Historic fortifications come in many shapes and sizes: from bastions that surround a city, to a fort equipped with cannons to extravagant castles. Each one was designed to protect a precious way of life with varying degrees of success and defeat.
Historic fortifications come in many shapes and sizes: from bastions that surround a city, to a fort equipped with cannons to extravagant castles. Each one was designed to protect a precious way of life with varying degrees of success and defeat.
During the Middle Ages, Rostock was fortified by tall walls and over 20 gates. The most impressive one was and still is the Kröpeliner Tor. This brick Gothic structure stands 177 feet on a historic street named Kröpeliner Straβe. Since the tower was built in 1270, it has been expanded and restored several times. For years a tram ran through the arch. Today, Kröpeliner Tor houses the Rostock History Workshop. They manage the town’s fortifications plus offer a library and displays about their history.
Kröpeliner Str. 49A, 18055 Rostock, Germany
The Romans built Porta Nigra around 180 AD. While savoring its grandeur, you begin to appreciate why Trier claims to be Germany’s oldest city. Black Gate was one of four entrances to the fortified town. It is the sole survivor. The others were dismantled for building materials during the Middle Ages. Porta Nigra was reconstructed upon the orders of Napoléon Bonaparte in the early 19th century. The huge sandstone blocks without mortar stretch 75 feet wide and 90 feet tall.
Porta Nigra, Porta-Nigra-Platz, 54290 Trier, Germany
While sailing into Gibraltar, you will see this medieval fort overlooking the city on the east side of the Rock of Gibraltar. This is the partial ruins of the Moorish Castle. While the Moors controlled Gibraltar for over 700 years, they named the city Medina Al Fath. Their two occupations were from 711 until 1309 and again in 1350 until conquered by King Henry IV of Castile in 1462. The Moors first built this impressive fortification around 1160. Much of it was destroyed in a series of battles between the Castilians and Moors during the first half of the 14th century. When the Moors regained control, they rebuilt El Castillo including the Tower of Homage seen here. The enormous keep measures 3,400 square feet. This is a fascinating place to visit when exploring all of the sites at the Upper Rock Nature Reserve.
Moorish Castle, 5 Moorish Castle Estate, Gibraltar GX11 1AA, Gibraltar
The New Fortress standing on top of St. Mark Hill defines the western boarder of Corfu’s Old Town. This view from the port clearly shows its two levels. The lower bastion wall was built by the Venetians during the 16th century. It withstood an attack by 8,000 Ottoman Turks in 1716.The structures on top were added during the British Protectorate period (1815-1864). Although many of these defenses were demolished in 1864 when Corfu became a Greek island, the Fortezza Nuova remains an exciting, historic structure to explore.
Plateia Neoi Froiriou 2, Kerkira 491 00, Greece
This view of the Old Fortress from Solomos Square along Garitsa Bay shows how enormous it is: 1,968 feet long and 656 feet wide. The huge wall in the foreground is one of two bastions flanking its main gate. They are named Martinego and Savorgnan after the engineers who designed them. The Greek temple is St. George’s church. At the peak is a lighthouse called Castel a Terra. On the left is a bell tower. This fort survived three attacks by the Ottomans during the Sieges of 1537, 1571 and 1716.
Agoniston Politechniou, Kerkira 491 00, Greece
Less than three miles from the port is the historic epicenter of Patmos: the Monastery of Saint John the Theologian. The Byzantine, polygonal fortress is perched on a 325 foot hill. In the foreground are the whitewashed houses of Chora, the second largest yet oldest town on the island. Construction of the community (also called Hora) started in the early 12th century. The homes were built into the hill encircling the monastery. For added defense against attackers, the stacked rows had high walls, narrow passageways and locked gates. Most of what you see today is contemporary. The oldest surviving home dates from 1522.
Monastery of St. John, Chora, Patmos 855 00, Greece
The French Navy had a decisive victory over the British Royal Navy during the Battle of Grenada on July 6, 1779. Soon after recapturing the island, the French began building Fort Frederick on Richmond Hill. Fearing an attack from inland – a tactic the French had used to win the battle – they pointed their cannons toward the island rather than the harbor. This unusual configuration earned the citadel the nickname Backward-facing Fort. Ironically, the fort became British property after the signing of the Treaty of Versailles in 1783. The cannons never fired a shot during battle. Fort Frederick is small yet well preserved and worth visiting.
