Trakai Island Castle, Medieval castle on an island in Lake Galve, Lithuania
The red brick fortress features multiple defensive towers, a six-story keep, and walls that rise directly from the waters of Lake Galve.
Grand Duke Kęstutis initiated construction in the 14th century, while his son Vytautas completed the major fortification works around 1409.
The Trakai History Museum, established within the castle walls in 1962, displays collections of medieval artifacts, weapons, and documents from Lithuanian history.
Visitors reach the castle through a wooden bridge from the mainland, with regular buses and trains connecting the site to Vilnius throughout the day.
Before construction began, the site was three small islands separated by marshy ground; the castle's irregular plan follows that terrain. Builders also used a higher lake level to cut a boat-width moat between the Ducal Palace and the forecourt.
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