Introduction

In the vast world of drawing, castles and palaces evoke an atmosphere of fantasy and nobility; these buildings, although often confused, were built with radically different purposes and designs. The castles, with their imposing presence and fortified walls, for defense and resistance, while the palaces, with their elegance, tell stories of royalty and forbidden loves.

Differences between castles and palaces

Although the terms "castle" and "palace" are frequently used synonymously,

There are key differences between these two architectural structures. among which are the function, the design and the materials for its construction, among others.

Castillo

Castles have been built throughout history for defensive and strategic purposes and although there are many variations and styles of castles, depending on their function, architecture and historical period, we will take the classical basis for this example.

Fundamental parts

Torres

Towers: Tall and solid towers were essential for the defense of the castle. These structures provided strategic points for surveillance and combat.

The towers could vary in height, but many reached several stories, some becoming extremely tall to allow better observation and a solid defense. Its shape could vary from cylindrical, square, polygonal to semi-square, depending on regional architecture and defensive needs.

What is the best defensive distribution?

Circular and square towers offered different defensive advantages, and their choice depended on various factors, including defense strategies, availability of materials, labor, and architectural preference.

 

 

The advantages of the Circular Towers were:

A)they allowed a more uniform distribution of forces inside, which facilitated defense in all directions without blind spots.

B)The circular shape reduced the direct hit points for projectiles launched from catapults or other siege weapons (they were more likely to ricochet or deflect).

The advantages of the Square Towers were:

A)the interior space was used more efficiently, facilitating construction,

(The construction of square towers was simpler and required less labor.)

B) were better suited to common architectural patterns in certain regions.

Walls

Walls: High, solid walls were essential for the defense of the castle. These structures surrounded the perimeter and were complemented by defensive towers.

The walls were high and thick to provide protection against external attacks, their thickness varying between several meters to 1 meter in less vulnerable areas. The height could vary considerably depending on location and strategy. Some medieval walls had heights of between 6 and 12 meters, although in some exceptional cases they could be even higher.

Higher walls generated a better view of the terrain, facilitating surveillance to detect any enemy movement in the distance, which greatly facilitated the deterrence of attackers.

Foundations: The foundations of the walls were deep and solid to ensure stability. The structure could be reinforced with buttresses or towers at strategic points to strengthen the defense. For their construction they used resistant and durable materials, generally stone or solid rock.

Moat and Drawbridge

Moat: It was a wide, deep ditch dug around the castle walls. Generally, the pit was filled with water to make access difficult for attackers (in other cases it was filled with wooden stakes, although over time it stopped being used due to the bad smell. However, on many occasions it was empty). Its width could vary, but its main purpose was to make the walls more difficult for invaders to reach.

Drawbridge: It was located over the moat and was the only entrance to the castle from the outside. This bridge could be raised or lowered from inside the castle using pulleys or counterweights.

In a low position, it allowed safe passage to the main door of the castle. However, in times of attack, it was raised to block access and protect the entrance.

Main Gate or Entrance: It was located at the end of the bridge and was protected by a fortified gate. This door could be reinforced with additional structures such as iron bars, cross bars or complex locking systems to increase its resistance to attacks. (They were usually called portcullises and worked using pulleys or counterweights.)

Mirador or Matacán over the Door: Above the main door, some castles had a tower or defensive machicolations. These extensions provided a strategic point for defense and allowed defenders to attack invaders attempting to force entry.

Battles: distinctive elements of the castle walls. They consisted of tooth or merlon shapes along the top edge of the walls. These allowed the perimeter of the castle to be observed and protected. They were used to shoot arrows, throw stones or other projectiles at enemies.

Barbicans: were advanced walls or projections that protected the main walls, usually located above a gate.

tower of tribute

This was the main and strongest tower of the castle, It functioned as the last refuge in case of attack, in addition to serving as the main residence of the lord or noble family.

With thick walls to provide protection from attack, this tower had rooms for living quarters, storage, and sometimes even a main hall for banquets and ceremonies.

In turn, the upper floors were accessible through narrow and steep stairs (this allowed access only to authorized personnel) and could also house special rooms such as; "the weapons room", from where weapons and equipment for the defense of the castle were distributed.

In addition to its defensive function, (the lord of the castle staked his reputation in the struggle for power, so the more imposing the presence of his castle, the higher he was in the hierarchy of the kingdom), this in turn had with small windows for attacks and large windows for ventilation.

Parade

Parade Ground: It was a central space within the castle walls. This large patio allowed the defenders to maneuver in the event of an attack and served as a place to gather troops, carry out training and store supplies. (In the series, the place where the protagonists have a confrontation)

The water well: provided access to water, it was located inside the castle to ensure a safe and secure water supply. (it was round and built of stone)

Other facilities

The walkway or walkway: was a key feature in many castles, it was usually located at the top of the castle walls, offering a panoramic view of the surroundings, it was usually wide enough to allow guards to move around. They could move and maneuver with relative comfort, it was protected by a railing to prevent accidental falls and to provide cover for the defenders during combat. It was accessed through stairs or ramps located in different parts of the castle, facilitating communication between different points of the castle. and allowing quick movement

Guard Rooms: These were spaces where the castle's guards and soldiers stayed and maintained surveillance. They could be strategically located at high points or near important access points.

Chapel: Some castles had a chapel for the religious practices of the castle's inhabitants. This space could also be used as a refuge in times of danger (the theory goes that they would not attack you if you were inside the church, more or less).

Blacksmith shop: It was generally located not far from the inhabited area of the castle but far enough away to avoid accidents due to the heat, it was used for the manufacture, repair and maintenance of garrison equipment.

