Over the centuries, Italian Regions have been ruled by many dynasties of kings coming from different geographical areas. As a result, you can find many castles, fortresses, and noble residences and mansions scattered throughout the Country and dating from the Roman period till the XIX century when Italy became a unified State.
Each castle has its own history, pieces of heritage, and legends that keep charming visitors and locals.
38 Famous Italian Castles to visit
Valle d’Aosta
Over the centuries, this area has always been an obligatory passage to the Alps. For this reason, several military fortresses were built to protect the villages nearby and to levy tolls from foreigners. The most important example of a local Medieval castle is Fénis Castle.
1. Castello di Fénis (Fénis Castle)
It belonged to the Challant Family until 1716 when it was abandoned and used as a barn and a stable. Towards the end of the XIX century, it was restored and it became a precious piece of heritage to be shared with the local community.
Where: Fénis – Frazione Chez Sapin 1
When: XIV century
Open for visit: Yes, check here for more information.
Liguria
This Region has many military fortresses that were built to protect the coast from the enemies coming from the sea. If you are enjoying a summer seaside holiday, don’t forget to visit some charming castles and historical places too!
2. Castello Brown (Brown Castle)
This beautiful fortress is located in one of the most popular seaside resorts in Liguria: the village of Portofino. Thanks to its elevated position, it offers amazing views of the bay. Its lush gardens are also often used as a setting for marriages or photoshoots.
Where: Portofino (Genova)– via alla Penisola 13
When: XV century
Open for visit: Yes, check here for more information.
3. Castello D’Albertis (Albertis’ Castle)
It was the mansion of the Captain Enrico D’Albertis. Today, it houses the Museum of Cultures including the Captain’s private collection of artifacts, objects and works of art collected all over the world during his journeys.
Where: Genova – Corso Dogali 18
When: 1886
Open for visit: Yes, check here for more information.
4. Castello di Rapallo (Castle of Rapallo)
It was built to protect the village of Rapallo from pirates. Though it was built during the XVI century, it looks exactly like a Medieval castle.
Where: Rapallo (Genova) – Lungomare Vittorio Veneto
When: XVI century
Open for visit: Yes, check here for more information.
5. Fortezza di Sarzanello (Sarzanello’s Fortress)
It is located on the Via Francigena (the ancient European pilgrimage route connecting France to Rome). It was built to protect Magra Valley, which was an important gateway to Central Italy.
Where: Sarzana (La Spezia) – via Della Fortezza
When: X century
Open for visit: Yes, check here for more information.
Piemonte
Torino was the first capital of the unified Italian State and the city where the king had its court. Today, both Torino and the surrounding countryside still show many traces of that period, which are especially represented by the elegant Savoy Residences.
6. Reggia di Venaria Reale (Royal Palace of Venaria)
It is located in the countryside near Torino and it is part of the UNESCO’s World Heritage List. It was the hunting residence of Duke Carlo Emanuele II.
Where: Venaria Reale (Torino)– Piazza Della Repubblica 4
When: 1675
Open for visit: Yes, check here for more information.
Lombardia
Here you can find several castles in some picturesque locations, like the banks of Garda Lake or the center of one of the most modern and vibrant Italian cities.
7. Castello di Soncino (Castle of Soncino)
This castle has a really impressive and austere appearance, which was specially conceived by military architects wanting to build an imposing defensive fortress to protect the surrounding area.
Where: Soncino (Cremona)– via Guglielmo Marconi
When: 1475
Open for visit: Yes, check here for more information.
8. Castello Scaligero (Scaligero Castle)
It is located at the entrance of Sirmione’s Old Town and it is one of the best-preserved Italian castles. It is surrounded by the lake on every side, which makes it look like a real tourist postcard!
Where: Sirmione (Brescia)– Piazza Castello 34
When: XIII century
Open for visit: Yes
9. Castello Sforzesco (Sforza Castle)
In the heart of a modern city, you can find this huge gothic castle that was the residence of Duke Francesco Sforza. Today, it houses 9 museums.
