Top 15 Castles to visit in Italy

Top 15 Castles to visit in Italy

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1. Castello Sforzesco, Milan

Well-preserved and packed with history and art, Castello Sforzesco was built in the 15th century on the remains of an ancient fortification. Later renovated and enlarged, the castle became one of the largest fortresses in Europe. Once the private home of the Sforza-Visconti ruling family of Milan, this became the Austrian governor’s official residence when Lombardy was taken into the powerful Habsburg Empire. Largely reconstructed in the late 19th century by architect Luca Beltrami, it now houses museums of applied arts, antique furniture and wooden sculpture, musical instruments, and Egyptian art. The castle also includes hundreds of works of Italian art, including masterpieces by Canaletto, Tiepolo, Titian, Correggio, and Tintoretto, among others.

2. Rocca Maggiore, Assisi

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A castle that dates from the 12th century, Rocca Maggiore sits atop the Assisi Hill and is easily one of the best castles in Italy to explore.

Now, it might be a little bit of a ramble to get to the castle, but it is well worth it for the stunning views across the region. From the top, you’ll even see views that stretch all across Umbria, it’s beautiful.

Once you’re here, take some time to walk around the castle grounds, see the incredible history inside and learn more about how people lived here. It really is a special place.

3. Palazzo Vecchio, Florence

Admire Romanesque architecture in the heart of Tuscany at Palazzo Vecchio. Built at the turn of the 14th century, the palace now serves as the city’s town hall and boasts a collection of art and interior decor from the last six centuries. Tour the Salone dei Cinquecento, with its gold-panelled ceiling and colourful murals, or head outside to see the antique, decorative facade and the original site of Michelangelo’s “David” statue. You can visit the palace’s three courtyards and outdoor areas free of charge, or pay for a complete tour of the building’s interior.

4. Fortress of St Nicola, Tremiti Islands

This magnificent castle is actually set on a clifftop on the sun-drenched isle of Tremiti.

Access to the castle is by boat, where you will be surrounded by the turquoise waters of the Adriatic Sea. Needless to say, this is another castle you should definitely visit for the view of the surrounds.

Also, once you’re here, make sure to spend some time exploring Gargano national park, too. There are so many beautiful national parks in Italy and it’s great to pair this up with a visit to the castles.

5. Castelvecchio, Verona

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Explore a small-but-varied collection of medieval paintings, sculptures, weapons, and ornamental objects alongside modern art at Museo di Castelvecchio, housed in the 14th-century castle of the same name. Between 1959 and 1973, modernist architect Carlo Scarpa restored and enhanced the castle, adding his own features and creating special fixtures to hold some of the artworks. The layout resembles a modern art gallery, rather than a historical museum, with ample space to appreciate each artefact. A fortified, red-brick bridge attached to the castle provides sweeping views of the river and surrounding countryside.

6. Odescalchi Castle, Bracciano

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If you are exploring the gorgeous spots in Rome, make sure to also take a day trip then Odescalchi is easily one of the best castles in Italy to visit.

Built way back in the 15th century, there is still so much of the castle (and some restored bits) to explore today. There’s also a shed load of art from the middle-ages too. It really is stunning to see.

It is also most famous for being the former home of several prominent papal families and where Tom Cruise and Katie Holmes got married. Also, for a great place to stay, check into the H’All Tailor Suite (in Rome). It’s stunning.

7. Castello Estense, Ferrara

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Don’t miss the medieval dungeons of Castello Estense, a moated structure in the centre of the city. The castle was begun in the 14th century, after a violent riot convinced Nicollo II d’Este, a local nobleman, that his palace was no longer sufficiently protected to guarantee his family’s safety. Construction began in 1385 under the direction of architect Bartolino da Novara, and a wooden passageway soon linked the Este family’s old residence to the new castle, allowing residents to flee from one to the other. Though many of its sections are now used as government offices, you can still visit the castle’s cross-vaulted living rooms, court kitchens, chapels, and the claustrophobic dungeons, which were once used as prison cells and torture chambers. The site also includes a small cafe and a bookshop.

8.Castell’Arquato, Emilia-Romagna

Built in the 8th century, Castell’Arquato actually encompasses a town itself.

