Beautiful castles to visit on your next trip to Italy

Italy is renowned for its abundance of precious monuments and architectural beauty, with castles standing out as particularly captivating in terms of their charm. Nestled amidst majestic mountains and surrounded by picturesque landscapes straight out of a fairytale, these castles and fortresses transport visitors to a realm that blurs the line between reality and legend.

The fortress closely resembles a castle and is currently being constructed with a sturdy wall and tower. Typically, they are found in captivating villages and historical centers, evoking images of princesses, knights, and epic battles. Presented below is a compilation of some exceptionally captivating fortresses.

Monteriggioni Fortress, Tuscany

The Monteriggioni Fortress, located in the charming Province of Siena, is an irresistible magnet for tourists due to its breathtakingly magnificent and awe-inspiring grandeur. With its towering walls and regal presence, it emanates a sense of timeless beauty that attracts visitors from all corners of the globe. Year after year, a staggering number of over 70,000 individuals eagerly make their way to this renowned Tuscan castle to immerse themselves in its glorious splendor and marvel at its architectural brilliance. It is a true testament to the enduring allure of this fortress that it continues to captivate the hearts and imaginations of countless admirers, leaving an indelible mark on their memories and ensuring its place as a beloved destination for generations to come.

Dante, the renowned poet from Florence, was undoubtedly captivated by Monteriggioni, as evidenced by the poems he dedicated to this famous landmark. It is no mere coincidence that this picturesque town served as inspiration for the grand structures found in the depths of Malebolge, one of the circles of Hell in Dante’s literary masterpiece.

Rocca de Carascio, Abruzzo

Situated at an elevation of 1460 meters in the Gran Sasso National Park and Monti della Laga National Park, Rocca di Carascio in the Province of L’Aquila boasts stunning medieval architecture, constructed entirely out of white stone. It stands as one of the tallest structures in Italy. Perched amidst the mountains, it offers a commanding view of a deserted ancient village. The undeniable allure of this location has made it a popular choice for several notable films, including the unforgettable classics “Ladyhawke” and “The Name of the Rose,” as well as the more recent “American,” starring George Clooney.

Aragonese Castle, Ischia Island, Amalfi Coast

The ancient Borgodisersa, now known as Ischiaponte, is connected to an islet by a masonry bridge. Thanks to Alfonso V of Aragon, access to the castle was made possible through a tunnel that was carved into the rock. Previously, the castle could only be reached by sea. The tunnel, which is 400 meters long, was illuminated by a skylight that also served as a defensive measure. From this skylight, boiling oil, stones, and other substances would be thrown at enemies. In 1952, several scenes from the movie The Crimson Pirates, starring Burt Lancaster, were filmed in the castle.

Scarige Castle, Lake Garda

The castle in Sirmione is a remarkable example of a lake fortress and stands as one of the most complete and well-preserved castles in Italy. Situated on Lake Garda, the castle is surrounded by water on all sides, creating a unique and picturesque setting. On one side, there is a dock, while on the other side, a grand fort with a prison cell can be found. The castle’s walls and three main towers feature the distinctive dovetail battlement design. Visitors can explore the promenade, ascend to the top, and marvel at the captivating views of the dock. According to a legend of tragic love, it is said that the spirit of Evengard wanders the castle on stormy nights in search of his beloved Alice.

Castel del Monte, Apulia

Castel del Monte, located near the town of Andria, is undeniably one of Italy’s most enigmatic structures. Constructed in the 13th century by Emperor Frederick II, this building features an intriguing octagonal design with turrets placed on each edge. It is believed that the castle was meticulously constructed based on precise mathematical and astronomical principles, incorporating various symbolic elements. Interestingly, the absence of moats or military architectural features, as well as its lack of strategic positioning, raises questions about its intended purpose. The narrow spiral staircases, which would have been impractical for defense or escape, and the arrow slits too narrow for shooting arrows further add to the castle’s enigma. Additionally, the castle’s unique shape bears a resemblance to that of a crown, adding another layer of intrigue to its design.

Castle in the Niccone Valley on the Umbrian / Tuscan border

Located at the meeting point of Tuscany and Umbria, Niccone Valley stretches for 11 miles. It derives its name from the Niccone River, which is a tributary of the Tiber River, flowing between Umbertide and Cortona. This renowned valley serves as a sought-after vacation spot for discerning travelers from around the globe. Throughout the valley, the prominent features include the castle’s summit and several fortified villages known as “Borghi,” which were constructed during the Middle Ages. These structures serve as a testament to the political and military tensions experienced by the Papal States due to territorial expansion by neighboring regions.

The majority of the walls in the northern valley are located in Tuscany, offering a remarkable view as you make your way towards Umbria. Situated in the far western corner of this expansive valley is Castello di Pierre. This grand castle, positioned on the eastern slope of Mount Maestrino, reigns over a fertile valley with an air of majesty. As you approach the castle, its towering height appears almost disproportionate to the small hill on which it is perched. Surrounding the castle, there are quaint churches and ancient residences, where some individuals peacefully reside with their livestock.

Richard Castle, the oldest castle in the entire valley, dates back to the 9th-10th centuries. It was constructed in 1202 by the Marquis of Monte, and was protected by Perugia until it was returned to the Holy See in 1479. The castle was subsequently owned by Marquis Solbello. Regrettably, only a few remnants of this castle remain today.

The Sorbello Castle stands out from other castles in the region due to its adherence to the Guelphs tradition. Most of the original structure dates back to the 10th century, with the southern side being added in the 12th century. In the 1600s, it underwent a significant transformation, transitioning from a fortress into a grand palace and later a villa. The castle’s history is closely intertwined with the events involving Marquis Bourbon of Monte S. Maria Tiberina. Inside, the noble apartments boast splendid ceilings and ornate chests of drawers. Of particular interest is the waiting room, adorned with exquisite 17th-century paintings, as well as the throne, where justice was administered by the regent.

The Castle of Ratio is situated on a hill approximately 3 km away from the public roads of the Niccone Valley. It is located in the municipality of Richard Niccone, on the border between Perugia and Tuscany. Throughout the Middle Ages, this castle was a subject of dispute among the lords of Perugia, Florence, and Città di Castello due to its strategic position and multiple residential units. Within the castle grounds, there are various luxurious villas that can be rented for holiday purposes on private land.

As you leave Umbertide and travel towards Città di Castello on Tiberina 3 bis, you will notice a prominent structure on the left amidst a lush green landscape. This is the Castle of Montalto, known for its towering height. In the past, this castle held great strategic importance as a fortress defending Flutter against the expansionist ambitions of Città di Castello.