Where: Milano – Piazza Castello
When: XV century
Open for visit: Yes, check here for more information.
Veneto
This Region is not particularly famous for its castles, but you can visit a couple of well-preserved and interesting medieval buildings, located in beautiful settings that are surely worth taking a picture.
10. Castello di Marostica (Castle of Marostica)
It is composed of two different complexes (Upper and Lower Castle) enclosed by the same walls. Every two years, during the month of September, it is the location of a human chess game to commemorate an ancient legend.
Where: Marostica (Vicenza)– via Cansignorio della Scala 4
When: 1312
Open for visit: Yes, check here for more information.
11. Castelvecchio
It is the main castle built by the Scaligeri, a powerful family ruling Verona for more than a century. Today, it houses a Civic Museum dedicated to Italian and European art.
Where: Verona – Corso Castelvecchio 2
When: 1356
Open for visit: Yes, check here for more information.
Trentino Alto Adige
Local castles have often been converted into museums or exhibition spaces. Being Trentino a mountain Region, the real protagonist remains the Alpine landscape, which provides a beautiful natural setting for ruins and ancient residences.
12. Castel Belfort (Belfort Castle)
A ruined castle in a beautiful natural environment. You can still wander around the ruins of the ancient walls and the crenelated tower.
Where: Spormaggiore (Trento)
When: 1311
Open for visit: No
13. Castel Firmiano (Sigmundskron Castle)
Today, it houses the Messner Mountain Museum, which is entirely dedicated to the relationship between men and mountains.
Where: Bolzano – via Castel Firmiano 53
When: X century
Open for visit: Yes, check here for more information.
14. Castel Tirolo (Tirol Castle)
It was the residence of the Counts of Tirol (the entire area is also named “Tirolo” and its inhabitants are called “Tirolesi”). Today, it houses the Museum of History of the Province of Bolzano.
Where: Tirolo (Bolzano)– via del Castello 24
When: 1140
Open for visit: Yes, check here for more information.
15. Castello del Buonconsiglio (Buonconsiglio Castle)
It is the largest and best-preserved castle in Trentino and it was the former residence of the Prince-Bishops of Trento. Today, it houses a contemporary art museum.
Where: Trento – via Bernardo Clesio 5
When: 1255
Open for visit: Yes, check here for more information.
Friuli Venezia Giulia
This Region has been part of the Hapsburg Empire for 5 centuries and it still shows many traces of that period. You can especially see them in Trieste, which looks more like a Central European city, than an Italian one. To see a beautiful example of Hapsburg residence visit
16. Castello di Miramare (Miramare Castle)
It was the residence of the Archduke Maximilian of Hapsburg, who fell in love with the Grignano promontory and its landscape. He especially loved the view of the sea from the Castle’s gardens.
Where: Trieste – Viale Miramare
When: 1856
Open for visit: Yes, check here for more information.
Emilia Romagna
Here you’ll find plenty of castles: from the residences of the Este family to places linked to ancient legends. They are full of pieces of heritage and works of art and they offer everything you’d expect to find in a medieval castle.
17. Castello Estense (Este Castle)
It is the symbol of Ferrara and it is also called S. Michael’s Castle. Its 4 towers and its red bricks are an integral part of the urban scenery.
Where: Ferrara – Largo Castello 1
When: 138
Open for visit: Yes, check here for more information.
18. Castello di Torrechiara (Castle of Torrechiara)
It was the place where the love story between Pier Maria Rossi and Bianca Pellegrini took place and it seems to be escaped from an epic poem. It is said that Pier Maria’s ghost still lingers in the rooms.
Where: Torrechiara (Parma)– Borgo del Castello
When: XV century
Open for visit: Yes, check here for more information.
19. Rocca Sanvitale (Sanvitale Fortress)
In the heart of the picturesque village of Fontanellato, you can see this ancient fortress surrounded by a moat filled with water. Inside, you’ll have the chance to admire many works of art and an entire room painted by Parmigianino with scenes taken from the myth of Diana and Actaeon.
