Castles Old and New

Castles are endless source of magic and wonder. They are mostly owned by royalty, but exceptions confirm the rules. Even a coal miner or a carpenter can become a "king of a castle" as confirmed in this book.

The awe inspiring structures are built to provide safety from unwelcome intruders and to demonstrate authority, wealth and power.

These towers of power are not exclusively vulnerable to threats by humans. It is not uncommon that castles are attacked by forces of nature, storms, lightning and earthquakes.

The lavish lifestyle of dinner parties and merrymaking in castles is often counterbalanced by superstition, ghostly tragedies and death. Castles seem to create more widows than widowers.

Today many castles, palaces and fortifications included in this book create a fascinating collection of museums which are open to the public.

Enjoy your journey following the world of twenty five castles from Europe to South Africa.