Castles, palaces, strongholds

Many interesting stories took place in the walls of castles and fortresses, often surprising with their architecture. Some of them are romantic and slightly mystical places that stimulate our imagination and evoke visions of ancient knights in shining armor, beautiful princesses and powerful rulers.

Castles usually combined defensive and residential functions - they were a fortification and a stately home in one. Creating a building that is both comfortable and defensible is difficult. The ingenious ways lock designers have tried to strike a balance between the two are always intriguing.

Many castles and strongholds today are centers of living history, where modern visitors can watch jousting tournaments, listen to medieval music or watch craftsmen demonstrating the arts, crafts and everyday skills from up to a thousand years ago.