castles

On the door of this church in 1517, Martin Luther posted his 95 Theses against the sale of indulgences and launched the Reformation. The church contains the tombs of Luther, Melanchthon and Frederick the Wise.

Begun around 1078 by William the Conqueror and expanded in the 13th century, the Tower of London is a formidable castle on the banks of the River Thames.

Clifford's Tower is a 13th-century fortification atop a small grassy hill, built for King Henry III on the site of William the Conqueror's wooden keep. Fine views of York can be had from the top.

Originally built as Emperor Hadrian's mausoleum in c. 128-39 CE, this impressive round structure was later used as a papal castle and prison. Today it is a museum.

This interesting faux castle in Worcestershire, completed in 1799, is an architectural folly designed by James Wyatt for the 6th Earl of Coventry.

Perched atop a hill with a sheer drop on three sides, the town of Kerak is dominated by the largest and best-preserved of the Crusader castles in the region.

Built by William the Conquerer, this medieval castle was the home of Durham's Prince-Bishops for centuries. It contains two chapels, one of which dates from 1080.

This small rocky island just off the north coast of France is topped with a fortified Benedictine abbey dating from the 11th century. Accessible only at low tide, it is certainly one of the most atmospheric sites in the country.

Designed by the architect of the Houses of Parliament and completed (in its present form) in 1842, the impressive Highclere Castle enjoys current fame as the setting for the TV show Downton Abbey.

Originally built by William the Conqueror, this is the oldest and largest occupied castle in the world and the official residence of the Queen.

Completed in 1892, this fairy-tale castle was designed by "Mad" King Ludwig as his private retreat in the Bavarian Alps.