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Italy is home to a myriad of stunning castles, each boasting its own unique history and architectural style. In this guide, we will explore some of the most magnificent castles in Italy, divided by region to make your castle-hopping adventure as seamless as possible.
Aug 14, 2024 · From their intriguing histories to their unmatched architecture, these are the best castles in Italy to add to your itinerary. From the Scaligero Castle on Lake Garda to Aragonese Castle on the idyllic island of Ischia, there is no shortage of these hidden gems in Italy.
- Belmond Castello di Casole. Hotel, Villa. 4.6/5 (42 Reviews) Courtesy of Belmond Castello di Casole / Expedia. This impeccably restored 10th-century castle is set deep in the Tuscan countryside, an hour’s drive south of Florence.
- Castel Monastero. Spa Hotel. 4.4/5 (101 Reviews) Courtesy of Castel Monastero / Expedia. View Rooms. This rural resort consists of an entire medieval hamlet, complete with its own piazza and church.
- Castello di Velona Resort. Luxury, Resort. 4.5/5 (265 Reviews) Courtesy of Castello di Velona Resort / Expedia. View Rooms. Open your windows onto one of the world’s finest wine-producing valleys at the Castello di Velona, a thermal resort in the Val d’Orcia, home to the prestigious Brunello di Montalcino varieties.
- Castello di Guarene. Luxury, Hotel. 4.8/5 (52 Reviews) Courtesy of Castello di Guarene / Expedia. View Rooms. Italian royalty once holidayed at this Renaissance castle in Guarene, just an hour from Turin.
- Castel Del Monte
- Fénis Castle
- Castel Sant’Angelo
- Estense Castle
- Castel Nuovo
- Gradara Castle
- Aragonese Castle
- Sforza Castle
- Miramare Castle
- Buonconsiglio Castle
Castel del Monte in southern Italy in the region of Apulia is not only one of the most significant castles in the country, but has also been recognized by UNESCO among its World Heritage Sites due to its unique and truly awe-inspiring significance. The 13th-century castle and citadel is a distinctive example in medieval military architecture since ...
Fénis Castle is one of the most famous in northern Italy and lies approximately 50 kilometers south from the border of Switzerland. The castle is located in the Alpine Aosta Valley with an impressive mountainous landscape that together with the many towers and battlemented walls help create a truly dramatic look of Fénis Castle. Interestingly, desp...
Castel Sant’Angelo is among one of the most significant historic buildings in Rome. Located in the Parco Adriano park on the northern banks of Tiber, Castel Sant’Angelo is a fortress and a castle built between 123 and 139 AD and was originally built as a mausoleum for the Roman Emperor Hadrian. While his and his family’s ashes as well as those of s...
Unique in its appearance but absolutely appropriate for the Italian landscape, Castello Estense or Estense Castle is a moated medieval castle in the north Italian city of Ferrara. The building of the towering castle began at the end of the 14th century, in 1385. It was commissioned by Nicolò II d’Este as his family’s residence and also to protect t...
Castel Nuovo is one of the main attractions in the southern city of Naples. The medieval castle built in the late 13th century is often also referred to as Maschio Angioino meaning Angevin Keep. Until as late as 1815, the castle was a royal seat for kings of Naples, Spain, and Aragon. The original architectural plan for the castle was drawn up by t...
Gradara Castle in central Italy in the region of Marche is medieval fortress dating back to around the 12th century even though further building works took place until as late as the 15th century. A significant reason why the castle is so famous is not only due to its beautifully-preserved structure but also because it was featured in the famous Di...
When thinking about historic structures perched atop a mountainous islands, most people will immediately think of the famous Mont-Saint-Michel abbey in France. Yet there’s another which deserves recognition and it is the Aragonese Castle in Italy, built on and in the very essence of the volcanic rocky islet next to Ischia to which it is connected b...
Sforza Castle is a noteworthy and significant historic structure at the heart of Milan. Built by the Duke of Milan, Francesco Sforza, in the 15th century atop a previous structure from the 14th century, particular attention was paid to the decorative elements – sculptors, architects, and painters all were hired to work on the central tower to make ...
Unlike the majority of Italian castles, Miramare Castle is a later addition to the country’s spectacular cultural heritage. Dating back only to the 19th century, it nevertheless has a remarkable appearance and thus deserves to be on the list of the best castles in Italy. Located at the very northeast of the country, Miramare Castle overlooks the pi...
While the original fortified building stood here from the 13th century, Buonconsiglio Castle as we see it today was mainly designed during the Italian Renaissance period. Until 1803 it was the residence for prince-bishops but was later acquired by Austria and used by its military as barracks and later as a jail. Because of this, the castle fell int...
- Miramare castle. Let’s start our journey among the 20 most beautiful castles in Italy with Miramare. The construction of the building and its park started around 1855.
- Castello Sforzesco, Milan. Castello Sforzesco is one of the most famous medieval castles in Italy. It is located in the heart of the historic center of Milan.
- Estense castle, Ferrara. The Estense castle in Ferrara is one of the most amazing medieval castles in Italy! Estense Castle Ferrara is made with red terracotta bricks and is characterized by four towers surrounded by the moat.
- Buonconiglio Castle Trento. Buonconsiglio Castle in Trento is one of the most stunning half medieval castles in Italy. Bishops lived here from the 12th to the 18th century, the Buonconsiglio Castle is the largest and most important monumental complex in the region and also one of the be most beautiful castles in Italy.
Dec 10, 2023 · Explore the captivating beauty, immerse yourself in history, and discover the unique charm that each castle has to offer. Italy’s medieval and Renaissance castles will undoubtedly leave you in awe of their grandeur and the rich tapestry of Italian architecture and history.
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Jul 20, 2023 · Love exploring castles? Check out our picks for 10 of most beautiful castles in Italy, from Lake Garda's Scaligero Castle to the castle at Bracciano!
