May 16, 2011 at 9:05 am

20 Impressive Moats Around the World

by twistedsifter

bodiam castle moat 20 Impressive Moats Around the World
Bodiam Castle – East Sussex England | Photographer Unknown

 

A moat is a deep, broad ditch, typically filled with water, that surrounds a castle, building or town. Historically, it provided a preliminary line of defence. In some places moats evolved into more extensive water defences, including natural or artificial lakes, dams and sluices. In later castles the moat or water defences may have been largely ornamental.

Regardless, moats are an impressive sight to behold, and any building that calls for such design is likely quite important and/or expensive. While many of the moats are found in Europe, we also check out Asia and even touch down in Miami for a contemporary spin on this largely medieval phenomenon. Enjoy!

 

2. Matsumoto Castle, Japan

moat japan matsumoto castle 20 Impressive Moats Around the World
Photograph by MIRAI

 

3. Angkor Wat, Cambodia

angkor wat aerial moat 20 Impressive Moats Around the World
Photograph by CHARLES J SHARP

 

4. Burg Gudneau, Germany

burg gudenau moat 20 Impressive Moats Around the World
Photograph by RHEINPFEIL

 

5. Caerphilly Castle, United Kingdom

caerphilly castle moat 20 Impressive Moats Around the World
Photographer Unknown

 

 

6. Forbidden City – Beijing, China

forbidden city china moat 20 Impressive Moats Around the World
Photograph by SHARON BEALS

 

7. Beloeil Castle, Belgium

beloeil castle belgium moat 20 Impressive Moats Around the World
Photograph by HENRI @ Webshots

 

8. Egeskov Castle, Denmark

egeskov castle moat surrounded by water 20 Impressive Moats Around the World
Photograph by Flemming Christiansen

 

9. Vadstena Castle, Sweden

vadstena castle sweden 20 Impressive Moats Around the World
Photograph by RIGGWELTER

 

10. Bodiam Castle – East Sussex, England

aerial photo of bodiam castle 20 Impressive Moats Around the World
Photograph by PHIL LAYCOCK

 

11. Château de Chambord, France

france chambord chateau moat 20 Impressive Moats Around the World
Photograph by Church of Emacs

 

12. Château de Chenonceau, France

chateau de chenonceau france 20 Impressive Moats Around the World
Photograph by RA SMIT

 

13. Muiderslot Castle, Netherlands

muiderslot castle netherlands moat 20 Impressive Moats Around the World
Photograph by P BRUNDEL

 

14. Oerebro Castle, Sweden

oerebro castle sweden moat surrounded by water 20 Impressive Moats Around the World
Photograph by MR BULLITT

 

15. Leeds Castle, England

leeds castle england moat surrounded by water 20 Impressive Moats Around the World
Photograph via Xcitefun.net

 

16. Bodelschwingh Castle – Dortmund, Germany

bodelschwingh castle dortmund germany moat surrounded by water 20 Impressive Moats Around the World
Photograph by SHARON BEALS

 

17. Frederiksborg Palace, Denmark

frederiksborg castle hillerod denmark moat surrounded by water 20 Impressive Moats Around the World
Photographer Unknown

 

18. Fagaras Castle, Romania

fagaras castle romania moat 20 Impressive Moats Around the World

Photographer Unknown

 

19. Jatiyo Sangshad Bhaban (National Assembly Building), Bangladesh

jatiyo sangsad bhaban national assembly parliament building aerial bangladesh 20 Impressive Moats Around the World
Photograph via Skyscraper City

 

20. Home of Charles Sieger – Miami, Florida

charles sieger castle mansion moat miami 20 Impressive Moats Around the World
Photograph by FLORIDAPHOTO

 

 

 

If you enjoyed this article, the Sifter highly recommends:


25 Haunting Shipwrecks Around the World

 

shipwreck turcs and caicos 20 Impressive Moats Around the World