From the rugged cliffs of Scotland to the resplendent Loire Valley of France, ancient castles have witnessed centuries of power, conflict, and decline. Today, those that lay abandoned still tell the fascinating stories of royal families and military leaders, making them well worth exploring. Here are five of our favorites.
Dunnottar Castle – Scotland
Overlooking the North Sea from a rocky Scottish outcrop, Dunnottar Castle was built in the 14th century by Sir William Keith, Great Marischal of Scotland. Expanded in the 16th century, the castle remained in the Keith family for about 400 years. Over that time, it withstood sieges, fires, and reconstructions; played host to saints and queens; and witnessed pivotal moments in Scotland’s history. It also, notably, guarded the Scottish crown jewels in the 1650s to shield them from Oliver Cromwell’s army.
Sadly, the Keiths lost the castle in the 18th century, and for 200 years, Dunnottar lay abandoned. In the 20th century, Lord and Lady Cowdray restored the castle and opened it to the public. Though largely in ruins, the castle’s former grandeur is evident from its dramatic setting, while the impressive stone structures still stand as a testament to its historical significance.
Ali Pacha Jumblatt Palace – Lebanon
Located in Moukhtara, a village in the historic Chouf region of Lebanon, the Ali Pacha Jumblatt Palace (also called the Serai of Baadarâne) was once an Ottoman-era palace that is now mostly dilapidated and in disrepair.
Built in the 18th century by Kurdish tribal chief Ali Pacha Jumblatt, the palace served as a generational family home until around the time of the Lebanese Civil War from 1975 to1990. Before this period, Walid Jumblatt, a Lebanese politician, was the last to live in the palace, though he did not use it as a regular residence.
Located approximately 36 miles from Beirut, the palace symbolizes the power and influence the Jumblatt family once held in the region. Visitors come to wander the grounds, admire the traditional Lebanese architecture, and spot the remains of some of the standout features — such as the grand entrance, central dome, and ornate stonework.
Château de la Mothe Chandeniers – France
Tucked away in the Loire Valley, the Château de la Mothe Chandeniers is a symbol of resilience. Built in the 13th century as La Motte-Bauçay, it was once home to the powerful Bauçay family. Over the centuries, the property changed hands multiple times; it was occupied by the English during the Hundred Years’ War and was looted during the French Revolution. A fire in 1932 left it abandoned and in ruin.
In 2017, a crowdfunding campaign raised nearly half a million euros for the castle’s restoration. Now co-owned by thousands of donors worldwide, the château has been opened to the public as a tourist attraction, inviting visitors to learn about its rich history and enjoy its picturesque country setting.
Jahangir Mahal – India
Some historians say the Jahangir Mahal Palace was abandoned almost immediately after its completion. Built by Raja Bir Singh Deo between 1605 and 1626, the palace in Orchha, a town in the central Indian state of Madhya Pradesh, was intended to host Mughal Emperor Jahangir. However, it’s rumored that Jahangir stayed there for only a single night, leaving the palace largely unused. After the emperor’s brief stay, the palace was reportedly never used again as a residence.
Constructed as a symbol of unity between the Hindu Bundela Dynasty and the Muslim Mughal Empire, the palace blends elements of both architectural and cultural styles. The castle is made from red and yellow sandstone, and it features 136 rooms, eight domes, intricate wall paintings, and detailed stone carvings. Surrounded by the Betwa River and lush grounds, the palace is now open to the public and preserved by the Madhya Pradesh Archaeology Department.
Bodiam Castle – England
With its enchanting moat and iconic turrets, Bodiam Castle stands as one of England’s most beloved historic ruins. Located in East Sussex, the castle was built in 1385 by Sir Edward Dalyngrigge, a distinguished English knight. He and his wife, Elizabeth, made the castle their home, but he died at 49, just five years after its completion in 1390.
After his death, Sir Edward’s son inherited the castle, but historians believe it was abandoned sometime in the 15th century. Today, the castle’s interior has largely disappeared, yet visitors can wander the grounds and imagine the domestic comfort this fortress once offered, complete with spiral staircases, a chapel, and a grand hall. Following a significant restoration in the 19th century, the battlements, portcullis, and iconic moat remain on display, allowing guests to admire these features while exploring the castle’s impressive exterior.
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