inhabited. Built in the 11th century, the castle has been home to British kings and queens for centuries.
The royal palace is currently one of the three official residences of King Charles III. Covering an area of more than 13 acres, the castle complex includes a number of buildings and gardens, as well as Windsor Park that is open to the public. The charming riverside town of Windsor makes a great day trip from London – we’ve done it many times.
With 1000 rooms, this historic castle is not only massive in size but also offers impressive architectural details such as grand towers and beautiful stained glass windows. The State Apartments are the highlight of any visit and are still used by King Charles III to host visits by heads of states.
54,835 square metres
Related post: The Most Luxurious Castle Hotels in Great Britain
4. Prague Castle, Czech Republic
Located in Prague, the capital city of the Czech Republic, this historic building is one of the largest ancient castle complexes in the world. Hradcany Castle (as it is know in Czech) and grounds cover an area of around 110 acres (45 hectares).
This imposing castle measures around 570 meters in length and averages around 130 meters wide. According to the Guinness Book of World Records, it is the largest ancient castle in the world.
Originally built in the 9th century, the building has been comprehensively remodelled and extended since. Today, Prague Castle is also the official office of the President of the Czech Republic.
The castle complex includes a number of palaces, churches, and gardens, as well as the famous St. Vitus Cathedral. We spent a good few hours there on our visit to Prague. The castle is a popular tourist destination and is one of the most visited castles in Europe with over 1.8 million visitors each year.
66,761 square meters (70,000 square meters with the gardens and outbuildings).
3. Mehrangarh Fort, India
Spread over 1200 acres (486 hectares), Mehrangarh Fort is one of the largest castles in India. It was built in the 15th century by Rao Jodha, the founder of Jodhpur.
The royal fort is located on a 400 foot high hilltop and has sloping walls that are up to 36 meters high. Today, Mehrangarh Museum boasts several galleries housing a collection of paintings, weaponry, and turbans. Adjoining the fort, Rao Jodha Desert Rock Park was created in 2006 to restore the area’s natural ecology.
Mahrangarh Fort of Jodhpur has been designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is one of the most popular tourist attractions in India. Several festivals take place here, including the Rajasthan International Folk Festival and the World Sacred Spirit Festival.
Size: 81,227 square meters
2. Cite de Carcassonne, France
One of the largest medieval castle complexes in Europe, the Cité de Carcassonne is an unmissable attraction in Languedoc-Roussillon. With an inner and outer city, this UNESCO World Heritage Site is spread over 27 acres (11 hectares).
Built in the 12th century, this walled city was originally home to around 4,000 people. It was restored in the 19th century by French architect Viollet-le-Duc.
The outer city walls are made from sandstone and are up to 12 meters high. There are many charming restaurants and souvenir shops within the old town of Carcassonne. We spent a couple of hours walking around the castle and town, and had lunch in a cute bistro within the walls.
Size: 109,265 square meters
1. Malbork Castle, Poland
By land area, Malbork Castle in Poland is considered the largest castle in the world, with sprawling grounds and numerous structures to explore. Indeed, it is officially recognized by Guinness World Records as the world’s largest brick castle.
The biggest castle of the Teutonic Order, this imposing fortress was originally built in the 13th century. Also known as Marienburg Castle, this stronghold of the Teutonic Knights helped to protect Poland from invaders.
Over the years, Malbork Castle underwent numerous renovations, but its core design has remained essentially unchanged. Today, visitors flock to this UNESCO World Heritage Site to marvel at its intricate architecture and rich history.
Whether you are an avid castle enthusiast or simply looking for a day trip destination, Malbork Castle is sure to delight and amaze. The largest fortified Gothic building in Europe and spread over 21 hectares, Malbork is easily reached from Gdansk or Warsaw.
Size: 143,591 square meters
The Top 5 Biggest Castles in the World
If you want the short answer, here are the five largest castles in the world ranked by land area:
1.Malbork Castle, Poland, 143,591 square meters (52 acres). The undisputed record holder by enclosed land area.
2.Cité de Carcassonne, France, 109,265 square meters (27 acres). A fortified city as much as a castle.
3.Mehrangarh Fort, India, 81,227 square meters (1,200 acres including surrounding grounds). One of the largest forts in India.
4.Prague Castle, Czech Republic, 66,761 square meters (70,000 sq m with gardens). Certified by Guinness as the largest ancient castle in the world.
5.Windsor Castle, U.K., 54,835 square meters (13 acres). The largest inhabited castle in the world and a working royal residence.
