Located in the town of Stirling in Scotland, Stirling Castle is one of the largest and most important castles in Scotland, and indeed in Western Europe, both historically and architecturally. Built on 'the castle hill,' a volcanic crag, it is surrounded on three sides by sheer cliffs, making it easy to defend. Together with its strategic position, this feature made it an essential stronghold from the outset, the object of struggle between the Scots and English. Numerous kings and queens of Scotland were born, died, or were crowned here. The castle is a national monument and is now governed by Historic Scotland, the Scottish Historic Buildings Agency.