In general, forts were built as a defense of a kingdom or government against enemy attacks. The existence of this fort can also be a center for storing weapons, prisoners, and the residence of the soldiers. There are also kingdoms that build forts as palaces for residence.
Even though they were built during wartime or prehistoric times, there are some forts that still stand strong today. In fact, some of them become tourist attractions that are free to be visited by anyone.
- Citadel of Aleppo – Syria
The palace as well as a fortress located in Syria is claimed as a UNESCO world heritage site. The Citadel of Aleppo is considered a very historic building. In fact, this fort is also included in the list of the largest and third oldest forts in the world until the middle of the 3rd century BC.
During its establishment, the Citadel of Aleppo was controlled by the Greeks, Byzantines, Ayyubids and Mamluks. People believe that the Prophet Abraham once milked his sheep on one of the hills in this fort.
- Edinburgh Castle – Scotland
Edinburgh is known as a historical tourist city. There are many historical buildings in the city, one of which is Edinburgh Castle which is considered the largest palace in the world. Some of the buildings in this fort have been built since the 16th century. St. Chapel Margaret who is part of this building has even been built since the 12th century.
The total area of Edinburgh Castle is 35,737 square meters. If you're sightseeing in Edinburgh it's a shame if you don't stop by to have a look at this sprawling fort and palace.
- Buton Palace Fort – Indonesia
When discussing the largest fort in the world, you might think that the largest fort is only on the European continent. In fact, 3 KM from Bau-Bau City, Southeast Sulawesi there is also a large fort that was recognized by the Guinness World Records in 2006. The fort covering an area of 23,375 hectares was built in the 16th century by the Sultan of Buton III named La Sangaji.
In the heyday of the Buton Sultanate, the Buton Palace Fort succeeded in influencing the existence of the kingdom. For four centuries, the Sultanate of Buton was able to survive and avoid enemy threats thanks to this fort. From this fort, we can enjoy the view of Bau-Bau City and the ships going back and forth in the Buton Strait.
From the appearance of the building, you might think that Chittor Fort is in Europe. However, one of the largest forts in the world is in India. Yes, Chittor Fort was even the capital city of Mewat and is located in Chittorgarh City. The fort that has existed since the 7th century has an area of up to 280 hectares.
Chittor Fort has changed ownership many times, starting from the 7th century controlled by the Mewar Kingdom, the 9th century to the 13th century under the ownership of the Paramara Dynasty, in 1303 the Sultan of Delhi Alauddin Khalji managed to defeat Ratnasimha's troops at the fort Until recently, in 2013 UNESO recognized Chittor Fort as a world heritage site.
Buda Castle is a palace complex of the Kings of Hungary in Budapest which was built in 1265. However, this royal palace also functions as a fortress because it is a defense against Mongol attacks. Considering that Buda Castle has been the object of attack for many times, it is no wonder that this building has changed its architecture many times.
Buda Castle once carried the Gothic architectural style, once also carried the Baroque architectural style. This fort looks very beautiful at night because it is illuminated with lights that make it look majestic. Buda Castle has an area of 44,674 square meters.
Have you ever watched the movie Dragonheart (2006) or The Last Legion (2006)? If so, both films chose Spis Castle in Slovakia as the shooting location. You could say that Spis Castle is the largest medieval castle in Central Europe.
The main part of the castle is fortified with stone walls that are very sturdy and timeless. Spis Castle is on top of green hills with a very enchanting view. The beauty of the scenery around the fort is what makes it a favorite tourist spot as well as a favorite shooting location for several foreign films.
- Königstein Fortress – Germany
Königstein Fortress or also known as the Saxon Bastille is a fortress on a hilltop near Dresden, Saxon Switzerland, Germany. This fort is on the left bank of the Elbe River. This building is also one of the largest fortifications in Europe.
Some parts of this fort are around 400 years old. In fact, in this fort there is also the second deepest well in Europe. The well has a depth of up to 152.5 meters. Currently, Königstein Fortress is open to the public, so many tourists visit this fort.
The largest fort in the world is located in Israel and is a favorite tourist spot in the country. How not, Masada Fort is located on a rock plateau in the Southern District of Israel. This fort has existed since ancient times and has survived to this day because it is in a location isolated from the outside world.
One side of this fort is the Judean Desert and the other side is the Dead Sea. With such a location, this largest fort has been untouched by civilization or modernization for thousands of years.
Even though Mehrangarh Fort is technically a fort, it is considered a castle. The castle is on a hill that is 122 meters high. This castle, located in Jodhpur, India, was built in 1459 by Rao Jodha.
The purpose of this fort was to move the capital from Mandore to Jodhpur. Until now, Mehrangarh Fort has become a favorite tourist destination for tourists both inside and outside India. The colossal walls of this castle offer very impressive views.
This castle in Poland is the largest castle and fort in the world. How not, this building area reaches 143,591 square meters. Malbork Castle was founded in 1274 by the Teutonic Knights.
The function of this castle was the headquarters to defeat the Polish enemy and take control of their own territory north of the Baltic. Over time, the number of knights increased and Malbork Castle underwent several expansions.
