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Cork, Ireland
Blarney Castle
This Irish castle, built in 1446 by Cormac MacCarthy, is the site of the famous Blarney Stone. The stone is located just below the battlements (defensive parapets with openings). If kissed - which can only be done by leaning far out with head downward - it is said to give the gift of eloquence ("blarney").  Fine machicolations protect the walls.


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Japan
Himeji Castle

This impressive castle (west of Kobe) was built in the sixteenth century and reconstructed in 1601 and 1956. It is perhaps the finest surviving example of Japanese feudal architecture.  It was used in the early seventeenth century as a defense against daimyos hostile to the new Tokugawa government.  Its five-story donjon is surrounded by a complete system of walls and moats.
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Portugal
Tower of Belém

This ornate fortified tower was built by Francisco d'Arruda in the sixteenth century. It is situated in the Tejo (Tagus) River in the suburbs of Lisbon. The windows, balconies and turrets are decorated in the Manueline style - a special Portuguese transition between the Gothic and the Renaissance. The lower levels of the adjoining platforms contain artillery emplacements.

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A NOTE from Sir Dragon Tamer about the ART and PHOTOS at the dragontamer's - Most of the photos we have used in our study of The Middle Ages were taken by Seventh Grade students at their Festival, celebrating the completion of a Medieval History Unit. All other ART and PHOTOS here were used with the permission of their creator.  PLEASE do not take our images with out our permission.  They are not intended as public domain.  Thanks.