20 Impressive Moats Around the World
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!
1. Bodiam Castle – East Sussex England
Photographer Unknown
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