The Best Preserved Castle Isn't Where You Think

The Isle of Man, nestled in the Irish Sea between England, Ireland, Scotland, and Wales, holds a unique vantage point that has shaped its historical narrative for over 2,000 years. Its strategic location made it a crossroads for ancient civilizations, a trade hub, and a sought-after stronghold for empires and kingdoms vying for control of the British Isles.

During the Viking era, it became a linchpin in maritime networks, serving as both a raiding base and a settlement. The Vikings established Tynwald, the island’s parliament, which still operates today and is one of the oldest continuous legislative bodies in the world.

Later, as empires expanded, the Isle of Man found itself under Scottish, English, and Norse rule, absorbing a blend of cultures while maintaining its unique identity. Its position allowed it to remain somewhat insulated from direct conflict, preserving artifacts, traditions, and structures like Castle Rushen.

[guineatte]

Not to take away from this castle on the Isle of Man but in Germany, and many other European countries, are plenty of castles that are still inhabited and can be visited.

[laurancerobinson]

Woohoo!!!! Isle of Man mentioned.... I grew up in Castletown and always walked past the castle on my way to school.

[Zoloz_]

When are you building a castle in ironland?

[kpp]

I graduated from the University of Durham, and I literally lived in a 800 years old castle converted into a dorm room.

[kevinjones]

Commenting to show my Manx pride 🇮🇲 🇮🇲 🇮🇲 truly beautiful here, steeped in history and culture.

[alexanderg]

I'm sticking up for the Isle of Man here. Beautiful place. A jewel frozen in time.

[panino_gamer]

In italy and other european countries there are a lot of castles that are still intact, where i live there is a castle that has never changed since 1300

[merkytippery]

Malbork, Poland has the worlds largest surviving castle. It faced a lot of destruction due to WW2, but it's had an awful lot of work put into its restoration. Its absolutely stunning!

[Indicant]

Went to the island for the TT in 2012 and 2013, stayed an extra week in 2013, absolutely amazing place, Port Erin is a must!

[peterlarsen]

Beautiful beautiful island! One that has been on my _must visit_ for YEARS!

[Shadelio]

Do visit Turku, Hämeenlinna and Savonlinna in Finland. We have *three* preserved, fully functioning medieval castles. Häme castle, Turku castle, St Olaf's Castle.

[ohhyeah]

There’s 10k+ castles like this in Europe

[tomaskolacia]

We have a lot of castles like this in the Czech Republic like Loket or Karlštejn but still the isle of man is a beautiful part of the british islands

[davidkglevi]

In the middle of my hometown of Örebro, Sweden, there is a big medieval castle. It's the traditional residence of the regional governor (still to this day) and it contains a museum, gift shop and an art gallery.

[alistairjclark]

I'm from England and we have so many incredible castles that are in great condition. Pembroke and Warwick castle come to mind as examples

[kingdomofportugal-brazil]

The Gravesteen in Ghent, Belgium is also really well preserved

[Itsgonnabeok]

My family is from Castle Rushen, albeit nearly 200 years ago. My great grandfather was born and raised there.

[maxberre]

Belgium, France, Germany, and Holland all have still-living castles

[VJ-Lowe]

My wife and I went to the Isle Of Man last year. We had a fantastic time. We flew from Belfast.

[MasterEdger]

Same for Jersey in the channel islands, you can't forget what we have here as well