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Learn about seven castles that will have you planning a siege strategy of your own on your next foray into Europe or Central Asia.

1. Malbork
Poland

Malbork Castle’s claim to fame is that it was the headquarters for the Teutonic Knights (of Crusades-era-fame) during the 14th century. During the 13 Years War, when neighboring groups decided to wrestle power from the Knights, Poland seized control of the property. The last time Malbork, the largest brick castle in existence, was really on the world stage was during World War II when the castle served as a banquet and dance hall for Nazi soldiers.

2. Neuschwanstein
Germany

Neuschwanstein, a very well-known German castle, was renovated in the 19th century by Ludwig II, King of Bavaria. Ludwig’s reign was characterized by a rather zany nature that is evident in the over-the-top stylings of Neuschwanstein. (The castle is the model for Cinderella’s Palace at Walt Disney World in Orlando, Florida.) Ludwig dedicated his work on Neuschwanstein to Richard Wagner out of his deep admiration for the composer. Unfortunately, Ludwig went insane before seeing the complete restorations on the castle. And, while some have nicknamed the deceased King as “Ludwig the Mad,” his fanciful notions made him very popular with his people who usually referred to him as “Our Darling King” instead.

3. Bran Castle
Romania

On the opposite end of the spectrum from Ludwig II of Bavaria’s fairy-tale like notions is Vlad Tepes, the Prince of Wallachia best remembered for inspiring the legend of Count Dracula. (And, while Vlad’s nickname was “the Impaler,” it might be the fact that guy had to grow up in the same home as Radu the Handsome that made him feel so desperate to find an identity of his own - even if that identity ended up being evil.) While Poienari in Wallachia was Vlad’s primary residence during his lifetime, it’s Bran Castle that gets all the tourism credit as Dracula’s abode. Plus, if visiting the castle isn’t enough, it recently went on the market for a mere $77,000,000.

4. Lacoste
France

For a visit to the most infamous castle on the list, look no farther than Lacoste in Avignon. The former home of the Marquis de Sade, one of history’s best known degenerates, has been the scene of much debauchery and illicit activity in its centuries old past. (After all, it is from the Marquis’ name that we derive the term “sadism.”) While the castle isn’t in the best shape these days, since it was purchased by fashion designer Pierre Cardin in the 1990s, it sees more visitors than it used to. Cardin hosts many theater and music festivals there each year.

5. Guimaraes Castle
Portugal

While you might tend to think of castles as elaborate homes for royals, castles were primarily built for much more practical purposes. The high stone walls were designed to keep out intruders and turrets provided excellent vantage points for look-outs. Like most castles, the Guimaraes in Portugal was designed as a fortress first and a dwelling place second. D. Afonso Henriques entrenched himself in the castle with his army when he declared Portugese independence in the twelfth century. Henriques went on to become the first king of Portugal, and Guimaraes became known as the “Cradle of the Nation.”

6. Tutbury Castle
England

Sure, Windsor Castle and Buckingham Palace get all the glory, but few British castles are as steeped in history as Tutbury. When the English Civil War began, ousted King Charles I fled to Tutbury to hide. (In fact, that’s why Oliver Cromwell tried to raze the former fortress in the 17th century.) It is also in Tutbury where Queen Elizabeth I imprisoned her disruptive half-sister Mary Queen of Scots for so many years. Some modern day visitors to the castle might tell you Queen Mary never left – there are still sightings of her ghost on the grounds of Tutbury Castle to this day.

7. Kyrenia Castle
Turkey

Because of Kyrenia’s placement on the cusp between Europe and Asia, you’ll see three different architectural footprints in the castle as indicators of the three different groups to have ruled over the city. Byzantine, Venetian and Crusader styles are all present in the massive structure. (The walls were regularly expanded to try and protect more and more of the surrounding land.) The Crusaders were the first to leave their mark. On his way to fight for Christianity, Richard the Lionheart stopped off to overtake Cyprus and Kyrenia first.