Fort Frederick, Richmond Hill, St. George's, Grenada
The French were the first Europeans to successfully colonize the island beginning in 1649. They called it La Grenade. Their main settlement was Fort Royal (today’s Town of St. George’s). During the second half of the 1600s, the colonists regularly battled against the local Caribs. Once the French achieved dominance, they built Fort Royal from 1706 though 1710 to protect the harbor from invasion by other countries. In 1762, the British captured Grenada during the Seven Year’s War. The following year, they assumed official control in the Treaty of Paris. The British renamed the citadel Fort George. This honored King George III who was the United Kingdom’s reigning monarch. The French recaptured the city during the Battle of Grenada in 1779 but then ceded it back to Britain in 1783 under the Treaty of Versailles. Inside the fort is a plaque marking the spot where self-declared prime minister Maurice Bishop and other members of the Marxist New Jewel Movement were executed by a firing squad in 1983. This event led to the four-day invasion of Grenada by the United States. Today, part of Fort George is occupied by the Royal Grenada Police. Tourists flock here to stand on the wall for a panoramic view of the harbor.
Fort George, Grand Etang Road, St. George's, Grenada
At about 8:00 a.m. on December 7, 1941, the Japanese attacked Pearl Harbor. The “date which will live in infamy” resulted in the deaths of over 2,400 Americans, including 1,177 men on the USS Arizona. This view of the sunken ship’s mast is from the memorial. Look closely and you will see an oil slick still forming on the water.
1 Arizona Memorial Pl, Honolulu, HI 96818
The Buda Castle majestically watches over the Danube from the top of Castle Hill. The 1,000 foot long Royal Palace is a testament to Hungarian history. Béla IV, who was King of Hungary and Croatia from 1235 to 1270, was the first to build a castle on the west bank as part of a defense against devastating Mongolian invasions. In 1361, Buda became the country’s capital. While the King of Hungary (1387 – 1437), Holy Roman Emperor Sigismund of Luxemburg spent lavishly to enlarge the castle. Next King Mátyás expanded it in the second half of the 15th century. In 1686, Buda Castle was destroyed during the siege by the Holy League’s army, partially rebuilt by the Hapsburgs in the early 18th century and then engulfed in flames in 1849 during the War of Independence. In 1891, architect Alajos Hauszmann was commissioned to give the castle a Neo-Baroque design. During WWII, the Germans used Budavári Palota as a stronghold until brutally attacked by the Russians in 1945. The reconstruction you see today reflects elements of these 750 years of historical events.
Budapest, Vigadó tér 8, 1051 Hungary
Several tribes led by Árpád banded together to conquer the Carpathian Basin. The resulting Magyar Conquest of 895 marked the formation of Hungary. To help celebrate the country’s 1000th anniversary, architect Ignác Alpár created an amalgamation of 21 historical Hungarian architecture styles using wood and cardboard. The popularity of the temporary exhibit resulted in a permanent version of Vajdahunyad Castle being built in 1908. This fairytale landmark is located on Szechenyi Island within Budapest’s City Park. You will be thrilled to visit this attraction from the moment you see the lakeside reflection of Vajdahunyad Vára.
Budapest, Vajdahunyad vár, 1146 Hungary
In 1001 A.D., Stephen I of Hungary – also called King István – commissioned a Romanesque cathedral on what is now called Castle Hill. After the Mongol attack in 1241, Bishop Lambert of Eger ordered the construction of a surrounding fortress in 1248. The citadel allowed Eger to prosper until the Turks invaded in 1552. The resulting Siege of Eger became the country’s symbolism of heroism. For five brutal weeks, István Dobó and about 2,300 defenders thwarted an assault on the castle by 40,000 Ottoman soldiers. One key to their success was the 10 foot wide bastions and walls. The remnants of the defense seen in front of the round tower date back to the mid-1500s. Beneath them is a labyrinth of tunnels.