To this day, the town (within the castle walls) looks much as it would have in days gone by so it is the ideal place to come if you want a flavour of how the Middle Ages would have felt. It really is stunning and easy to visit if you’re travelling between Milan and Bologna.

Plus, if you’re based in Parma, it’s only around 35 km to get here (around 50-60 minutes drive).

9. Castel dell’Ovo, Naples

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Enjoy the views from the seaside Castel dell’Ovo, the oldest standing fortification in Naples. Its name comes from a legend that a sorcerer placed a magical egg in the foundation of the castle. If the egg breaks, the building supposedly will be destroyed, and Naples will experience a series of disastrous events. Study the tiled map of the landscape to identify the many landmarks you can see. Arrange your visit to Castel dell’Ovo and discover more family-friendly attractions in Naples.

10. Castello Aragonese d’Ischia, Ischia

Aragonese Castle (Italian: Castello Aragonese) is a medieval castle next to Ischia (one of the Phlegraean Islands), at the northern end of the Gulf of Naples, Italy. The castle stands on a volcanic rocky islet that connects to the larger island of Ischia by a causeway (Ponte Aragonese).

The castle was built by Hiero I of Syracuse in 474 BC. At the same time, two towers were built to control enemy fleets’ movements. The rock was then occupied by Parthenopeans (the ancient inhabitants of Naples). In 326 BC the fortress was captured by Romans, and then again by the Parthenopeans. In 1441 Alfonso V of Aragon connected the rock to the island with a stone bridge instead of the prior wood bridge and fortified the walls in order to defend the inhabitants against the raids of pirates.

Around 1700, about 2000 families lived on the islet, including a Poor Clares convent, an abbey of Basilian monks (of the Greek Orthodox Church), the bishop and the seminar, the prince with a military garrison. There were also thirteen churches. In 1809, the British troops laid siege to the island, then under French command, and shelled it to almost complete destruction. In 1912, the castle was sold to a private owner. Today the castle is the most visited monument of the island.

11. Palazzo Pubblico and Museo Civico, Siena

Located on Sienna’s central square, Palazzo Pubblico and Museo Civico were built to house the Republican government at the end of the 13th century, and now is home to the civic museum. The impressive bell tower was built between 1325 and 1344 and was at the time the highest structure in the country. Ascend the tower to look out over the city, or tour the building to see some of the first non-religious paintings within its walls. Frescoes are present in most rooms and depict battle scenes, landscapes, and other aspects of medieval life. Don’t miss the most famous, a series of three panels painted by Ambrogio Lorenzetti, which are called collectively The Allegory of Bad Government.

12. Piazzale Castel San Pietro, Verona

Enjoy panoramic views of Verona and the Adige when you climb to Piazzale Castel San Pietro. Admire the small Italian houses and quaint streets on the way up the steps to the plateau. Though the castle itself is gone, once you arrive at the top you can sit, relax, and enjoy the view of the ruins.

13. Castello di Arechi, Salerno

Overlooking Salerno at a height of 300 meters (985 feet) is Castello di Arechi. From here, enjoy a full view of the city and the Gulf of Salerno. Built during the sixth century, the settlement has been traced to Norman, Angevin, and Aragonese styles. The castle is currently used to host exhibitions and conferences and can be entered for free every day except Monday. If you’re heading there by bus, be sure to note the timetable for your return before heading off.

14. Reggia di Caserta, Caserta

Experience Italy’s 18th-century royalty at Reggia di Caserta. It was constructed for the Bourbon kings of Naples in an effort to rival the Palace of Versailles. This World Heritage site features more than 1,200 rooms and sprawling landscaped gardens. Tour the decorated staterooms. Admire the throne room’s colourful frescoes and gold-embellished ceiling. Next, explore the garden’s manicured lawns and marble fountain. You can rent bikes here to explore the garden’s full 3 km (1.86 mi) of paths.

15. Castel Nuovo – Maschio Angioino, Naples

Castel Nuovo – Maschio Angioino is a medieval castle near the sea with iconic architecture. Many visitors claim the outside view is the most impressive, so be sure to stop for photos. Once inside, you can find a 15th-century bronze door with a cannonball embedded in it, historical artwork, and other antiquities. Also look for the glass-floored room that looks down into the catacombs, which house some unearthed skeletons.