The Castle of La Calahorra is a Spanish

 

The Castle of La Calahorra is a Spanish castle located in the town of La Calahorra, in the autonomous community of Andalusia and the province of Granada.

Built from an ancient Moorish fortress, the castle was built at the foot of the Sierra Nevada between 1509 and 1512. It is one of the first Italian Renaissance castles built outside Italy. The Marquis Don Rodrigo Díaz de Vivar y Mendoza, following a stay in Italy from 1506 to 1508, had it built, entrusting its design to Genoese craftsmen to treat the monument "in the Italian style". The architectural and decorative elements are inspired in particular by the repertoire of antique ornaments brought back from Italy by the Marquis around 1509, the Codex Escurialensis. The Renaissance style appears for example in the inner courtyard of the castle, whose upper floor has a colonnade with Corinthian capitals and a balustrade.

It was declared a property of cultural interest in 1922. It is privately owned.

© sfphoto.castles 

Medieval City Walls (12th-13th Centuries CE) of Provins, Seine-et-Marne, France

 Medieval City Walls (12th-13th Centuries CE) of Provins, Seine-et-Marne, France.

The historic walled city of Provins is an outstanding and authentic example of a medieval fair town in Champagne, a region that was an important centre of exchange, and which witnessed, together with the rise of trading fairs in 11th Century CE, the beginning of significant international trade in Europe.

Of international scope, these trade fairs which targeted merchants and traders required protection of long-distance freight transport between Europe and East, encouraging development of activities such as banking and foreign exchange, as well as productive activities (tanning, dyeing, cloth trade). The urban layout and the medieval dwellings that remain in Provins are an outstanding example of an architectural ensemble built specially to fulfill these functions. This complex includes merchant houses, vaulted cellars and warehouses, outdoor spaces for trade, and religious ensembles. The city is also known for its well-preserved defense system, which was built for the protection of the fairs.

At beginning of 2nd Millennium, Provins was one of several towns in the territory of the Counts of Champagne that became venues for great annual trading fairs linking northern Europe with the Mediterranean world. Provins preserves to a high degree the architecture and urban layout that characterize these great medieval fair towns.

Although Provins suffered some destruction during Hundred Years War in 14th-15th Centuries CE, as well as during French Revolution, it was quite minimal. The urban plan of medieval town is well preserved, as are a large part of the historic buildings, canals and the water management system. Some 150 historic houses have preserved their medieval vaulted cellars, intended for the storage of goods. Despite minor changes since 17th Century CE, city has preserved its integrity and that of the places associated with various functions of the fairs. The relationship of the upper town with the plains of Plateau Briard is also intact. The new buildings in the lower town respect the volumes of ensemble and integrate nicely with historic buildings.

Due to its economic decline, but also to the persistence of its urban functions, the medieval fairs town of Provins remains relatively intact to this day. Open spaces, cellars, public and religious buildings and fortifications have preserved the medieval character of the fairgrounds.

Chateau de Roquetaillade, a medieval castle nestled in the picturesque countryside of Mazères (near Bordeaux), in southwestern France

 

Chateau de Roquetaillade, a medieval castle nestled in the picturesque countryside of Mazères (near Bordeaux), in southwestern France. 

The castle stands as a timeless symbol of medieval grandeur and architectural mastery. Dating back to 10th Century CE, this formidable fortress has witnessed centuries of history unfold within its stone walls. Its name, derived from Occitan language meaning "rocky slope," aptly describes its commanding position atop a rugged hillside overlooking rolling landscape. With its distinctive blend of Gothic and Renaissance elements, the chateau's imposing towers, fortified walls and intricate stone carvings evoke a sense of awe and wonder. The inner courtyard, adorned with elegant arches and delicate sculptures, transports visitors back in time to an era of chivalry and nobility.

Charlemagne, on his way to Pyrenees with Roland, built first fortification there. Of this old castle, nothing remains but imposing ruins. In 1306 CE, with the permission of English King  Edward I, Cardinal de la Mothe, nephew of Pope Clement V built a second fortress (le Château Neuf). This new castle was square in plan with six towers and a central keep. Entire structure was restored and transformed by Viollet-le-Duc and one of his pupils, Duthoit, between 1860-1870 CE. Extraordinary interior decorations, with its furnishings and paintings, were created by Viollet-le-Duc and are listed as French Heritage.