All five are open to visitors and rank among the most visited historic sites in their respective countries.
What Is the Biggest Castle in the USA?
The United States does not have medieval castles in the European or Asian sense, but it does have several grand castle-style structures worth knowing about.
The largest is generally considered to be Biltmore Estate in Asheville, North Carolina. Built between 1889 and 1895 for George Vanderbilt II, Biltmore covers 178,926 square feet (16,622 square meters) of floor space and sits on an estate of 8,000 acres. It is the largest privately owned house in the United States and is open to the public. Boldt Castle on Heart Island in the Thousand Islands region of New York is another notable example. Construction began in 1900 but was abandoned after the death of George Boldt’s wife and was not completed until restoration work in the 20th century.
For a purpose-built castle aesthetic, Hammond Castle in Gloucester, Massachusetts, built in 1929 by inventor John Hays Hammond Jr., is one of the most architecturally authentic examples in the country.
Key Takeaways
●Malbork Castle, Poland is the largest castle in the world by land area, covering 143,591 square meters (52 acres).
●Prague Castle, Czech Republic holds the Guinness World Record as the largest ancient castle in the world, spanning 66,761 square meters.
●Windsor Castle, U.K. is the largest inhabited castle in the world, with 1,000 rooms across a 13-acre complex and is one of the official residences of King Charles III.
●Burghausen Castle, Germany is the longest castle in the world at 1,051 meters, as confirmed by Guinness World Records.
●Biltmore Estate, North Carolina is the biggest castle-style structure in the USA, covering 178,926 square feet of floor space on an 8,000-acre estate.
●At least 9 of the 19 largest castles on this list are UNESCO World Heritage Sites, including Malbork, Himeji, Spiš, Mehrangarh, and Carcassonne.
●Mehrangarh Fort sits on a 400-foot hilltop with walls up to 36 meters high, making it one of the most dramatically positioned fortresses in the world.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the longest castle in the world?
Burghausen Castle in Germany is the longest castle in the world, confirmed by Guinness World Records. It measures 1,051 meters (3,448 feet) in length and was founded before 1025. Most of its medieval ring walls are still intact today, and the castle is well worth a visit for its five courtyards and panoramic views from the Palas viewing platform.
What is the largest inhabited castle in the world?
Windsor Castle in England is the largest inhabited castle in the world, with 1,000 rooms across a 13-acre complex. It has been a royal residence since the 11th century and is one of the three official residences of King Charles III. The State Apartments remain in active use for royal engagements and visits by heads of state.
Which is the largest ancient castle according to the Guinness Book of World Records?
Prague Castle in the Czech Republic holds the Guinness World Record for the largest ancient castle in the world. Known in Czech as Hradcany Castle, it measures around 570 meters in length and averages 130 meters wide, covering 66,761 square meters (or around 70,000 sq m including gardens and outbuildings). Originally built in the 9th century, it is also the official office of the President of the Czech Republic.
Which castles on this list are UNESCO World Heritage Sites?
Several of the largest castles in the world have UNESCO World Heritage status, including Malbork Castle (Poland), Cité de Carcassonne (France), Prague Castle (Czech Republic), Himeji Castle (Japan), Spiš Castle (Slovakia), Mehrangarh Fort (India), and the Alcázar of Segovia (Spain). UNESCO designation recognises their outstanding universal value as historic and cultural landmarks.
What is the most visited castle in the world?
Neuschwanstein Castle in Germany is one of the most visited castles in the world, attracting around 1.5 million visitors each year. Prague Castle is also among the most visited, with over 1.8 million visitors annually. Be sure to buy your Neuschwanstein ticket in advance to avoid queuing for several hours.
What are the top 10 castles in the world?
The 10 largest castles in the world by size are: Malbork Castle (Poland), Cité de Carcassonne (France), Mehrangarh Fort (India), Prague Castle (Czech Republic), Windsor Castle (U.K.), Hohensalzburg Castle (Austria), Buda Castle (Hungary), Himeji Castle (Japan), Spis Castle (Slovakia), and the Citadel of Aleppo (Syria).
Final Thoughts on The Largest Castles in the World
The castles on this list are just a few of the largest castles in the world. All these landmarks are remarkable feats of engineering and monumentally beautiful structures that attract visitors from around the globe.
Whether you’re interested in history or just looking for a unique vacation destination, the biggest castles are a fun addition to your travel bucket list.
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Lovely to visit, but I wouldn’t want to live there. Can you imagine what the Weekend Chores list looks like? 😆 They sure are pretty to look at, though!