Content Summary:
Italy boasts an impressive collection of well-maintained castles that are not only visually striking within the Italian context but also within the broader European landscape. Distinctively different from their neighboring nations’ counterparts, Italian castles showcase a blend of medieval military architecture, Gothic elements, as well as influences from the Italian Renaissance, Byzantine, and Moorish architectural styles.
With exceptional geometrical shapes and an imposing presence, Italian castles are as magnificent as they are awe-inspiring—a grandeur best appreciated in person. Interestingly, each castle possesses unique features that echo historical events, geographical surroundings, and political transformations over the centuries. It is also noteworthy that castles in Italy are not confined to a couple of regions; they span the entire country, as illustrated in the following list of the 15 most remarkable castles in Italy.
1. Castel del Monte
Castel del Monte, situated in southern Italy’s Apulia region, is not only one of the most significant castles in the country but is also recognized by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site due to its unique and remarkable significance.
This 13th-century castle and citadel exemplify medieval military architecture through the successful integration of diverse architectural styles from the Islamic Orient, classical antiquity, and European Cistercian Gothic influences. Castel del Monte is particularly noted for its perfectly regular octagonal prism shape, with an octagonal tower at each corner.
Commissioned by Emperor Frederick II, the castle is only documented in a single manuscript dating to the 1240s. Despite its beautiful restoration, many of its ornaments and marbles were looted in the 18th century. Castel del Monte has held UNESCO recognition since 1996, and it is also depicted on the one-cent coin of the Italian euro.
2. Fénis Castle
Fénis Castle, one of the most renowned castles in northern Italy, is located approximately 50 kilometers south of the Swiss border. Nestled in the Alpine Aosta Valley, it is surrounded by an impressive mountainous landscape, which, along with its numerous towers and battlemented walls, contributes to the castle’s dramatic aesthetic.
Although it presents a defensive appearance, Fénis Castle was never intended for military use. Instead, it served as a prestigious residence for the Challant family. Nevertheless, the castle features many watchtowers, a double boundary wall with battlements, and towers at each corner of its pentagonal layout.
Notably, the inner courtyard is equally captivating, incorporating a semi-circular stone staircase, wooden balconies, and a 15th-century fresco illustrating Saint George’s legendary battle with a dragon.
3. Castel Sant’Angelo
Castel Sant’Angelo is among the most significant historic buildings in Rome. Located within Parco Adriano park on the northern banks of the Tiber River, Castel Sant’Angelo was originally constructed between 123 and 139 AD as a mausoleum for Emperor Hadrian. Initially housing the ashes of Hadrian and his family, the structure later served as a fortress and castle for various popes, and today functions as a museum.
Regrettably, many valuable artifacts from the mausoleum, including tomb elements and decorations, have been lost or damaged since conversion into a military fortress around 401 AD, with urns and ashes often scattered by Visigoth looters.
In subsequent centuries, Castel Sant’Angelo was repurposed as a papal castle and linked to St. Peter’s Basilica in the Vatican via a fortified corridor, which proved advantageous during the 1527 siege known as the Sack of Rome.
The castle has operated as a museum since the early 20th century, attracting over 1 million annual visitors.
4. Estense Castle
Unique in its design and perfectly suited to the Italian landscape, Castello Estense, or Estense Castle, is a moated medieval castle in the northern Italian city of Ferrara. Construction began in the late 14th century, specifically in 1385, commissioned by Nicolò II d’Este as a residence for his family while also providing protection from rebellious citizens.
The castle’s grand exterior is characterized by four towers, each symbolizing the magnificence and power of the Este family, named Torre di Santa Caterina, Torre dei Leoni, Torre Marchesana, and Torre di San Paolo. Torre dei Leoni is open to visitors, offering splendid views from the top.
5. Castel Nuovo
Castel Nuovo is a prominent attraction in southern Naples. Completed in the late 13th century, the medieval castle is often referred to as Maschio Angioino, or the Angevin Keep. Until 1815, it served as a royal residence for the kings of Naples, Spain, and Aragon.
The castle’s original architectural design was created by French architect Pierre de Chaule, and its construction was initiated by Charles I of Anjou. Both the Angevins and their successors, the Aragonese, utilized the castle as a royal palace imbued with culture, art, and significance. Over time, the Aragonese transformed it into a fortified structure, enhancing its size and imposing features compared to its original design.
Constructed in a trapezoidal shape, the castle comprises five large cylindrical defensive towers. Three of the towers are situated against the entrance wall, which features a distinctive single-sided white marble arch.
6. Gradara Castle
Located in the Marche region of central Italy, Gradara Castle is a medieval fortress that dates back to approximately the 12th century, with further construction taking place until the 15th century. Its fame stems not only from its beautifully preserved structure but also its mention in Dante Alighieri’s renowned Divine Comedy.