The castle owned by same noble family for over 700 years, Chateau de Roquetaillade bears witness to the passage of time through its evolving architectural styles and richly adorned interiors. Visitors can explore its opulent rooms, adorned with tapestries, antique furniture and priceless works of art, each telling a story of the castle's illustrious past. Beyond its architectural splendor, chateau's sprawling grounds offer a haven of tranquility and natural beauty. Lush gardens, manicured lawns, and ancient oak trees provide a scenic backdrop for leisurely strolls and contemplative moments.

The château park includes remains of the medieval curtain wall with the barbican, Pesquey stream and its banks, 19th Century CE, chalet, and Crampet pigeon loft. It has been listed since 1976 as a  monument historique by French Ministry of Culture and is open to the public.

Today, the castle has been lived in by the same family for over 700 years. It has been open to the public since 1956 and is most visited in Bordeaux region. Open all year round, visits in English with owners are also possible. Chateau de Roquetaillade stands as a testament to France's rich cultural heritage and serves as a captivating destination for history enthusiasts, architecture aficionados, and curious travelers alike, inviting them to step into the past and immerse themselves in the enchanting world of medieval France.

Other activities at the castle include a famous production of white Graves wines, "Chateau Fort de Roquetaillade", and Bazadais  cattle breeding. The castle been used as a location in several films, including Fantômas contre Scotland Yard and Le Pacte des loups (Brotherhood of the Wolf). © loic.lagarde 

Ла-Ферьер - фортификационное сооружение на Гаити

 

Castillo de Chinchilla de Montearagón

 Amazing spanish castle ruins Castillo de Chinchilla de Montearagón. The castle was rebuilt in the 15th century

Монтериджиони

 

Монтериджиони — один из наиболее хорошо сохранившихся средневековых городов-крепостей в Тоскане, Италия.

 Это типичная укрепленная деревня, которая начала свою жизнь как замок в начале 13 века нашей эры, чтобы защитить сиенцев от их исторических соперников, флорентийцев.

Замок Гернштейн

 

Замок Гернштейн, построенный в  XII веке в итальянских Доломитовых Альпах

Shumen Fortress in Bulgaria

 

Shumen Fortress in Bulgaria

Крепость Белоградчик

Крепость Белоградчик, также известная как Калето — крупная крепость на северном склоне Балканских гор, Болгария.

Borobudur Temple Compounds

Borobudur Temple Compounds, one of the greatest Buddhist monuments in the world, and was built in the 8th-9th Centuries AD, during the reign of Syailendra Dynasty (750-850 AD). The monument is located in the Kedu Valley, in the southern part of Central Java, at the centre of the island of Java, Indonesia.

Temple is a Mahayana buddhist site, has 504 Buddha statues. Temple is a combination of both Hindu and Buddhist architecture. Temple is heavily influenced by ancient Indian 'Gupta' era (4th-6th Century AD) art. It has one of greatest buddhist reliefs carved. The main temple is a stupa built in three tiers around a hill which was a natural centre: a pyramidal base with five concentric square terraces, the trunk of a cone with three circular platforms and, at the top, a monumental stupa. The walls and balustrades are decorated with fine low reliefs, covering a total surface area of 2,520 m2. Around the circular platforms are 72 openwork stupas, each containing a statue of the Buddha. The monument was restored with UNESCO's help in the 1970s.

The vertical division of Borobudur Temple into base, body and superstructure perfectly accords with the conception of Universe in Buddhist cosmology. It is believed that the universe is divided into three superimposing spheres,  kamadhatu, rupadhatu and  arupadhatu, representing respectively sphere of desires  where we are bound to our desires, the sphere of forms where we abandon our desires but are still bound to name and form, and the sphere of formlessness where there is no longer either name or form. At Borobudur Temple, the kamadhatu is represented by the base, the rupadhatu by the five square terraces and arupadhatu by the three circular platforms as well as the big stupa. The whole structure shows a unique blending of the very central ideas of ancestor worship, related to the idea of a terraced mountain, combined with the Buddhist concept of attaining Nirvana.