(for example:swords, spears, axes, armor among other types of equipment.)

Final conclusions about castles

Outline Guide: Here I drew the basic shapes you need to create a Western-style castle. With these, you can easily put together the drawing of the castle by moving the pieces, (there are also 3 examples).

In summary, castles can have many variants, each with its own history and distinctive character. some standing on artificial hills with wooden towers (largely almost the same as the stone ones), others imposing with multiple rings of walls (basically all with circular shapes) and complex defensive architecture, those where defense was mixed with elegance for the nobility, others where the ancient and the modern merged in times of change, among others, but they all had a specific function, defense.

Palacios

The palaces: have had different purposes over time (although for the most part those purposes were always the same “His Majesty's Residence”), reflecting a wide variety of architectural styles. In its classic structure, imposing columns, spacious rooms adorned with ornamental details of gold and silver, and extensive gardens (like an American football stadium) usually stand out. These elements reflected the great wealth and power of their owners (the nobles).

 

 

Fundamental parts

Main Facade: It is the main entrance of the palace and is usually impressive and majestic, with ornamental details of gold and silver or some rare element, which reflect the greatness and status of its owners (LET'S IMAGINE that those are gold bricks ).

Main or Reception Entrance: Area where guests are greeted before being taken to the main event areas (such as the ballroom).

Main Halls: These spacious areas within the palace are often decorated with works of art, often displaying impressive details such as high ceilings with ornate moldings, enormous chandeliers, large windows covered by luxurious red curtains, floors embellished with tiles or designs elaborated.

Formal Audience Rooms: These are spaces where the leader or monarch received ambassadors, foreign dignitaries and other leaders to discuss important matters (decorated with thrones, symbols of power, luxurious carpets and seats for distinguished guests.

Royal Chamber: This is where the monarchy rests in private. This area can encompass several rooms, such as the master bedroom, exclusive living rooms and rest areas. (They were usually highly decorated.)

Private Rooms and Work Offices: More intimate spaces where the noble carries out personal matters, as well as perform official tasks, from signing crucial documents to strategic planning. They could have desks, libraries personal spaces or areas dedicated to reading,

 

 

Royal Changing Rooms: Private spaces to get dressed and groomed. They are usually luxurious, with mirrors, decorated wardrobes and exclusive amenities.

Dance Rooms: these large areas served as a setting for events, such as gala balls, parties and ceremonial celebrations. They are typically decorated with chandeliers, mirrors, elegant curtains, and ornate floors that facilitate dancing and social interaction.

Banquet Rooms: These are areas dedicated to large meals and banquets, with elegant tables, fine china and servers to serve the guests, (the scene was usually similar to “pigs eating on a farm”, the wine was the drink par excellence).

Art Galleries: rooms dedicated to art exhibitions, precious objects or special collections, showing the cultural and historical wealth of the place.

Gardens

Interior Gardens: are located within the walls of the palace, offering a green and peaceful space in the heart of the building.

 

 

They may include: paths, hedges, bushes and flowers that follow patterns, Fountains, ponds or small streams, as well as exotic plants brought from different parts of the world (as a symbol of wealth and status).

Outer Gardens: are located outside the palace boundaries and often offer stunning views or are designed in relation to the surrounding topography.

They may include: a geometric and symmetrical design or a more natural and organic design.

Sculptures and Architectural Elements (tea contractions), among others.

Tea Room: Room dedicated to drinking tea.

Royal Winery: A space to store wines, liquors and provisions. It can be a large room with shelves and wine barrels, and in some cases it can include a selection of high-quality, vintage wines.

Other facilities

Chapel: It was common to find a chapel for religious activities inside the palace.

Viewpoints and Observatories:

The towers offered panoramic views of the surroundings, allowing palace residents to survey the region and spot potential threats. In some cases, these towers housed private rooms, such as bedrooms, living rooms, or libraries (who wouldn't love a quiet place? ?).

Side Wings:

These structural extensions on either side of the main body of the palace comprised:

Domestic Areas: often used for services such as kitchens, pantries, cellars and accommodation for service personnel.

Additional Spaces: could include extra bedrooms, living rooms, or areas intended for guests of a lower social rank.

 

 

List of some other rooms

A)Historical Artifacts Room: area where significant historical relics and artifacts are displayed.

B)Royal Greenhouse: dedicated to the cultivation of exotic and delicate plants. It usually has an impressive design, sometimes even being a recreation space for royalty.

C) Silverware Room: A space to store and display silverware and other fine utensils used in royal ceremonies and important banquets.

D) Map Room: where old maps, globes and historical cartography are stored and displayed.

E)Royal Baths: depending on the time, between about 5 to 20 baths, luxurious, some had a pool just for bathing, others were separated by gender (if the queen got upset with the monarch), they had soap and aromas (Royalty was not exceptionally clean but usually bathed frequently).

F)Royal Library: A collection of valuable books and documents, often with impressive architecture and thousands of Tomes.

G) Weapons Study: Historical weapons, such as swords, armor, or collections of military antiques, are exhibited and studied.

(used to study war tactics and military strategies).

Among many other possible installations in the palace.

 

 

Final conclusions about the palaces

Outline guide: Here I drew the basic shapes you need to create a Western-style palace, you can easily put together the drawing of the palace by moving the pieces as needed (there are also 2 examples).

The palaces: show an impressive architectural diversity (in this case I used the square palace), some stand out for their elegance, while others combine ancient and modern, reflecting royal wealth or the daily life of the nobility. Each has a unique purpose, whether as a center of government, royal residence or cultural sanctuary.