Sunomata Castle (Gifu, Japan): Also known as Ichiya, meaning “castle built in one night”, Sunomata was built in the mid-16th century by General Toyotomi Hideyoshi in the city of Ogaki. Legend has it that this is a stronghold that was silently built in the heart of the opponent, by pre-hewing columns and pre-built walls, then moved to assemble in the night. The current castle was reconstructed in 1991, modeled after the nearby Ogaki Castle. Image: Hide-sp. Bran Castle (Transylvania, Romania): This castle is often associated with Dracula. Vlad III, prince of Wallachia – aka Vlad III Dracula – is considered the prototype for the character of the vampire count in Bram Stoker’s classic novel. According to legend, the real Vlad the Third was briefly imprisoned in Bran Castle in 1462. Fans of the character flocked here to tour the legendary castle. Image: Archeotraveller. Tower of London (London, England): One of England’s most famous castles, the Tower of London – with the White Tower at its center – has a dark history, revolving around prison, torture and death. Convicted people are locked up here and subject to terrible punishment. The shady beheadings and murders taking place here make the castle become an obsession. By the 19th century, this place ended its role and opened to visitors. Image: History. Neuschwanstein Castle (Schwangau, Germany): This place was built in 1869 by Ludwig II, king of Bavaria, as a private retreat. Despite having no real power, Ludwig II maintained a romantic view of a king. He dreamed of living in seclusion in a large castle on top of a mountain, surrounded by art and architecture. That’s why Neuschwanstein was built. In 1886, the king mysteriously drowned, before the castle was completed and admired by millions. In it, Walt Disney liked this place so much that many people believe that he created the castle “Sleeping Beauty” at Disneyland according to its architecture. Image: Wonderful Engineering. Alnwick Castle (Northumberland, England): This place is more famous for being the setting for Hogwarts Castle in the two Harry Potter films. This ancient and massive castle has also appeared in many other hit movies, from Elizabeth to Robin Hood: Prince of Thieves. Image: Englishcoast. Jal Mahal (Jaipur, India): Located in the middle of Man Sagar Lake, Jal Mahal is like a real fairy tale. In the evening or moonlit nights, the splendid white castle reflects on the water, creating a surreal scene for the guests staying here. Interestingly, below this palace there are also 4 secret floors, equally beautiful as the architectural wonder above. Image: Pinterest. Mont Saint Michel (Normandy, France): Located on an island off the coast of Normandy, this castle attracts more than 3 million visitors a year. At high tide, the entire surrounding area is flooded, creating a magical and unique scene. Image: Big Seven Travel.

Bodium Castle in Sussex, (England) was built by a knight in 1385 to house the family. After the family of the knights had no lineage, Bodium changed hands several times and by the 17th century was abandoned. In 1925, the castle was restored. Photo: Reuters.

Jal Mahal Palace in Jaipur (India) looks like it is floating in an artificial lake. But in fact, up to 4 floors of this building sunk below the surface of the lake. Initially, it was built in the 16th century as a royal motel for hunting. The construction of the dam and the expansion of the lake near this area made Jal Mahal quickly submerged in the water. There is information that Jal Mahal will be renovated to become a restaurant. Photo: Reuters.

Leh Palace in Ladakh (India) was built from mud, wood, sand, and stone in 1553. With 9 floors, Leh is the residence of the royal family on the upper floors, and the stables, houses Warehouse is located on lower floors. In the 19th century, Leh was invaded and abandoned since then. Photo: Getty.

The Sans Souci Palace in Milot (Haiti) was completed in 1813, and became the king of King Henri Christophe until his death in 1820. Sans Souci was dubbed the “Versailles of the Caribbean”. The palace was severely damaged and could not be repaired after the earthquake in 1842. Photo: Getty.

Duckett’s Grove Castle in Carlow (Ireland) was built in the 1700s, serving the Duckett family. This Gothic-style building was burned by fire in 1933. Photo: Flickr.

Pidhirtsi Palace in Lviv (Ukraine) was built in the 17th century to serve Polish army generals. It later became a hospital during World War II. Pidhirtsi was abandoned shortly after the end of the war. Photo: Shutterstock.

Grand Hotel de la Foret in Corsica (France) was built in 1893, this used to be a luxury hotel with tennis courts. After World War II, this hotel had difficulty attracting visitors again, so it was abandoned. Photo: Shutterstock.

Villa de Vecchi in Cortenova (Italy) was built in the 1850s to house the family of Felix de Vecchi – commander of the Italian National Guard. According to rumors, the commander’s wife was murdered in this palace, his daughter mysteriously disappeared, causing him to commit suicide, and the house was haunted. It was abandoned forever in the 1960s because no one dared to buy it. Photo: Flickr.

This marble Swannanoa Palace in Virginia (USA) was built in 1912 by James Dooley, an American railroad director. The highlight of the building is the stained glass panels designed and arranged by 300 artisans. When the Dooleys died in the 1920s, Swannanoa was transformed into a country club and by 1980 was abandoned. Today, it is a tourist destination and a wedding venue. Photo: Shutterstock.

Sammezzano Castle in Leccio (Italy) has a total of 365 rooms, built in 1605 by the Spanish nobility. After World War II, the building became a luxury hotel. By the 1990s, Sammezzano was abandoned. Photo: Getty.

Gbadolite Palace in Nsele (Congo) was once a small village, before it was turned into “Palace of Versailles by the green forest” by former President of Congo – Mobutu Sese Seko -. The whole project includes a club, a hotel and an international airport. After the government was overthrown in 1997, Mobutu Sese Seko fled to Morocco, and Gbadolite was officially abandoned. Photo: Getty.