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Building Types
Learn what different labels mean—and why names do not always match architecture.
Explore building typesInternational architecture and heritage
Understand what historic great buildings were built to do.
Explore castles, fortresses, citadels, palaces, manor houses, official residences and revival “castles” through architecture, household life, state power and preservation—not a maze of repetitive mystery posts.
Start with function
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Castle
Fortified residence or seat of power.
Fortified residence or seat of power.
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Fortress or citadel
Military defence is the primary purpose.
Military defence is the primary purpose.
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Palace
Prestigious residence, court or state setting.
Prestigious residence, court or state setting.
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Manor or country house
Principal home within a landed estate.
Principal home within a landed estate.
Six ways into the subject
Use the building’s purpose, features and setting.
The former site’s 106 overlapping articles have been consolidated into a smaller reference where every guide answers a distinct question.
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Architecture & Features
Read defensive, residential and ceremonial features as parts of a working building.
Explore architecture & features👑
Life, Work & Power
Understand households, courts, service systems, display and adaptation over time.
Explore life, work & power🌍
World Regions
Compare local traditions without forcing every historic residence into a European model.
Explore world regions🏛️
Official Residences
Explore buildings defined by public use: executive homes, royal residences and state houses.
Explore official residences🛠️
Preservation & Visiting
See how ruins, restorations, reconstructions and reused buildings are interpreted today.
Explore preservation & visitingThe central distinction
A name can describe architecture, history, present use—or simply marketing.
CastleDefence plus residence or lordship.
PalaceCeremony, residence and government.
Manor houseEstate centre and elite domestic life.
Official residenceInstitutional use, whatever the architecture.
Canada in an international site
Fortresses, château-style hotels, mansions and official residences.
Canadian examples include the Citadelle and Fortifications of Québec, the Fortress of Louisbourg, Rideau Hall, Casa Loma, Hatley Castle and château-style railway hotels. Each is labelled by original function rather than appearance alone.
Canadian castle names
Separate genuine military works from mansions and hotels using castle imagery.
Explore CanadaRideau Hall & the Citadelle
Compare an official villa-estate with a residence inside an active citadel.
Read the guidePrime ministerial residences
See how formal designation, actual occupancy and country-residence use can be split.
Read the guidePractical interpretation
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