Vár 10 Eger, 3300 Hungary
In 1804, long before Chicago was a big city, Fort Dearborn was built on the Chicago River where the Magnificent Mile now begins. On August 15, 1812, the fort was attacked by Potawatomi Indians who killed 86 of the soldiers and their families. This 1928 bas-relief sculpture by Henry Hering is on the south bridge house of the Michigan Avenue Bridge (also called the DuSable Bridge). It shows Ensign George Ronan, from the Army’s 1st infantry regiment, during the battle shortly before he was killed.
362 N Michigan Ave, Chicago, IL 60601
Desmond Castle’s history is as intriguing as the reflection on the River Maigue is beautiful. Although sections were built during the 13th century, the Fitzgeralds are credited with most of the construction. This was a Welsh-Norman family. They became powerful feudal leaders in Ireland and given the title Earls of Kildare during the 14th century. Their reign ended after an unsuccessful insurrection against King Henry VII of England in 1536. Adare Castle was then transferred to the Earls of Desmond. They in turn launched two failed rebellions against the crown. Their stronghold was seized by Queen Elizabeth I’s troops circa 1570. The final demise came in 1657 when it was destroyed by Oliver Cromwell’s army. Some of Desmond Castle was restored during the late 1990s. Tours of the medieval castle can be arranged from the Heritage Centre from June through September.
N21 Limerick Road, Gortaganniff, Adare, Co. Limerick, Ireland
In 1204, King John of England commissioned a stronghold to defend the city against potential Norman attacks. The Record Tower on the left, finished in 1228, is the oldest surviving building of the original Dublin Castle. It was used as a prison and is now the Garda or Police Museum. On the right is the Chapel Royal. The Gothic Revival structure by architect Francis Johnston was finished in 1814. In 1943, it became the Church of the Most Holy Trinity. Since 1922, the 11 acre castle property houses government offices. However, sections such as the State Apartments and two museums are available for public tours.
Dublin Castle, Dame St, Dublin 2, Ireland
The first tower built along the bluff overlooking the River Nore was a motte and bailey design constructed towards the end of the 12th century by Richard de Clare. Also known as Strongbow, he was a Norman lord and the 2nd Earl of Pembroke. His son-in-law and very successful knight, William Marshall, is credited with building this marvelous castle. It was finished in 1219, six years before he died as the British Isles’ second richest man. After a period of ownership by Gilbert De Bohun, the elaborate citadel transferred to James Butler in 1391. The Butler family maintained ownership until Arthur Butler sold it to the city in 1967. The rose garden in the foreground is part of the 49 acre estate.
The Parade, Collegepark, Kilkenny, Ireland
When this tower house was built during the late 15th century, its massive stone exterior provided defense while the interior served as a luxurious residence for the O’Donoghue Mór clan, a family from Cork dating back to Ireland’s 10th century. Apparently the chieftain drowned in Lough Leane (seen in the background) yet returns every seven years for a gallop around the lake. The medieval castle was owned by several families before becoming a military barracks. The stronghold is available for guided tours as part of the Killarney National Park.
Ross Castle Ross Rd, Ross Island, Killarney, Co. Kerry, Ireland
Ivar of Waterford was the King of Waterford from 969 until he died in 1,000. Reginald’s Round Tower is named after his son and successor, Ragnall ua Ímair. The original Viking citadel was built as part of a defensive wall in 1003. This 54 foot, stone stronghold replaced it in the late 13th century. This is one of three towers forming Viking Triangle. During its history, it has been a prison and a mint plus been attacked several times. Ireland’s oldest building is now the Waterford Viking Museum. Inside are exhibits about the Norsemen’s occupation including archeological artifacts.
2 The Mall, Waterford, X91 W5TX, Ireland
You are staring in wonderment at Masada. The name means fortress. At the summit of the 1,424 foot mesa is the former fortified palaces of Herod the Great, the king of Judea from 37 to 4 BC. This was also the last stand of Jewish rebels against the Romans in 73 AD. The UNESCO World Heritage Site is one of the most popular tourist attractions in Israel. Masada is also revered among Jews as a symbol of their struggle against persecution. This must-see destination is protected and maintained by the Masada National Park.
