Castle lovers had plenty to celebrate this week — from groundbreaking archaeology to castles hitting the property market. Here are the most captivating stories that lit up the castle world between September 5 and 11.
✨ Archaeological Spotlight
Urartian Storage Wonders at Kevenli Castle (Turkey)
Archaeologists working at Kevenli Castle in Van, Turkey, have uncovered what may be the largest Urartian storage center ever found. Seventy-six massive jars — or pithoi — lined with cuneiform inscriptions reveal a surprisingly advanced Iron Age stock management system. The jars once held oil, grain, and beverages, pointing to a central depot that supplied the Van Plain’s agricultural wealth.
Excavations also revealed a terracotta water conduit and fragments of wall paintings, suggesting Kevenli was more than just a fortress: it was an administrative and ceremonial hub for the Urartians (ArkeoNews).
🔎 New Insights Beneath Neuenburg Castle (Germany)
In Saxony-Anhalt, Neuenburg Castle has revealed long-hidden secrets beneath its outer bailey. Archaeologists found traces of dense medieval settlement, a vaulted cellar with a sophisticated heating system, and even hints of fortifications possibly dating back to the late 11th century.
These discoveries are reshaping historians’ understanding of Neuenburg’s early strategic importance. And the public won’t have to wait long to see it — guided tours of the dig site are scheduled for Open Monument Day on September 14 (IDW Online).
💰 Castles on the Market
If you’ve ever dreamed of owning your own castle, this week brought several tempting — and pricey — opportunities:
- Kinloch Castle, Isle of Rum, Scotland – On sale for £750,000, this Category A-listed gem comes with stunning Highland views and a hefty restoration challenge.
- Law Castle, Ayrshire, Scotland – With an asking price just over £1 million, this 15th-century fortress blends history with cozy living.
- Ayton Castle, Berwickshire, Scotland – A Gothic fairytale complete with turrets, priced at £3.25 million.
- Wolf Bluff Castle, Cortes Island, Canada – An eccentric, five-storey modern castle with eight bedrooms and its own dungeon, set on two acres of Canadian coastline.
As Castleist reports, global demand for castles remains strong, with properties viewed as both lifestyle trophies and long-term heritage investments.
🏺 Hidden Stories & Quick Takes
- Ceramic Treasures in Turkey: Lion-painted palace ceramics are reshaping interpretations of Urartian symbolism and elite life.
- Castle Archaeology Goes Public: Sites like Neuenburg are now inviting visitors to step into live digs, making archaeology more accessible and engaging for the next generation.
- Forgotten Castles Revived: Across Europe, local initiatives continue to breathe life into neglected strongholds, from community art projects to eco-friendly renovations (Castle Studies Trust).
📌 Weekly Wrap-Up
From Iron Age storage systems at Kevenli to medieval mysteries at Neuenburg — and even castles waiting for a new owner — this week proves that fortresses still hold surprises both under their stones and in today’s real estate listings.
