Does Africa have any castles?

The Cape Coast Castle on Ghana's west coast is a far cry from the stone parapets and drawbridges associated with medieval royalty. First built by Swedish traders in timber and gold in the 17th century, the Cape Coast Castle went on to serve as a center of commerce for a much more valuable commodity: slaves.

Does Africa have castles?

While one might think of Europe as the go-to place to see castles, there are also a great number of castles in Africa to explore. From the Castle of Good Hope in South Africa, to the Fasilides Castle in Ethiopia, these 15 castles are sure to intrigue the architecture and history buff in everyone.

What is the biggest castle in Africa?

Cape Coast Castle (Swedish: Carolusborg) is one of about forty "slave castles", or large commercial forts, built on the Gold Coast of West Africa (now Ghana) by European traders. It was originally a Portuguese "feitoria" or trading post, established in 1555, which they named Cabo Corso.

Which African country has medieval castle?

Great Zimbabwe in Masvingo Province, Zimbabwe

The castle features conical towers, balconies, and monolithic sculptures. Scholars believe that construction began as early as the 11th century by ancestors of the modern Shona ethnic group.

Which country has the most castles and forts in Africa?

Forts & Castles of Ghana. Ghana has the greatest concentration of colonial-era forts of any country in Africa. The most visited destinations are the colonial fortresses at Cape Coast and Elmina, which were once major transshipment points for tens of thousands of slaves on their way to the New World.

13 African castles that will change your perspective on castles

Where is the oldest castle in the world?

Located in Syria, the Citadel of Aleppo is often touted as the oldest castle in the world. The earliest structures date back to 3000 BC. It has been destroyed and rebuilt many times over the millennia, most recently during the Syrian civil war. The castle is a UNESCO World Heritage site.

Are there castles in the United States?

While fairytale castles may be associated more with Medieval Europe, the USA is home to many beautiful châteaux, mansions and palaces – you just need to know where to find them. We round up the most enchanting castles in America, from Hearst Castle in California to the grand Biltmore Estate in North Carolina.

When were castles built in Africa?

From the 15th to the 19th century, more than 40 forts and castles were built in the then Gold Coast, and a good portion of them can still be seen today.

Are there any real castles in Australia?

In the heart of Ballarat, you'll find Bishops Castle, a stunning 1877 palace offering up everything from private accommodation to private events. It's easily one of the most opulent castles in Australia and is surrounded by four epic acres of garden (which are heritage-listed).

How many castles are there in Ghana?

The UNESCO has documented 32 forts and castles along Ghana's coast as World Heritage Sites.

Are there any medieval castles still standing?

Still Standing: Yes

Since the reign of King Henry I, Windsor castle has been used by England's reigning monarch, which makes it the longest-occupied palace in Europe. The original castle was built of motte and bailey, but was gradually replaced with stone fortifications.

Why was the Cape Coast Castle built?

Cape Coast Castle is a European-built fortress situated on the central coastline of Ghana. Since its initial construction in 1652, the Castle served as a trading post for European nations and as the headquarters of British colonial administration for the Gold Coast Colony.

Are there any castles in South America?

The Chapultepec Castle, at the heart of Mexico City's homonymous park, is actually the only castle in all of Latin America.

Is Cape Coast Castle the same as Elmina Castle?

Cape Coast Castle is one of three slave castles on the coast of Ghana. The others are Elmina Castle and Christiansborg Castle. In all, there are more than six dozen castles, forts and various trading-posts on a coastline of less than 500 kilometres.

Are there castles in New Zealand?

Larnach Castle, New Zealand's only Castle, offers an insight into Victorian Culture. Built from 1871, by William Larnach, Merchant Banker and Politician, Larnach Castle showcases master craftsmanship, New Zealand Antiques and the style of Victorian living.

Where is the world's largest castle?

Located in Poland, Malbork Castle is the largest castle in the world.

Which country has the most palaces?

The true epicenter is Wales, which features more castles per square mile than any other country in Europe.

Which country built the Cape Coast Castle?

Originally built by Sweden in the 1650s, Cape Coast Castle shifted into Danish, Dutch, and then English possession by the 1660s. In the castle's early decades, trade revolved around gold, wood, and textiles before English merchants began to seek captive Africans in large numbers.

Who built the castles in Ghana?

In 1482, the Portuguese built St. George's Castle (Elmina Castle). This vast rectangular 97,000sq ft fortification is the earliest known European structure in the tropics.

Does Florida have any castles?

Florida is home to many castles, including chateaus, mansions, and palaces! Castles in Florida blend history, architecture, and nature together almost seamlessly. The grandeur of these historic sites is overwhelming. Because these castles rival their European counterparts, they are popular tourist attractions.

Are there castles in Canada?

It might come as a surprise that there are many castles in Canada. Despite its young heritage, Canada has had its share of royal influence and intrigue, which led to a spate of castle-building in the 19th century. Indeed, Kings and Queens have made Canada's castle hotels their home during their tours here.

Why does Germany have so many castles?

Castles were fortresses to provide shelter for all people of the territory against attacks from other regions. This was especially important as territories or administrative districts were very small and therefore attacks were common as the land was valuable.

Are there any abandoned castles?