While the definition of "oldest castle" can vary significantly based on whether one considers continuous occupation, the earliest construction date of any part, or the overall structure, Windsor Castle in England holds the remarkable distinction of being the world's oldest castle that has been continuously occupied. However, other structures around the globe are contenders for the title of "oldest still standing" depending on specific criteria.
Defining "Oldest Castle"
The quest to identify the "oldest castle still standing" is complex due to varying interpretations of what constitutes a "castle" and what "still standing" implies. Some key factors that influence this determination include:
- Continuous Occupation: Is the castle still used as a residence or functional building?
- Original Construction: Does "oldest" refer to the initial foundation or the current visible structure? Many ancient sites have been rebuilt or modified over centuries.
- Architectural Form: Is it a fortified residence, a citadel, or a simple tower? The definition of a "castle" itself can be debated.
- Intactness: Is it a well-preserved ruin or a fully functional, standing structure?
Windsor Castle: The Oldest Continuously Occupied Castle
Located in Berkshire, England, Windsor Castle is globally recognized as the longest-occupied palace in Europe and the world's oldest castle that has been continuously occupied since its construction.
- Origins: Founded by William the Conqueror in the 11th century (around 1070 AD), it was strategically built to control a key part of the River Thames and protect approaches to London.
- Continuous Use: For over 900 years, it has been a royal residence for the British monarchy, serving various purposes from a military stronghold to a grand palace. This uninterrupted use is a unique characteristic that sets it apart.
- Current Status: It remains an official residence of the King of the United Kingdom and is a popular tourist attraction.
Other Contenders for "Oldest Still Standing"
When considering structures that might predate Windsor Castle in terms of initial construction or historical significance, but may not have the same record of continuous occupation as a royal residence, several other ancient fortifications emerge:
Ancient Fortifications and Citadels
Some sites qualify as incredibly ancient fortified structures, even if their current "castle" form is medieval or later.
- Aleppo Citadel (Syria): Perched atop a large natural mound, the Aleppo Citadel is one of the oldest and largest castles in the world. Its origins date back to the 3rd millennium BC, with the site being occupied by various civilizations. While the visible structure is largely medieval (12th-16th centuries), the continuous occupation of the site as a fortified settlement makes it exceptionally old.
- Erbil Citadel (Iraq): Often considered the oldest continuously inhabited urban settlement in the world, the Erbil Citadel has evidence of human settlement dating back over 8,000 years. While not a "castle" in the traditional European sense, its fortified walls and elevated position represent a continuous history of defensive architecture.
Early Medieval Strongholds
Several castles built in the early medieval period also claim immense age, though their continuous occupation or definition as a castle might differ from Windsor.
- Prague Castle (Czech Republic): While more of a sprawling complex than a single castle, Prague Castle, founded around 880 AD, is one of the largest ancient castle complexes in the world. It has served as the seat of Bohemian kings, Holy Roman emperors, and presidents of Czechoslovakia and the Czech Republic.
- Hohensalzburg Fortress (Austria): Construction on this imposing fortress began in 1077 AD by Archbishop Gebhard, making it one of the largest and best-preserved medieval castles in Europe. It has stood largely intact for centuries, maintaining its original form.
- Guimarães Castle (Portugal): Dating back to the 10th century, Guimarães Castle is intrinsically linked to the foundation of the Portuguese nation. Though it has undergone significant restorations, its original core is exceptionally old and has continuously stood as a symbol of national heritage.
Key Factors Determining "Oldest"
The distinction of "oldest castle still standing" often comes down to the specific criteria used:
- Initial Construction Date: When was the very first defensive structure built on the site?
- Continuous Occupation/Use: Has the structure been actively used as a residence, administrative center, or military post without significant abandonment?
- Architectural Integrity: How much of the original structure remains intact versus being a ruin or heavily rebuilt?
- Definition of "Castle": Is it a specific type of fortified medieval residence, or does it include broader definitions like citadels or fortified complexes?
The table below summarizes some of these contenders and their claims:
| Castle | Location | Primary Claim | Earliest Origins (Approx.) | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Windsor Castle | England, UK | Oldest continuously occupied castle | 11th Century AD | Fully functional royal residence |
| Aleppo Citadel | Aleppo, Syria | Oldest site with continuous fortification | 3rd Millennium BC | Ancient site, current structures medieval |
| Erbil Citadel | Erbil, Iraq | Oldest continuously inhabited settlement | 6th Millennium BC | Ancient site, current structures later |
| Prague Castle | Prague, Czechia | One of the largest ancient castle complexes | 9th Century AD | Functional complex, presidential seat |
| Hohensalzburg Fortress | Salzburg, Austria | One of the largest and best-preserved medieval | 11th Century AD | Museum, tourist attraction, intact |
| Guimarães Castle | Guimarães, Portugal | 10th-century medieval castle, significant | 10th Century AD | National monument, tourist attraction |
In conclusion, while various ancient fortifications and medieval strongholds have claims to being "oldest" based on their initial construction dates or the continuous use of their sites, Windsor Castle is uniquely distinguished as the oldest castle in the world that has maintained continuous occupation as a royal residence.