Masada National Park, Israel
The Fortezza Da Basso, which was finished in 1537, has massive walls that give the huge fortress a pentagonal shape. It also features an imposing tower as seen from the Porta Santa Maria Novella entrance. It never saw battle. I was surprised to learn that this military Renaissance architecture is now an exhibition center that houses two modern pavilions with a contemporary appearance. Two other Congress Centers managed by Firenze Fiera are nearby.
Viale Filippo Strozzi, 1, 50129 Firenze FI, Italy
A huge, Renaissance wall surrounds Lucca, Italy, and this is one of several entrances. Called Porta San Pietro, it was built on the south side of town in the mid-16th century by Alessandro Resta. Above the arch is an emblem of St. Peter flanked by two lion statues. In the pediment is the word “Libertas.” It promises a delightful, historic visit ahead that dates back to an ancient Roman colony.
Piazzale Umberto I 55100 Lucca LU, Italy
The gilded statue on a 197 foot pedestal is Madonna della Lettera. Since it was erected in 1934 on a breakwater at Forte del Santissimo Salvatore, the 23 foot monument has been a proud testament to the Virgin Mary. In 42 AD, she sent a Holy Letter to Messina citizens after they were converted to Christianity by Apostle Paul and then followed him to Palestine to visit her. The inscription at the base was the last sentence of her letter. It means, “We Bless You and The City.”
Via S. Raineri 98122 Messina ME, Italy
Perched high above the colorful buildings and fishing boats lining the shore in Portovenere, Italy, is the Andrea Doria Castle. Built by a wealthy Genoese family in 1161 and named after an admiral, the pentagonal shape is now in partial ruins. The historic landmark provides a spectacular, panoramic view of the Gulf of La Spezia. This Cinque Terre town makes a perfect, one-day visit.
Via Olivo, 17 19025 Portovenere SP, Italy
Rapallo is a lovely northern Italian resort town along the Ligurian Sea and a short drive from Genoa. It is blessed with moderate, year-round weather, a picturesque harbor, historic sites, excellent shopping and seafood restaurants plus one of Italy’s oldest golf courses. Or you can just sit along the rocks, cast out your fishing line and enjoy the view.
Lungomare Vittorio Veneto 1, 16035 Rapallo GE, Italy
During the short reign of Aurelian (270 – 275 AD), the Roman Emperor waged battle against many enemies such as the Goths, Vandals and Gallic Empire. His victories consolidated the Empire’s provinces in the east and west. Fearing retaliatory attacks by barbarians, he ordered a massive wall around the city. The first iteration was finished during the reign of Emperor Probus (276 – 282). The initial brick and cement curtainwall stretched for 12 miles, was 26 feet high and protected by a guard tower every 100 feet. This encircled about 3,500 acres of Rome. The defense was extended through the early 5th century. Surprisingly, more than 60% of the walls and gates are still standing.
Via Campania, 10, 00187 Roma RM, Italy
Roman Emperor Hadrian, who ruled from 76 to 138 AD, commissioned this enormous circular structure along the Tiber River to be his mausoleum. He died a year before it was completed but his ashes were interred here in 139 AD. Over the centuries, Castel Sant’Angelo has served as a military fortress, a citadel for popes and a prison. Since 1901, it has been the Museo Nazionale di Castel Sant’Angelo. Notice the bronze statue on top. According to folklore, Archangel Michael appeared over the castle in 590 AD during a procession led by Pope Saint Gregory. This apparition signified the end of the bubonic plague that was devastating Rome.
Lungotevere Castello, 50, 00193 Roma RM, Italy
In 1589, Mōri Terumoto (a feudal lord or daimyō) commissioned this castle while the settlement was called Gokamura (five villages). He renamed the area Hiroshima meaning “wide island.” For nearly twenty years, “Carp Castle” was occupied by Fukushima Masanori before serving twelve generations of the Asano family from 1619 until the end of the feudal system in 1871. It was then a military base when destroyed by the atomic blast in 1945. Only this five-story main keep (tenshu) was reconstructed following the original Azuchi-Momoyama design. Inside of Hiroshima Castle is a simple yet fascinating museum.
