11 Abandoned Castles Around the World That Are as Beautiful as They Are Mysterious

The stunning remains of Spis is one of the largest castle sites in central Europe. The stone citadel of today began life in the 12th century and was once the home of the kings of Hungary before passing to a number of noble families. Even the stories of how Spis Castle came to be ruined are filled with legend with one claiming that the fire that broke out there in 1780 was caused by lightening, which hit soon after its last occupants left for good.

Built in the 12th century, Borgholm Castle began life as a fortress and was fought over by Denmark and Sweden before finally becoming the permanent property of the Swedish monarch in the 17th century when it was turned into a gorgeous palace. It was neglected in the following years and gutted by a fire in 1806. The romantic ruins are now a popular spot for music shows and '80s pop groups, as Roxette filmed the video for their hit "Listen to Your Heart" here during a live performance.

Now a World Heritage Site listed by UNESCO, Conwy Castle began life as a defence for English King Edward I as he took control of Wales in the 13th century. A century later, his great great grandson, Richard II, sought refuge there as he battled to save his life and his throne. It was already neglected by the time Oliver Cromwell's forces wrecked it during the English Civil War to stop their enemies using it. Painters loved it in the 18th century and now it welcomes tens of thousands of visitors every year.

Sitting on the side of a rocky outcrop, Loarre Castle is one of the oldest in Spain. It was built almost 1,000 years ago and had been a base for a conquering king. It's now a star attraction in the region of Huesca in northeast Spain and one of the most popular castles on Instagram.

Kilchurn Castle has been a ruin for 250 years, and even now, you have to be willing to work to visit its pretty remains. It's open to visitors in the Summer, and you either have to sail across to its tumbledown walls or walk to it through roads liable to flooding.

The effort is worth it, though. Built in the 1400s, it was a power base for centuries until it was abandoned and then hit by lightening in the middle of the 18th century. If you do make it inside its romantic walls, you'll see the remnants of the storm-damaged turrets, all set amidst the stunning scenery of Loch Awe in Argyll and Bute.

The brainchild and favourite residence of Richard the Lionheart, legendary king of England, Château Gaillard in Normandy, France, has had a dramatic history. It was captured by the kings of France, and in the 14th century, it became a prison for two tragic royal wives who were accused of adultery.

Château Gaillard was already in ruins by the 16th century when another French king ordered it be pulled to the ground, but the bulk of the building somehow survived and it's now a picturesque reminder of days past.

Once described as one of the most beautiful castles in Europe, Pidhirtsi entertained emperors and kings in its heyday. It survived looting in both world wars, as well as a huge fire that took three weeks to put out to become one of the most famous ruins in Europe. Only the walls of the grand residence survived the blaze, but the picturesque remnants draw in thousands of visitors while plans continue to restore it in years to come.

Bannerman Castle was built long after many other castles fell into ruin, but that doesn't make it any less interesting. It was inspired by the castles of Scotland and created by Francis Bannerman, who had made his fortune in munitions and bought Pollepel Island in the Hudson Highlands with some of his profits.

The building, with its turrets and forts, was part warehouse and part residence, and also provided a handy space for Bannerman to advertise his business. Soon after his death in 1918, a munitions explosion partially destroyed the complex, while a fire in 1969 left it in ruins. It's now looked after by a trust who holds walking tours there during the Summer.

This sprawling complex just outside Hyderabad was once a vital holding of the Bahmani Sultanate, but it fell into ruin in 1687 following a long siege. It's actually made up of four forts and covers almost seven miles. The buildings are set within famous gardens, too, making this a popular visitor destination.

This pretty ruin, sitting above the village of Corfe in Dorset, is what remains of one of the first English castles to be built of stone. It was constructed on the orders of William the Conqueror in the 11th century and was a royal power base until the reign of Elizabeth I.

During the 17th century English Civil War, its owners supported the doomed King Charles I and the castle was wrecked by parliamentary forces once Oliver Cromwell gained the upper hand. It's now looked after by the National Trust.

Dunluce Castle is said to have inspired the royal residence in The Chronicles of Narnia, and the beautiful ruins in Northern Ireland's County Antrim really does have all the airs of a fairy tale about it.

Built in the 14th century by an Earl of Ulster, it was already in need of repair in the 16th century when a a ship from the Spanish Armada was dashed on nearby rocks and its treasure sold off to pay for restoration work. Dunluce fell into ruin a century later and it's now a picture-perfect relic of times past.