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
Photograph by MIRAI
3. Angkor Wat, Cambodia
Photograph by CHARLES J SHARP
4. Burg Gudneau, Germany
Photograph by RHEINPFEIL
5. Caerphilly Castle, United Kingdom
Photographer Unknown
6. Forbidden City – Beijing, China
Photograph by SHARON BEALS
7. Beloeil Castle, Belgium
Photograph by HENRI @ Webshots
8. Egeskov Castle, Denmark
Photograph by Flemming Christiansen
9. Vadstena Castle, Sweden
Photograph by RIGGWELTER
10. Bodiam Castle – East Sussex, England
Photograph by PHIL LAYCOCK
11. Château de Chambord, France
Photograph by Church of Emacs
12. Château de Chenonceau, France
Photograph by RA SMIT
13. Muiderslot Castle, Netherlands
Photograph by P BRUNDEL
14. Oerebro Castle, Sweden
Photograph by MR BULLITT
15. Leeds Castle, England
Photograph via Xcitefun.net
16. Bodelschwingh Castle – Dortmund, Germany
Photograph by SHARON BEALS
17. Frederiksborg Palace, Denmark
Photographer Unknown
18. Fagaras Castle, Romania
Photographer Unknown
19. Jatiyo Sangshad Bhaban (National Assembly Building), Bangladesh
Photograph via Skyscraper City
20. Home of Charles Sieger – Miami, Florida
Photograph by FLORIDAPHOTO
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