21 Motomachi, Naka Ward, Hiroshima, Hiroshima Prefecture 730-0011, Japan
Shimazu Tadatsune (1576 – 1638) was a feudal lord (daimyo) of the Satsuma Domain, a region encompassing much of today’s Kagoshima Prefecture. In 1602, he voluntarily professed his loyalty to Tokugawa Ieyasu, the founder of the Tokugawa shogunate and rulers of Japan until 1868. As a result, Shimazu Tadatsune was allowed to remain the head of the Shimazu clan. He managed his fiefdom (hon) from the Tsurumaru Castle after it was finished in 1604. Also called Kagoshima Castle, it remained the center of local political power until it was burned in 1874 and then seized by the imperial army at the end of the Satsuma Rebellion in 1877. All that remains today is the moat beneath this footbridge and a few stone walls. Most interesting are the bullet holes from the Battle of Shiroyama.
7 Shiroyamachō, Kagoshima-shi, 892-0853, Japan
While Imagawa Norikuni was shogun of Suruga Province (present day Shizuoka Prefecture) during the 14th century, he built a fortification here. Starting in 1585, Tokugawa Ieyasu (who founded the 300 year Edo Period of Japanese rulers) began transforming it into Sunpu Castle. By the early 17th century, Sunpu-jō had a system of moats and a keep to protect his palace. It soon burned down but was elaborately rebuilt. At the start of the Meiji Restoration (1868), when the Tokugawa shogunate ended, Sunpu Castle ceased to be their residence. In 1889, the property was donated to Shizuoka City. From 1896 until 1949, it served the Imperial Japanese Army. Then the ruins of Sunpu Castle became a free park. A few structures were historically recreated in the 1990s. On the left is Tatsumi Yagura. The tower’s name means armory (arrow storage) in southeast corner. On the right is the East Gate.
Sunpujōkōen, Aoi-ku, Shizuoka-shi, Shizuoka-ken 420-0855, Japan
Dwarfed by the much larger Umm al-Beyyara mountain on the left, the Jebal Habis mount on the right is far more fascinating. The face of the cliff shows evidence of an enormous and elaborate unfinished tomb. Had it been completed, it would have been one of the largest burial monuments in Petra. Less visible in this photo are the ruins of a Crusaders castle at the peak. The al-Habis fortress was built in 1115 AD but is now mostly in ruins.
Colonnaded St, Petra, Jordan
The Montreal Castle was built by the Crusaders on top of this rocky plateau in 1115 AD. To appreciate its enormous size, notice the pathway leading up to this citadel. This desolate Mont Rial hilltop provided an excellent means of defense against invaders. Krak de Montreal is located near Shoubak, a small town of Muslims. This ancient fortress is one of several popular archeological sites in Ma’an Governorate. Others include nearby Little Petra and the world famous Petra, the number one tourist attraction in Jordan.
Shobak Castle, Montreal Shobak, Jordan
In 963 AD, Siegfried, the Count of Ardennes, built a fortification that he called Lützelburg which means “Little Castle.” This is how Luxembourg derived its name. Over several centuries, it expanded into three rings of walls with 24 forts and 14 miles of casemates built into rock that housed thousands of soldiers. This view from Bock Promontory shows some of the ruins along the Alzette River.
10 Montée de Clausen, 1343 Luxembourg
A military fort called a castellum was built on this hill during the Roman Gothic period. Construction on the Vianden Castle began in the 11th century and continued for about three hundred years. A further expansion occurred in the 17th century. After falling into ruins during the 19th century, the fortress was fully restored. Today, Vianden Castle is a fascinating history museum.
Vianden Castle Montée du Château, 9408 Vianden, Luxembourg
Early in the French and Indian War (1754 – 1763), the British built this wooden blockhouse to defend against the French. The oldest surviving wooden fort in the United States still flies the Flag of British America. Fort Western also served as a trading post. The most famous residents were Benedict Arnold and Aaron Burr in 1775. Five years later, Arnold defected his post as a U.S. general during the Revolutionary War to become a British general and traitor. Burr went on to become the 3rd Vice President of the United States.
