10 castles built to last and 10 cities swallowed up by the sea

The Krak des Chevaliers is generally considered one of the best-preserved medieval castles in the world. Built primarily by the Knights Hospitaller during the 12th and 13th centuries, this fortress is characterized by its massive stone walls, its multi-level defense systems, and its military engineering, which was state-of-the-art for its time.

Perched on a volcanic rock overlooking the Scottish capital, Edinburgh Castle has served as a defensive fortress for more than 900 years. The site’s natural elevation made any attack difficult long before modern fortifications were added. 

Himeji Castle is one of the most beautiful feudal castles still standing in Japan; its construction dates largely to the early 17th century. Unlike many Japanese castles that were destroyed by war, earthquakes, or fires, Himeji Castle survived the bombings of World War II and natural disasters with surprisingly little damage. 

The fortified city of Carcassonne is home to one of the most impressive collections of medieval castles in Europe. Its double ramparts and dozens of watchtowers helped protect the city during the conflicts that shook southern France. Although some parts were restored in the 19th century, much of the fortress still reflects authentic medieval military architecture today.

Windsor Castle has served as a royal residence since the reign of William the Conqueror in the 11th century. Over the centuries, monarchs have strengthened and expanded the fortress while preserving its defensive structure. 

Although it was partially destroyed during World War I, Coucy Castle was once among the largest and most heavily fortified castles in medieval Europe. Built in the 13th century, it was characterized by imposing towers and defensive ramparts designed to display its military might. 

The Alcázar of Segovia stands on a rocky hill between two rivers, forming a natural defensive position. Originally built as a fortress in the Middle Ages, it later served as a royal palace and a military academy. 

Built in the 14th century, Bodiam Castle is famous for its wide moat and symmetrical defensive layout. Although it was designed to protect its occupants during the Hundred Years’ War, it also reflected the English nobility’s growing interest in comfort and aesthetics. 

Český Krumlov Castle developed gradually beginning in the 13th century to become one of the largest castle complexes in Central Europe. Its elevated position above the Vltava River provided it with natural defensive advantages while facilitating long-term political control of the region. 

Mehrangarh Fort overlooks the city of Jodhpur and remains one of India’s most imposing historic fortresses. Construction began in the 15th century during the reign of Rao Jodha, and its thick stone walls were specifically designed to withstand assaults and artillery fire. 

Heracleion was once a major Egyptian port city located near the Nile Delta, before it sank into the waters of the Mediterranean Sea more than 1,000 years ago. Archaeologists believe that earthquakes and soil instability caused parts of the city to gradually collapse into the water. 

Pavlopetri is considered one of the oldest known submerged cities in the world, dating back about 5,000 years. Located off the southern coast of Greece, this city features streets, buildings, and tombs that have been preserved underwater. Rising sea levels and tectonic activity likely contributed to its submersion.

In the 17th century, Port Royal was one of the busiest commercial ports in the Caribbean and became known for piracy and privateering. In 1692, a devastating earthquake caused much of the city along the harbor to collapse within minutes due to soil liquefaction.

The ancient city associated with Dwarka in Indian tradition has long been a subject of interest to archaeologists along India’s west coast. Underwater discoveries made near present-day Dwarka have unearthed stone structures and artifacts suggesting the existence of ancient human activity in the region.

Often mentioned alongside Heracleion because of the similarity between their Greek and Egyptian names, Thonis-Heracleion was a major gateway to Egypt before Alexandria rose to prominence. The city disappeared beneath the waters of the Mediterranean after centuries of earthquakes and ground instability.

Baiae was a luxurious Roman seaside resort located near Naples, which attracted wealthy elites and emperors. Over the centuries, volcanic activity in the region gradually caused parts of the coastline to sink beneath the sea.

Atlit-Yam was a prehistoric site located off the coast of present-day Israel and dating back approximately 9,000 years. Archaeologists have discovered dwellings, wells, and burial sites preserved underwater near the Mediterranean coastline. Rising sea levels following the last ice age likely forced the community to abandon the site.

Nicknamed the “City of the Lion,” Shi Cheng was deliberately flooded in 1959 during the construction of a hydroelectric dam in Zhejiang Province. Founded during the Eastern Han Dynasty, the city was home to exquisite stone architecture and historic sculptures. 

Olous was an ancient Greek city located on the island of Crete, which has partially sunk into the sea over time due to earthquakes and changes in sea level. Historical sources indicate that it was once a thriving maritime center that exerted political influence in the region. 

Rungholt was a medieval village located on the North Sea coast that was wiped out by a violent storm accompanied by a storm surge in 1362. Historical accounts describe this disaster as devastating, with the flooding destroying homes, farmland, and churches throughout the region.