glect.
Pidhirtsi Castle, Ukraine
Pidhirtsi Castle is a residential castle in the Ukraine, which just means it’s a castle built to be lived in rather than to withstand military sieges. History forgets who designed the castle, but it was built in the 1630s. Despite being a residential castle, it was attacked in 1648 by anti-government rebels. But they failed to capture the castle, and then failed to capture it again 3 years later. It’s certainly among the most secure and strong residential castles in Europe, which was further shown when it withstood several more attacks in the succeeding centuries. It was captured by the Russians during the first world war, and was severely damaged by communist rule. It was abandoned after the fall of the Soviet Union.
Castle Mont Rouge, USA
Castle Mont Rouge is built on top of a mountain in North-Carolina. The castle was only built back in 2005, and it’s already become completely abandoned. I guess it’s just difficult to maintain a castle high in the mountains of a barely-populated settlement. The exact reasons for it’s abandonment is unclear, but it happened in 2008. There have been several plans to maintain the castle and turn it into a landmark – but nothing ever came of those plans. The inside of the castle is a complete wreck as it’s since been a destination for vandals. To be honest I’m surprised there are any abandoned castles that haven’t been damaged by vandals.
Squire’s Castle, USA
Squire’s Castle is yet another castle built as a romantic gesture. It was constructed in the late 19th century for Feargus Squire, which is obviously where it gets it’s name. It was actually built to house the groundskeeper of the much larger building he was planning in the same area. The larger building was never built, leaving the first building without purpose. The it was sold to someone else in 1922, but no one really took care of it. So today it’s just still standing there abandoned. Anyone can easily visit the castle now, although it’s probably the least impressive castle you’ll ever see. Local legend tells that the building is haunted by the wife of Feargus Squire.
Hearthstone Castle was built in the 1890s, like so many other American castles. It was built for a painter but it was soon sold to a wealthy businessman at the turn of the century. Over the next 80 years or so it was passed through several different owners, before it’s last owner died in 1985. So the castle fell into a state of legal unclarity. No one really owned it, or knew what to do with it. So it wasn’t taken care of. Today, it’s a complete wreck, being closed off as it’s too dangerous for visitors.
Miranda Castle is a Victorian castle in Belgium. It’s probably the most well known and beautiful of all abandoned castles. It was built for a powerful family who were forced to abandon their previous castle way back in the French revolution. It’s ironic that their new castle also ended up an abandon ruin. They were forced to abandon the castle during the second world war when it literally became part of a battlefield. And right now it’s just an abandoned wreck.