16 Cony St, Augusta, ME 04330
Joseph Barker Stearns was the president of Franklin Telegraph Company when he invented a duplex system of telegraphy. In 1871, he sold patent rights for this two-way communication to Western Union. His stream of royalties gave him the wealth to pursue his fantasy of building a European-style castle in 1886. The 10,330 square foot, Victorian house designed by Arthur Bates has a stone façade and a spectacular turret. Stearns called it Norumbega Castle. This name was a phantom settlement in today’s Maine first reported in 1542 by Jean Alfonse, a Portuguese navigator. The landmark along Penobscot Bay is now The Norumbega Inn.
63 High St, Camden, ME 04843
The beautifully preserved Fort Knox in Penobscot, Maine, was built with granite in the mid-19th century to guard the Penobscot River from a potential British invasion. The attack never came. The fortress was also manned during the Civil and Spanish-American Wars but still never saw a military conflict. The 124 acre, former military post is now the Fort Knox State Park. It is fun walking around this U. S. National Historic Landmark.
740 Ft Knox Rd Prospect, ME 04981
The War of 1812 and the American Civil War prompted the need to defend the mouth of Portland Harbor. Fort Gorges was finished in 1864. It never saw military action. The namesake for the fortress was Sir Ferdinando Gorges. He was a 17th century military commander of Plymouth, England. Gorges helped establish the Province of Maine in 1622. This earned him the title “Father of English colonization in North America.” Fort Gorges is located in Casco Bay on Hog Island Ledge. Hog Islander is a slang term for WWII troop and transport ships like those previously built in today’s Bug Light Park where this photo was taken. You can tour the island but it is only accessible by water.
Fort Gorges, Hog Island Ledge, South Portland, ME 04101
Captain Francis Light began advocating to the British to establish a settlement on today’s Penang Island in 1771. 15 years later, he negotiated a lease from Sultan Abdullah Mukarram Shah and became the island’s first superintendent. One of his first initiatives on behalf of the British East India Company was to build Fort Cornwallis. The fort’s namesake was Charles Cornwallis. He was the British army general who surrendered to George Washington in 1781 during the American Revolutionary War. The wooden foundations for Fort Cornwallis were finished in 1786. It was strengthened with brick and a moat in 1810. Although the moat is gone, this modified drawbridge is still the entrance. Inside you will be treated to colonial buildings, old British military hardware including 17 cannons and staff dressed in colonial costumes.
Jalan Tun Syed Sheh Barakbah, 10200 George Town, Pulau Pinang, Malaysia
The word Mdina means “city surrounded by walls.” Most cars are banned from entering so it is often referred to as the “Silent City.” The history speaks volumes about Mediterranean civilization. Archeological evidence suggests the first settlement was around 5200 BC. When the Phoenicians arrived in the 7th century BC, they named the island Malat. This translates to “safe haven.” The Romans called it Melite from 218 BC until 870 AD. It was then conquered by Arabs. They built these ramparts and made Mdina the island’s capital city. The Muslims eventually lost control to the Kingdom of Sicily who ruled from 1194 until 1530. Then the Knights Hospitaller from the Order of Saint John of Jerusalem dominated until 1798 when they were attacked by Napoleon’s French troops. In recent history, Malta was part of the British Empire from 1800 until the country’s independence in 1964. If you look closely, you will notice a rectangular indentation in the wall. This was the original entry into Mdina before the current Main Gate was built in the early 18th century.
Mdina Rd, Attard, Malta
Prior to 1417, the Sciberras Peninsula was nothing more than a rocky promontory surrounded by two natural bays on the island of Malta. In that year, a simple post was built pointing towards the Mediterranean. A larger one was constructed by the Aragonese in 1488. It was named after the patron saint of sailors: Saint Erasmus of Formia. After the Invasion of Gozo by the Ottoman Empire in 1551, Fort Saint Elmo was constructed within six months, one of the first buildings by the Knights of Saint John. Notice the people swimming in the Marsamxett Harbour while others are enjoying this view of the St. Gregory Bastion along the lower Fort St. Elmo.
