Moats

NOTES: Himeji Castle is the finest example of Japanese castle architecture. It comprises a network of 83 buildings, with fortifications. The castle is also known as the White Egret (Hakuro-jo) or White Heron (Shirasagi-jo) for its brilliant white exterior and resemblance to a bird taking flight. The castle was originally built as a hillfort in 1333. In 1346 it was dismantled and remodelled as a castle. It was significantly remodelled over the next three centuries and completely rebuilt 1601-1609. It has survived bombings and earthquakes and remains intact. It was nominated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1993 and has recently undergone an extensive restoration programme, which has restored the formerly grey roof to its original brilliant white colour. It re-opened in 2015.

NOTES: This fortress on the banks of the Adige was built by the Scaligers in 1354-1355 and the main tower was completed in 1375. The interior was converted into the Civico Museo d'Arte in 1964 by Carlo Scarpa.

NOTES: On the far left is the Castillo de la Real Fuerza (1562-1577). See RIBA158707 for a colour version of this image.

NOTES: On the far left is the Castillo de la Real Fuerza (1562-1577)

NOTES: The castle was begun in 1589 and not completed until 1630 by Cristobal de Roda Antonelli (his nephew). See RIBA155408 for a colour version of this image.

NOTES: Built between 1558-1577, it was the first bastioned fortress to be built in the Americas. The engineer was Bartolome Sanchez, under the direction of the architect Francisco de Calona. See RIBA158709 for a colour version of this image.

NOTES: Built between 1558-1577, it was the first bastioned fortress to be built in the Americas. The engineer was Bartolome Sanchez, under the direction of the architect Francisco de Calona. See RIBA146275 for a colour version of this image.

NOTES: Built between 1558-1577, it was the first bastioned fortress to be built in the Americas. The engineer was Bartolome Sanchez, under the direction of the architect Francisco de Calona. See RIBA146254 for a black and white version of this image.

NOTES: Built between 1558-1577, it was the first bastioned fortress to be built in the Americas. The engineer was Bartolome Sanchez, under the direction of the architect Francisco de Calona. See RIBA146254 for a black and white version of this image.

NOTES: Built between 1558-1577, it was the first bastioned fortress to be built in the Americas. The engineer was Bartolome Sanchez, under the direction of the architect Francisco de Calona. See RIBA158721 for a colour version of this image.

NOTES: A moated manor house, with a 15th century core. Possibly a hall house originally; the main part was built in 1584. It was part demolished in the 18th century and in 1884 Philip Webb was employed to restored and extend the house. A new wing was added to the north in 1906 by the architect and landscape designer Inigo Thomas.