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Several forts have played an important role in the history of the world. Besides serving themselves as military outposts, strongholds and thorough symbols of power and defence, these forts have also reflected cultural importance. Some of the world’s biggest forts are true architectural wonders and represent the might of empires. The below-mentioned world’s biggest forts, each with their unique features attract visitors from borders and beyond. They truly stand as a reminder of the civilizations which resided within their walls.
Top 10 World’s Biggest Forts
Here’s a list of a few of the world’s biggest and most-visited forts. These landmarks carry centuries of history with them and are a must for history lovers and travellers.
1. Red Fort
Photo: Jayanth Muppaneni / Unspalsh
The Red Fort is also known as Lal Qila and is a historic fort in Delhi which belonged to the Mughals. This place serves as a place of residence for Mughal Emperors. This fort was commissioned by Shah Jahan and it was subsequently used as a garrison. Several unearthed ‘Ochre Coloured Pottery’ culture artefacts were excavated from the fort which date back 2600 BCE and 1200 BCE. Some of the key attractions of the fort are Diwan-e-Khas, Rang Mahal, Lahori Gate, Delhi Gate, Naubat Khana and Diwan-i-Aam.
Location: Red Fort, Netaji Subhash Marg, Lal Qila, Chandni Chowk, New Delhi
Timings: 9:30 AM – 4:30 PM
Entry Fee: ₹35 for Indians, ₹500 for foreigners
2. Prague Fort Complex
Photo: Jorge Royan / Wikimedia Commons
Prague Castle currently serves as the official residence of the president of the Czech Republic. This fort was built in the 9th century and occupies an area of 750,000 square feet. This castle is among the most visited tourist places in Prague and attracts nearly 1.8 million visitors annually. Some of the key attractions in Prague Castle are St. George’s Basilica, St. Vitus Cathedral, Old Royal Palace, Spanish Hall, White Tower, Royal Garden Of Prague Castle and Ball Game Hall.
Location: Prague Complex, Hradčany, 119 08 Prague 1, Czechia
Timings: 6 AM – 10 PM
3. Mehrangarh Fort
Photo: Jakub Hałun / Wikimedia Commons
Mehrangarh Fort is a historic fort located in Jodhpur and is spread over an area of 1200 hectares. Perched 122 meters on a hill, this fort overlooks the plains and the city of Jodhpur. Mehrangarh Fort has seven gates, multiple palaces known for their expansive courtyards, a Chamunda Mataji Temple and a museum displaying several relics. The fort also has some imprints of the cannonballs fired by the enemies. The Rajasthan International Folk Festival is organized here.
Location: Mehrangarh Fort, Sodagaran Mohalla, Jodhpur, Rajasthan
Timings: 9 AM – 5 PM
4. Masada Fort
Photo: Bukvoed / Wikimedia Commons
Masada Fort is a rugged natural fortress and an ancient fortification which is located on the top of an isolated rock plateau in Southern Israel. This fort overlooks the Dead Sea and lies on the eastern edge of the Judaean Desert. Being Israel’s most-visited tourist attraction, this site attracts around 750,000 visitors a year. Some of the key attractions inside the fortress are the Roman-style public bath, a giant siege tower, a bathhouse and a cave outside and below the southern wall.
Location: Masada Fort, Israel
Timings: 8 AM – 4 PM
5. Chittorgarh Fort
Chittorgarh Fort is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the capital of Mewar and one of the largest forts in India. The fort is located above a hill and is spread over an area of 691 acres. This fort houses 65 historic structures which include 4 massive palaces, 19 temples, 20 water bodies, 4 memories and some victory towers. Chittorgarh Fort has seven gates in total and other massive stone structures which served as military defense gateways.
Location: Chittorgarh Fort, Chittorgarh, Rajasthan
Timings: 9 AM – 5 PM
6. Königstein Fortress
Photo: Pudelek / Wikimedia Commons
Königstein Fortress is a hilltop fortress located in Saxon Switzerland. The fort overlooks the town of Königstein and the left bank of River Elbe. Being one of the largest hilltop fortifications in Europe, this fort almost attracts 700,000 visitors per year. Königstein Fortress is still intact and was used as a prison earlier. A few of the key attractions of the fort are the Wall, Wine Barrel, Cannons placed on a Gun Carriage and the Military Open Air Museum.
Location: Königstein Fortress, Königstein, Germany
Timings: 9 AM to 5 PM
7. Edinburgh Fort
Photo: Daniel Kraft / Wikimedia Commons
Edinburgh Fort is a magnificent historical landmark in the United Kingdom. This place stands still on a caste rock which was occupied by humans and has been a place of residence for them since the Iron Age. Besides serving as a royal residence, Edinburgh Fort was a military garrison too. The fort is the second most paid tourist attraction in the United Kingdom. Some of the key attractions inside the fort are the New Barracks, the Governor’s House, the Upper Ward and St. Margaret’s Chapel.
Location: Edinburgh Castle, Castlehill, Edinburgh, United Kingdom
Timings: 9:30 AM – 5 PM
8. Fort Jefferson
Photo: Acroterion / Wikimedia Commons
Fort Jefferson was a military coastal fortress in ancient times and is located in the Dry Tortugas National Park in Florida, today. Being one of the largest brick masonries in the Americas, the entire fortress covers 16 acres of land and is built with 16 million bricks. Some of the key highlights of Fort Jefferson are the Interior Wall, Harbor Light, and Parade Ground.
Fort Jefferson also houses a cistern and a freshwater area. A ferry has to be taken to reach the premises of the fort.
Location: Fort Jefferson, Key West, FL 33040, United States
Timings: 24*7
9. Ranikot Fort
Photo: Adrian Leslie Lobo / Wikimedia Commons
Ranikot Fort is a lovely fortress in Pakistan and belongs to the 19th Century. This place is also known as the ‘Great Wall of Sindh’ as the fort’s several ramparts have been compared to one of the seven wonders of the world, the Great Wall of China. Ranikot Fort is precisely located inside the Kirthar National Park in Pakistan. It measures 31 kilometres in length with the walls interspersed with several bastions. The fort is built in a zig-zag shape and has four important gates, Sann Gate, Amri Gate, Mohan Gate and Shah Pere Gate.
Location: Ranikot Fort, Ranikot fort Wall, Karchat, Pakistan
Timings: 8 AM – 7 PM
10. Citadel Of Aleppo
Photo: Memorino / Wikimedia Commons
The Citadel of Aleppo is a large fortress located in the ancient city of Aleppo in Syria. Considered as one of the oldest and largest castles in the world, the usage of this place can be traced to the middle of the 3rd millennium BC. A majority of the construction which stands today belongs to the Ayyubids. Some of the top attractions inside the fort are Hadad Temple, the intricately carved entrance gate, the Throne Hall and the beautifully designed roofs of the bathhouses. Some of the damaged parts of the fort are still preserved.
Location: Citadel Of Aleppo, Hawl Al Qalaa St, Aleppo, Syria
Timings: 9 AM – 4 PM
These iconic structures have stood as timeless masterpieces and they reflect the military, culture and architectural prowess of the ancient civilisations. Each fort tells a different story of the might and residents residing in the work. The above-mentioned world’s biggest forts are top tourist attractions and among must-visit places for history lovers. Now that you’ve known about the top 10 world’s biggest forts, book a trip with TripXL and admire their true beauty.
Cover Photo: Nomad Bikers / Unsplash
