20 Impressive Moats Around the World

Bodiam Castle – East Sussex England | Photographer Unknown

A moat is a deep, broad ditch, typically filled with water, that surrounds a castle, building or town. Historically, it provided a preliminary line of defence. In some places moats evolved into more extensive water defences, including natural or artificial lakes, dams and sluices. In later castles the moat or water defences may have been largely ornamental.
Regardless, moats are an impressive sight to behold, and any building that calls for such design is likely quite important and/or expensive. While many of the moats are found in Europe, we also check out Asia and even touch down in Miami for a contemporary spin on this largely medieval phenomenon. Enjoy!

2. Matsumoto Castle, Japan

Photograph by MIRAI

3. Angkor Wat, Cambodia

Photograph by CHARLES J SHARP

4. Burg Gudneau, Germany

Photograph by RHEINPFEIL

5. Caerphilly Castle, United Kingdom

Photographer Unknown

6. Forbidden City – Beijing, China

Photograph by SHARON BEALS

7. Beloeil Castle, Belgium

Photograph by HENRI @ Webshots

8. Egeskov Castle, Denmark

Photograph by Flemming Christiansen

9. Vadstena Castle, Sweden

Photograph by RIGGWELTER

10. Bodiam Castle – East Sussex, England

Photograph by PHIL LAYCOCK

11. Château de Chambord, France

Photograph by Church of Emacs

12. Château de Chenonceau, France

Photograph by RA SMIT

13. Muiderslot Castle, Netherlands

Photograph by P BRUNDEL

14. Oerebro Castle, Sweden

Photograph by MR BULLITT

15. Leeds Castle, England

Photograph via Xcitefun.net

16. Bodelschwingh Castle – Dortmund, Germany

Photograph by SHARON BEALS

17. Frederiksborg Palace, Denmark

Photographer Unknown

18. Fagaras Castle, Romania

Photographer Unknown

19. Jatiyo Sangshad Bhaban (National Assembly Building), Bangladesh

Photograph via Skyscraper City

20. Home of Charles Sieger – Miami, Florida

Photograph by FLORIDAPHOTO