Brief
B uilding houses on cliffs is certainly not a new idea. Travelling along the coast of France, Scotland, or Ireland, we can see many picturesque hillside plots with ancient castles. Although now mostly ruined, the remains fuel our imagination and allow us to see these noble and massive structures inhabited as they once were.
Insight
At the time, the dreamy locations were not selected for their beauty, even if the owners could enjoy the quietness of solitude and the stunning vistas of the surroundings.
While demonstrating their status and power, noble and royal families chose these secluded locations mainly for security. In many cases the locations were chosen strategically to overlook particularly crucial sites and defend them if needed. Those located along the coast could also play a defensive role and observe the sea to spot potential risks on time.
A castle sitting atop a rocky cliff promised the best conditions for defence in case of danger. The natural features were supposed to impede any possibility of intrusion. An ideal situation was to find a spacious rock and adjust the plan of the castle so that it would actually look like part of it.
Another solution often used would be to find a spot surrounded by water on all sides as an additional security measure, and to connect the castle with the land only by a narrow bridge that could have been quickly removed in case of an attack to cut off access entirely. Naturally, the romantic settings turned these old residences into lovely retreats where families could spend quality time together.
The remoteness enhances the natural beauty of these sites. Technically challenging to construct, due to the plots’ variable conditions and very limited accessibility, these buildings were designed to be strong and lasting. Exposed constantly to strong winds, and close to the sea as well as to extreme humidity and smashing waves, the walls have in large part resisted the elements for centuries.
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