Castle Rushen

Castle Rushen - one of Europe's best preserved medieval Castles.

Situated at the heart of the Isle of Man's ancient capital, Castletown, this impressive limestone fortress was the seat of the former Kings and Lords of Mann, with the Castle's oldest parts dating to the time of Magnus, last Norse King of Mann, who died in 1265.

Later the Castle served as an administrative centre, a mint, a law court, and for over 100 years until the late 19th century, as a prison.

Today, spectacular displays illustrate the Castle at various times in history, with figures in period costume, historical furnishings, wall hangings, realistic food, contemporary music and speech brining the Castle's medieval and 17th Century periods to life.

A spectacular view across the southern part of the Island awaits visitors who reach the top of the Inner Gatehouse tower.