Temple should also be seen as an outstanding dynastic monument of Syailendra Dynasty that ruled Java for around five centuries until 10th Century AD. Borobudur Temple Compounds, consists of three monuments: those three levels symbolic of Buddhist cosmology: Kāmadhātu (the world of desire), Rūpadhātu (the world of forms) and Arūpadhātu (the world of formlessness). First one, namely the Borobudur Temple and two smaller temples situatued to the east on a straight axis to Borobudur. The two temples are Mendut Temple, whose depiction of Buddha is represented by a formidable monolith accompanied by two Bodhisattvas, and Pawon Temple, a smaller temple whose inner space does not reveal which deity might have been the object of worship. Those three monuments represent phases in the attainment of Nirvana.

Temple was used as a Buddhist temple from its construction until sometime between 10th-15th Centuries AD, when it was abandoned. Since its re-discovery in 19th Century AD, and restoration in 20th Century AD, it has been brought back into a Buddhist archaeological site.

Viking village in Iceland

  Viking village in Iceland

Sofia city of Bulgaria

 Sofia city of Bulgaria

Maiden Castle is the largest hill fort in Britain and one of the largest in Europe.

Maiden Castle is the largest hill fort in Britain and one of the largest in Europe. Built in 600 BC and greatly expanded in 450 BC, the fort is on top of a large hill which is 914 m long, that's about as long as 10 football pitches. In the Iron Age, hundreds of people lived there

A 900-year-old church still standing in Wicklow, Ireland

 

A 900-year-old church still standing in Wicklow, Ireland

The Cathedral of Notre-Dame of Reims

 

The Cathedral of Notre-Dame of Reims is a magnificent example of French Gothic architecture, boasting a rich history dating back to the 13th century. Its construction commenced in 1211 and spanned over 80 years, resulting in a stunning representation of High Gothic style. The cathedral's historical importance is deeply intertwined with its role as the site for French coronations, where numerous French monarchs were crowned

Kamjanec-Podilskyj Castle

 

Kamjanec-Podilskyj Castle, is a late medieval defensive structure located in the old town of Kam "janec'-Podil's'kyj, Ukraine. Initially built to protect the bridge that connected the city with the mainland, the The castle sits atop a peninsula carved out by the winding Smotrič River, which forms a natural defense for the historic Old Town district.Its location on a strategic transport crossroads in Podolia made the garrison a prime target for foreign invaders , who variously rebuilt the castle according to their own needs, eventually giving it its present appearance. It is one of the few medieval constructions in today's Ukraine that is relatively well preserved. It is a candidate for the award of recognition of world heritage. awarded to UNESCO, to include the fortification among the wonders of Ukraine.

Ancient Darab Gerd in Iran

 Ancient Darab Gerd in Iran

Deir-e Gachin Caravansari, Kavir National Park, Iran.

 Deir-e Gachin Caravansari, Kavir National Park, Iran.

Schloss Braunfels

 

Castle of Rocca Calascio, Italy

Castle of Rocca Calascio is a mountaintop fortress or rocca in the municipality of Calascio, in the Province of L'Aquila, Abruzzo, Italy.

At an elevation of 1,512 metres, the castle is the highest fortress in the Apennines. Built of stone and masonry exclusively for military purposes and intended only to accommodate troops and never as residence for nobles, the fortress overlooks the Plain of Navelli at one of the highest points in the ancient Barony of Carapelle.

Construction of the fortress started in the tenth century as a single watchtower. A walled courtyard with four cylindrical towers at the corners around a taller inner tower was added in the thirteenth century. The lower half of the fortress is built with distinctively larger stones than its upper half. It is believed that this feature was to make its base impenetrable to invaders.

The fortress was never tested in battle. However, it was badly damaged in November 1461 by an earthquake with an estimated magnitude of 7 to 8 on the Richter Scale. While the town of Calascio, which lies below the fortress, was rebuilt, the fortress was not.

Photo by : @ castlepics