Balgonie Castle, Medieval castle in Markinch, Scotland
Balgonie Castle is a multi-period fortification in Markinch with a five-story central tower topped by a garret. The complex comprises building ranges arranged around an internal courtyard, constructed across four centuries of habitation and development.
The Sibbald family built the original fortified tower in the 1360s at the northwest corner of what became a larger estate. Later generations added surrounding structures over subsequent centuries, gradually expanding the complex into a substantial stronghold.
The castle displays the characteristics of a Scottish noble fortress through its thick stone walls and narrow spiral staircase that connected the different levels. You can sense how the resident family lived and managed their territory from this stronghold.
The site is best visited during daylight hours to see the interior details and courtyard clearly. Wear comfortable shoes as the spiral staircase is narrow and climbing through multiple floors can be tiring.
A human skeleton was discovered beneath the castle floor during restoration work in 1912, sparking decades of speculation about its identity and origin. This finding, along with reports of unexplained events, has contributed to the site's mysterious reputation.
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