Castles & Palaces

Although the terms castle and palace have been used interchangeably for centuries, there are in fact distinctions which separate the two types of structures. A castle is a fortified building whose primary purpose is to provide security or defend a territory from one's enemies. A palace, in contrast, is a building whose primary function is that of a luxurious and often eccentric abode. Palaces predate castles by several centuries, with their first appearance being in the Egyptian and Middle Eastern civilizations of ancient history. Although castles are no longer recognized as a means of security from foes, palaces will continue to be built as long as there are people who can afford them. The links included herein relate to castles and palaces.