

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

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