While many of us are familiar with ghost towns, dead factories, failed theme parks, and other abandoned structures in the United States, outside of our country it’s possible to find the remnants of castles that have been abandoned. Check out these photos of crumbling royal dwellings in every corner of the world.
Related: 30 Incredible Photos of Ancient Ruins Across North America
Madhya Pradesh, India
Jahangir Mahal in Orchha is one of many well-preserved palatial remains that can be found in India. It was built in the 17th century, when the ruler of the region wanted to create a lavish welcome for Mughal Emperor Jahangir.
Teesdale, U.K.
The ruins of Bowes Castle are impressive for not only their appearance but their history. This medieval castle was once timber but rebuilt using stone between 1170 and 1174.
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Mersin, Turkey
This crumbling structure still looks gorgeous against the blue sky. The arch in the front suggests a Roman influence.
Related: 12 Real Castles Where You Can Stay Overnight
Catalonia, Spain
Step into these ruins and you’ll get a view that was likely just as incredible hundreds of years ago. If you’re not familiar with the region, Catalonia is made up of four provinces, including Barcelona.
Anuradhapura, Sri Lanka
There’s nothing left of Lovamahapaya (also known as Bronze Palace) but these 1,600 stone pillars. The palace was long ago destroyed by fire.
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Fars, Iran
The ruins of Persepolis date back to 500 B.C. and are now a UNESCO World Heritage site.
Edinburgh, Scotland
Holyrood Castle is still used by Queen Elizabeth, but the abbey, which dates to 1128, is abandoned. The Queen likely sees the abbey during her stay at the palace one week every summer.
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Heraklion, Crete
The Palace of Knossos is a top tourist attraction, giving visitors a peek into the ancient Minoan civilization. What visitors see is made up of rebuilt features which span several centuries, so the current palace may not be recognizable to ancient peoples.
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Liguria, Italy
Castelvecchio di Rocca Barbena sits beneath the striking ruins of a castle on the mountain. Located 43 miles from Genoa, the castle dates back to the 9th or 10th century.
Karnataka, India
The ruins of Sangeet Mahal are believed to be the remains of a royal court for music and dance. In modern times, the site has become the location for an annual classical music concert, Navaraspur Music Festival, held in February.
Related: Once Popular Tourist Hotspots That Are Now Totally Abandoned
Tsarang, Nepal
There’s little left of this castle in the Mustang region of the country. The chortens, or religious structures symbolizing Buddha’s presence, each signify one of Buddha’s major life events.
Bali, Indonesia
What’s left of Taman Soekasada Ujung (Ujung Water Palace) in Indonesia is little more than a few columns. It was destroyed by a volcanic eruption in 1963 followed by an earthquake in 1975.
Quintana Roo, Mexico
The Mayan ruins at Tulum are located on the Yucatan Peninsula’s eastern coast. The ruins are located on tall cliffs and considered some of the best-preserved Mayan sites.
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Granada, Spain
Torre de las Damas, or the Tower of the Ladies, is part of the castle of Alhambra, which dates back to the 9th century. Paintings found on the premises are the only ones of their kind representing the 16th century Muslim period in Spain.
Zavrsje, Croatia
Juxtaposed with more recent buildings, the ramparts of this castle in Croatia still look sturdy enough to fend off any incoming attack.
Uxmal, Mexico
The Governor’s Palace in the Uxmal Mayan site features the impressive Pyramid of the Magician, also known as the House of the Dwarf. It is one of the most famous Maya monuments in the region.
Russia
This building has been overtaken by nature in the years since it was abandoned. Imagining how this grand hall once looked is part of the fun.
Jaipur, India
The City Palace has some colorful windows in this viewing area. The site is still frequently visited today and viewed as living history.
Bali, Indonesia
The gateway of the Puri Gede Palace is thrust into the 21st century with a modern moped on the walkway. The Palace, home to members of the Karangasem royal family, isn’t open to the public.
Tamil Nadu, India
The royal palace of Thanjavur has a lot more color than one might expect from an abandoned palace. This is the durbar hall, a reception area found in many Indian palaces.
Guadalajara, Spain
The Molina de Aragon castle is a Moorish fortress with four of its original eight gates remaining. Military leader El Cid, the national hero of Spain, lived here in the 11th century while in exile.
Russia
This abandoned palace is a little too spooky to attract tourists. The curved entryway suggests this building is more modern than the decay of the structure might imply.
Jaipur, India
Hawa Mahal, or the Palace of the Winds, is also known as the Beehive. Built in 1799, the five-story building was meant for the queen and the women attending her as well as the king’s harem. It has 953 windows to allow the women in the harem to watch the scenery below.
Seoul, South Korea
Gyeongbokgung Palace was built in 1395, and much of it was destroyed in the early 20th century by Imperial Japan. The palace is still being restored to its original form, and houses the National Palace Museum and the National Folk Museum.
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Lithuania
There’s little left of this palace in Lithuania, but no doubt it was something to see hundreds of years ago.