St. Elmo Place 1, Il-Belt Valletta, Malta
The first governor of Martinique ordered the building of a fortress in 1638 to protect the island. It was rebuilt in 1669 and then suffered numerous attacks by the Dutch and British for nearly 150 years. Over the centuries, it has been called Fort Edward, Fort Royal and Fort de la Republique. Today, Fort Saint Louis is an active base for the French National Navy. Sections of the historic fort can be toured.
Boulevard Alfassa & D42 Fort-de-France, Martinique
Unlike most Mayan sites, the one at Tulum was built like a fort. It was protected by walls that were up to 23 feet thick and 10 to 16 feet tall. Flanking its western perimeter were two Watch Tower Temples that guarded against intruders by land. This is the tower in the northwest corner called El Torreón. Inside of this temple is an altar.
Carretera federal 307 Cancún - Chetumal Km 230, 77780 Tulum, Q.R., Mexico
When your winter is the second coldest in the lower 48 states, you learn to embrace it while wearing plenty of layers. One example of outdoor fun is the annual Ice Castle. In 2012, it was located in Miller Park in Eden Prairie, Minnesota. This winter wonderland was built on one acre with 30 million pounds of icicles. It was inspired by a castle Brent Christensen first created in the backyard for his children.
8250 Shoreline Dr, Eden Prairie, MN 55347
Fort Snelling was established in 1819 on a cliff overlooking the conflux of the Mississippi and Minnesota Rivers. The citadel’s namesake was the first commanding officer and architect, Colonel Josiah Snelling. It took until 1824 for the soldiers from the 5th Infantry Regiment to finalize the construction of the fortification’s buildings. This fort and other structures within the unorganized territory served various military roles until it was decommissioned in 1994. It is now a park managed by the Minnesota Historical Society.
200 Tower Ave, St Paul, MN 55111
This Round Tower was built at Fort Snelling in 1820, 38 years before Minnesota became a state. It is considered to be the state’s oldest remaining building. This frontier post was the epicenter for the future Twin Cities of Minneapolis and Saint Paul plus neighboring towns. This pioneering role has earned the fortification two prestigious designations: U.S. National Historic Landmark and U.S. National Register of Historic Parks.
200 Tower Ave, St Paul, MN 55111
One of the joys of visiting Fort Snelling near Saint Paul, Minnesota, is to see volunteers in period costumes reenact military drills every half hour. Here three soldiers fire muskets. Other activities include cannon demonstrations, fife and drum performances, infantry marches, and flag ceremonies. You can also meet historically dressed staff who are “working” in different buildings and learn what life was like in a pioneer fort during the early 19th century.
200 Tower Ave, St Paul, MN 55111
One of the wards of Monaco is Monaco-Ville but most people call it “The Rock” because it is a promontory that juts into the Mediterranean. This stone guard tower stands about 460 feet overlooking the Ciappaira Cliffs. Le Rocher has been inhabited since the 6th century BC as a prized defense position.
11 Avenue Saint-Martin 98000 Monaco
This massive wall at the southern edge of Budva plunges straight down into the blue waters of Boka Bay. The fortification is part of the Citadel at Budva. It was built during the 9th century probably shortly after the town was destroyed by Muslims. It was then expanded during the 15th, 17th and 18th centuries. This rampart has survived several attacks and suffered through earthquakes. But the Citadela stands as a testament to engineering by people who cherished their town and dreamed of freedom. Don’t forget to visit the history museum inside of the Citadel.
Crkva Svetog Save Budva, Montenegro
One look at Budva and it is very easy to see why it has become the tourism capital of Montenegro. The Budvanska Rivijera offers the allure of a medieval fortified town, beautiful beaches, a thriving nightlife, gambling in several hotels, cultural centers and a Mediterranean climate with plenty of sunshine. No wonder it attracts over 40% of the country’s tourists.
Merit Casino Avala Mediteranska 2, Budva 85310, Montenegro
An exciting adventure for the physically fit is to climb the city walls from Kotor up to the Castle of St. John. The 1200 foot assent entails over 1350 steps through a winding series of switchbacks that stretch for over two miles. Some of these bastions from the 15th century reach a height of 50 feet. The shorter ones provide great views of the city and bay below. Half way up you reach the Chapel of Our Lady of Health which was built in 1518. It is a great place to pray you will survive the rest of the trek up the St. John Mountain to reach the fortress and the Chapel of St. Ivan.
