Himeji Castle
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Himeji castle, also known as White Heron Castle, is Japan’s most visited castle. Built as a fort in 1331, this magnificent castle was completed in 1609. It was Japan’s first national landmark to be listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Sites in 1993. Five other structures of the castle are also declared National Treasures: the castle keep, northwest small tower, west small tower, east small tower, and I, Ro, Ha, Ni-corridors.
Himeji Castle with its beautiful white exterior, is located in Himeji in Hyōgo Prefecture. The castle, covering an area of 233 hectares or 576 acres was built on top of Himeyama hill. The castle complex houses 83 structures including walls, corridors, gates, turrets and storehouses. The 6 storey Tenshukaku (castle tower) is the main structure. The best time to visit Himeji Castle is during spring (early April), where it hosts the Himeji Castle Cherry Blossom Viewing Festival. Currently, the castle is undergoing renovation which will last up to 2012.
Mehrangarh Fort
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The fort built atop a 125 m high hill in Jodhpur city, Mehrangarh Fort is one of India’s greatest cities. Enclosed by thick 36 m high, 21 m wide walls, Mehrangarh Fort was completed during 1638-167. Inside the fort are several palaces and structures known for their lavish courtyards. Among the beautiful palaces to marvel are: Moti Mahal (Pearl Palace), Phool Mahal (Flower Palace), Khabka Mahal (The Sleeping Palace), Sheesh Mahal (The Hall Of Mirrors), Jhanki Mahal (The Palace of Glimpses) and Daulat Khana Palace.
Other notable structures of the fort includes: fascinating temples, the seven gates that bore imprints of cannonball hits, a road that leads to and from the city below, the museum that showcases the Rathores culture, arts, paintings, and arms. The Sileh Khana (armory) and several galleries are worth visiting to. These galleries include: Palanquin Gallery, Painting Gallery, Turban Gallery, and the Folk Musical Instruments Gallery.
Krak des Chevaliers
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Built in the 12th century, Krak des Chevaliers served as the knights’ headquarter at the time of the Crusades; until it was overrun and captured by Mameluke Sultan Baibars. The strategic castle sits atop a 650 m in Tartus, Syria. It overlooks the only route along the coastal mountains between Israel and Turkey. Since 2006, UNESCO has recognized Krak des Chevaliers as a World Heritage Site.
The castle is fortified by an inside wall and an outside wall with 13 towers. A moat served as the divider between walls. Past the main entrance is a beautiful courtyard where a chapel once stood. Other castle features included: a large vaulted hall, a meeting hall, a drawbridge, a steep passageway, a 120-meter-long storage facility and stone stables.
Read full article:The Five Most Impressive Castles in Asia and The Middle East
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