Where: Fontanellato (Parma)– Piazza Giacomo Matteotti 1
When: 1124
Open for visit: Yes, check here for more information.
20. Rocca Viscontea di Catell’Arquato (Visconti’s Fortress of Castell’Arquato)
When visiting this ancient fortress, you’ll experience a true return to the Middle Ages! Its tall towers are visible from a distance and they stand out among the local vineyards.
Where: Castell’Arquato (Piacenza)– Giardini Giovanni Paolo 3
When: 1349
Open for visit: Yes, check here for more information.
Toscana
The majority of Tuscan castles have been reconverted to more modern uses, but they kept their charm thanks to accurate restoration works. They are especially concentrated in the Lunigiana area.
21. Castello Banfi (Banfi Castle)
Today, it houses a Museum telling the story of glass from the Vth century on. The castle is also an important wine estate.
Where: Montalcino (Siena)– Frazione Poggio alle Mura
When: 1438
Open for visit: Yes, check here for more information.
22. Castello Malaspina (Malaspina Castle)
It is located on top of a hill and it was a former military fortress. It’s been recently restored and it is now a private property belonging to the Gherardesca Family. Inside, there is a B&B, but you still have the possibility to visit its rooms with a guided tour.
Where: Fosdinovo (Massa Carrara) – via Papiriana 2
When: XIV century
Open for visit: Yes
Marche
Here you’ll find some medieval castles offering beautiful views of the local hilly landscape. The most famous one is
23. Castello di Gradara (Castle of Gradara)
It is located close to the border dividing Marche from Emilia Romagna and it is a well-preserved example of a medieval castle surrounded by a small village enclosed by its walls. From its windows, you’ll have an amazing view of the hills and the sea.
Where: Gradara (Pesaro-Urbino) – Piazza V Novembre 1
When: 1150
Open for visit: Yes, check here for more information.
Umbria
The rich historic heritage of this Region is well represented by its castles and fortresses, which also enjoy one of the most beautiful rural areas in Italy.
24. Rocca Albornoziana (Albornozian Fortress)
This fortress is located on top of S Elia’s hill. Its construction was ordered by Pope Innocenzo VI to reinforce the authority of the Church over Central Italy.
Where: Spoleto – Piazza Campello 1
When: 1367
Open for visit: Yes, check here for more information.
25. Rocca Maggiore (Major Fortress)
It is located on the highest part of Assisi. From its walls, you can admire a typical rural landscape and you can even see the cities of Spoleto and Perugia.
Where: Assisi – via della Rocca
When: 1173
Open for visit: Yes, check here for more information.
Abruzzo
This mountain Region hosts a picturesque medieval castle in a special location: Gran Sasso National Park!
26. Rocca Calascio (Calascio Fortress)
It is located 1450 m above sea level in the Central Apennines. The entire surrounding area is part of Gran Sasso National Park. Its height and the beautiful mountain landscape owed this ancient fortress the 15th place in the National Geographic’s list of the most beautiful castles in the world.
Where: Calascio (L’Aquila)
When: 1000
Open for visit: Yes, check here for more information.
Lazio
Many local castles are now ruined, but some of them are still open to the public and show the rich history of this area through the centuries.
27. Castel Sant’Angelo (S. Angel’s Castle)
It was built by Emperor Adriano to be the mausoleum of his family. Afterward, it was used as a military fortress, as a part of the city walls and even as a prison. Today, a huge museum illustrates its long history and its different functions throughout the centuries.
Where: Roma – Lungotevere Castello 50
When: 139 dc
Open for visit: Yes, check here for more information.
28. Castello Odescalchi (Odescalchi’s Castle)
Just a few kilometers from Rome, you’ll find this beautiful castle with a large garden that it’s often used as a setting for marriages and events.
Where: Bracciano (Roma) – Piazza Giuseppe Mazzini 14
When: 1485
Open for visit: Yes, check here for more information.
