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!

Bodiam Castle – East Sussex England


Matsumoto Castle, Japan

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Angkor Wat, Cambodia

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Burg Gudneau, Germany

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Caerphilly Castle, United Kingdom


Forbidden City – Beijing, China

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Beloeil Castle, Belgium

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Egeskov Castle, Denmark

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Vadstena Castle, Sweden

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Bodiam Castle – East Sussex, England

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Château de Chambord, France

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Château de Chenonceau, France

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Muiderslot Castle, Netherlands

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Oerebro Castle, Sweden

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Leeds Castle, England


Bodelschwingh Castle – Dortmund, Germany

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Frederiksborg Palace, Denmark


Fagaras Castle, Romania


Jatiyo Sangshad Bhaban (National Assembly Building), Bangladesh

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Home of Charles Sieger – Miami, Florida

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Source: twistedsifter