Put do Svetog Ivana Kotor, Montenegro
At the eastern terminus of Langestraat (Long Street) is Kamperbinnenpoort. The city gate was built during the 13th century as part of the first fortification of Amersfoort. The original name was Viepoort. Although Kamperbinnenpoort qualifies as the oldest gate, the most famous is Koppelpoort. The elaborate water and land gate was built in 1425 during the second fortification.
Kamperbinnenpoort 8, 3811 AL Amersfoort, Netherlands
A block east of the Red Light District is Nieuwmarkt. Dominating the square is the former Sint Antoniespoort. Saint Anthony’s Gate was part of the city walls built in the 15th century. Early in the 17th century, the defenses were torn down. In 1617-1618, New Market was created and the gate was transformed into a weigh house. The Waag served this function until 1819. For nearly two hundred years, Amsterdam’s oldest non-religious building had many unremarkable roles. After an extensive renovation in the 1990s, the lower level became a restaurant.
Nieuwmarkt 4, 1012 CR Amsterdam, Netherlands
De Haar Castle is another major attraction in Utrecht. The original Kasteel de Haar was constructed in 1391 and burned down in 1482. The fortress was rebuilt in the 16th century and again in 1907. In essence, this miniature version at Madurodam is the third reproduction of the famous medieval castle. By the end of your Madurodam walking tour, you will be enamored with miniatures. Why not purchase a unique souvenir of your visit? Have your picture taken at the Fantasitron photo booth. In a few weeks, a tiny 3D figurine of you will be delivered to your door!
George Maduroplein 1, 2584 RZ Den Haag, Netherlands
When this circular, red sandstone fort was built in 1811 to protect New York City during the War of 1812, it was called West Battery. Four years later, the name was changed to Clinton Castle as a tribute to Mayor DeWitt Clinton. The fortress never saw battle. From 1855 until 1892, this was the main processing center for more than eight million immigrants before the function moved to Ellis Island. Clinton Castle is now a National Monument managed by the National Park Service.
Battery Park, New York, NY 10004
Scotland-born William Larnach arrived in Dunedin in 1867 to manage the Bank of Otago. He also became a member of parliament and grew wealthy investing in land. After purchasing hilltop acreage on Otago Peninsula, he hired architect Robert Lawson to design a grand, Gothic Revival estate. 200 workers built this castellated villa in three years. It took another 12 years to embellish the interior on a scale rivaling a European mansion. Larnach called this The Camp. Others named it Larnach Castle. In 1967, Barry and Margaret Baker acquired the property as their home. The building was decrepit and devoid of furniture. The once beautiful 35 acres were chocked with weeds and brush. The Barkers lovingly refurbished this landmark and welcomes you to tour their passion. You can also stay in your choice of three accommodations: a manor house, a lodge or stable coach house.
145 Camp Rd, Dunedin, 9077, New Zealand
The origin of Bergenhus Fortress is debated among historians. Evidence suggests this location along the harbor was first occupied about 1070 by King Olaf Kyrre, the founder of Bjørgvin (now Bergen). When the city was Norway’s capital for nearly a century (1217 – 1314), this medieval fortress was the royal residence. Magnus VI, the king of Norway from 1263 to 1280, ordered the construction of this tower during his reign. It was expanded to five floors during the governorship of Erik Ottesen Rosenkrantz in the 1560s and given his name. Rosenkrantz Tower later served as a gunpowder magazine from the 1740s until 1930s. The tower is now a key feature of tours.
Bergenhus Fortress, Vågen, 5003 Bergen, Norway
While Christian IV was the king of Denmark and Norway from 1588 until 1648, he commissioned Christiansholm Fortress. The military post was active until 1872. This original bronze cannon is one of eight that once protected the citadel. The stone walls of the circular tower are 16 feet thick. Today, Christiansholm Festning is a major tourist attraction, a small gallery and a special event facility.
Østre Strandgate 52B, 4610 Kristiansand, Norway