29. Civita di Bagnoregio
In the so-called “Ravine’s Valley”, on top of a steep bedrock, there’s a tiny medieval village with its castle. Due to the progressive erosion of the rocks and the frequent landslides, it is now completely isolated and its only access is a pedestrian bridge. For this reason, the village is almost abandoned and today only a dozen people live there. For this reason, it is also called “The Dying City”.
Where: Bagnoregio (Viterbo) – via Ferriera
When: 500 BC
Open for visit: Yes
Campania
Many kings and nobles ruled this area in the past, but the two main dynasties were Anjou and Aragonese. Their royal palaces and residences are still well-preserved and they complete and enhance the appeal of the beautiful Napoli Gulf.
30. Castel dell’ Ovo (Egg Castle)
It is located on a tiny island linked to the mainland. Its strange name stems from an old legend: the poet Virgil hid an egg in the underground passages of the castle. This egg is responsible for the luck of the castle and the city of Naples so that it shall not be moved nor even found!
Where: Napoli – via Eldorado 3
When: XII century
Open for visit: Yes, check here for more information.
31. Castel Nuovo (Maschio Angioino)
It was the residence of Charles I d’Anjou. Thanks to his heir Robert d’Anjou, it became a famous cultural hub for artists and poets (even Giotto was received as a special guest!)
Where: Napoli – via Vittorio Emanuele III
When: XIII century
Open for visit: Yes, check here for more information.
32. Castel Sant’Elmo (S. Elmo’s Castle)
Another royal residence of the Anjou family. Today, it houses a museum celebrating modern and contemporary local artists.
Where: Napoli – via Tito Angelini 22
When: 1329
Open for visit: Yes, check here for more information.
33. Castello Aragonese (Aragonese Castle)
It is located on a tiny island linked to Ischia by a bridge dating back to the XV century. Its special perspective makes it look like it’s just emerged from the sea.
Where: Ischia Island (Napoli)
When: 1441
Open for visit: Yes, check here for more information.
Puglia
One of the most touristic areas of Southern Italy, which is also extremely rich in castles and fortresses. You’ll be able to observe many different styles and several types of architecture and decorations reflecting the different dominations which this area was subject to in the past.
34. Castel del Monte
Its iconic octagonal shape makes it one of the most famous buildings in Southern Italy. It was built on top of a hill by Frederick II, Emperor of the Sacred Roman Empire. Thanks to its peculiar appearance, it was included in the UNESCO’s World Heritage List.
Where: Andria – Strada Statale 170
When: 1240
Open for visit: Yes, check here for more information.
35. Castello dei Badiali (Fortress of San Nicola Island)
San Nicola belongs to the Tremiti Islands, a small archipelago famous for being a popular diving destination. The imposing fortress dominates the coast and it was meant to be the main defense system against pirates.
Where: San Nicola (Tremiti Islands) – via Diomede 9
When: XIII century
Open for visit: Yes
36. Castello di Carlo V (Castle of Charles V)
In the Old Town of Lecce, you can see the former residence of King Charles V. It was rebuilt and renovated many times throughout the centuries and it shows an interesting mix of architectural styles.
Where: Lecce – viale Felice Cavallotti
When: 1539
Open for visit: Yes, check here for more information.
37. Castello Svevo (Swabian Castle)
It was built by Roger II “The Norman” to protect his lands. It was inhabited by several kings and nobles afterward, who changed the original structure and overall appearance.
Where: Bari – Piazza Federico II di Svevia 4
When: 1132
Open for visit: Yes, check here for more information.
Sicilia
In Sicily, you can see a great Arabic influence, both in its works of art, its architecture and its culture too. Unfortunately, the majority of Sicilian castles are ruined today.
38. Castello Ursino (Ursino Castle)
It was built by Emperor Frederik II (Sacred Roman Empire). Today, it houses the civic museum of Catania with a rich collection of pieces of art from the Hellenistic and Roman periods.
Where: Catania – Piazza Federico di Svevia
When: XIII century
Open for visit: Yes, check here for more information.
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