Introduction. Feudal castles are a universally recognized architectural symbol of the European Middle Ages. In medieval Rus’, both before and after the Mongol invasion, castles were not built at all, yet no one has yet attempted to understand this phenomenon. Therefore, this article is the first attempt in Russian historiography to explain the absence of feudal castles in our country. Methods and Materials. A combination of general scientific theoretical methods, historical description, comparative typological and comparative analytical methods, and a systems approach were used. Empirical methods included analysis of printed and electronic sources and documents, visual images (paintings, photographs, engravings), and content analysis. The primary sources of the study included numerous images of medieval feudal castles and other fortifications, writings and notes by Western European travelers, and historical and theoretical works by Russian and foreign scholars. Results. The article explores the specific features of European feudal castles and their differences from other medieval defensive structures, including fortresses, Catholic castles, and the fortifications of medieval European cities. The geographic distribution of feudal castles is analyzed. This review is necessary to debunk the myths surrounding their presence in Russia (Vyborg Castle, Mikhailovsky Castle, and others), as well as to understand the factors that hindered the development of castle architecture in the country during the Middle Ages. According to the author, this was due to the absent of the institution of majorat, characteristic of Europe and Japan, to develop in Russia. Peter the Great’s attempt to introduce it proved belated and unsuccessful. A second reason for the absence of castles in Russia was that full-fledged feudalism never existed there, as for almost its entire history, the country evolved along the Eastern path of world civilization and was dominated by a politarism system. Conclusion. The emergence of castles in Western and Central Europe was not a random phenomenon or a tribute to architectural fashion. Castles were a natural expression of the feudal system that developed during the heyday of the Middle Ages in this region. Since Rus’ lacked the stone castles and city fortifications that saved Europe from Mongol enslavement in the 13th century, the country became easy prey for conquerors from the East.