13th century castles of Europe

5 European castles and fortresses built mainly in the 13th century — each mapped, dated and ready to explore.

• Rothenburg ob der Tauber Walls

  Germany · 13th century

  Germany's best-preserved medieval town walls, with a covered wall-walk and towers

• Visegrád Citadel

  Hungary · 13th century

  Hungary's hilltop citadel above the Danube Bend, once a royal seat

• York City Walls

  United Kingdom · 13th century

  England's most complete medieval city walls, walkable above the streets of York

• Malbork Castle

  Poland · 13th century

  The world's largest brick castle, built by the Teutonic Knights in Poland

• Conwy Castle

  United Kingdom · 13th century

  13th-century Welsh river fortress with eight towers, built in just four years