The castle features a 30-meter tall keep, protected by two concentric walls extending nearly 800 meters. Guests are welcome to wander through both the exterior and interior, which boasts chambers, halls, and historical artifacts.
7. Aragonese Castle
When contemplating historic constructions on mountainous islands, many people immediately envision the Mont-Saint-Michel abbey in France. However, Italy’s Aragonese Castle also merits attention for its enchanting location on a volcanic islet adjacent to Ischia, connected by a causeway.
Notably, the castle’s oldest sections can be traced back to 474 BC, established by Hiero I of Syracuse. Following this, the Romans and Parthenopeans, the ancient inhabitants of Naples, captured the territory.
In the mid-15th century, the islet was linked to Ischia via a stone bridge, replacing the earlier wooden structure. Additionally, the castle walls were fortified against potential pirate incursions.
8. Sforza Castle
Sforza Castle, a significant historical landmark in Milan, was constructed by Duke Francesco Sforza in the 15th century, upon the remnants of a 14th-century structure. Great care was devoted to the decorative elements, enlisting the talents of sculptors, architects, and painters to elevate the central tower into a royal space. This tower remains a prominent symbol of Milan today. Leonard da Vinci even contributed to the castle by painting frescoes in the late 15th century.
Despite its noble origins, over time, the castle was transformed into a military stronghold. It wasn’t until the 19th century that the structure was restored to its former glory and repurposed as the headquarters for Milan’s Civic Museums.
9. Miramare Castle
In contrast to many Italian castles, Miramare Castle represents a later contribution to the country’s cultural heritage, dating to the 19th century while still possessing a striking appearance worthy of inclusion in a list of Italy’s finest castles.
Situated in the country’s northeastern region, Miramare Castle overlooks the picturesque Gulf of Trieste and its turquoise waters. Constructed over a period of four years beginning in 1856, the castle was built for Austrian Archduke Ferdinand Maximilian and his wife, under the design of Austrian architect Carl Junker.
True to the style of 19th-century castles, the grounds include an expansive seashore park designed to accommodate a variety of tropical trees and flora.
10. Buonconsiglio Castle
While the original fortified structure has existed since the 13th century, Buonconsiglio Castle in its present form was primarily designed during the Italian Renaissance period. Until 1803, it served as the residence of prince-bishops but later came under Austrian control, being utilized as a military barracks and subsequently as a prison. Consequently, the castle fell into disrepair until the 1920s when Trento was returned to Italy, along with the castle. It has since housed the Provincial Gallery of Art for over three decades.
The castle features stunning frescoes and a beautiful Venetian loggia that overlooks the city of Trento. Its inner courtyard is a prime example of Renaissance architecture.
11. Palazzo d’Accursio
Although some find similarities between Palazzo d’Accursio and Sforza Castle in Milan, the castle in Bologna was originally constructed to house civic and administrative offices. Presently, it serves as the town hall of Bologna.
While some sections date back to the 13th and 14th centuries, major expansion and renovation occurred during the first half of the 15th century, including the addition of a clock tower. Essentially, Palazzo d’Accursio comprises a complex of interconnected buildings that have evolved over time. Its striking facade features a terracotta Madonna with Child crafted by Niccolò dell’Arca.
12. Doge’s Palace
It is virtually impossible to search for images of Venice without encountering Doge’s Palace, undoubtedly one of the most significant landmarks in this beloved and frequently visited Italian city.
This palace is an exemplary representation of Venetian Gothic architecture, celebrated for its Gothic, Byzantine, and Moorish elements. Following two significant fire incidents during the 14th century, Doge’s Palace was reconstructed to its current form.
Since 1996, Doge’s Palace has been a part of the Venetian museum network.
13. Castelvecchio
While many visitors to Verona are drawn to the iconic balcony depicted in Shakespeare’s “Romeo and Juliet,” the city has much more to offer, including the historical significance of Castelvecchio, meaning “Old Castle.” This medieval military fortification was built by the Scaliger dynasty in the mid-14th century.
Featuring minimal decorative elements, the castle is characterized by its strict compositional style, including seven towers and robust walls designed to protect the people of Verona.
Castelvecchio stands out among Italy’s castles due to its striking red brick architecture and arches.
14. Tyrol Castle
Many may presume that Tyrol Castle is situated in Austria, as the region of Tyrol is commonly associated with that country. Nevertheless, it spans both Italy and Austria, with the ancestral seat of the Counts of Tyrol—who lent their name to the region—being located in Italy.
While the area has been inhabited since ancient times, the castle dates back to the early 12th century, with ongoing construction and expansion taking place until the 14th century.
Offering spectacular views of the surrounding Adige Valley, the setting exudes both serenity and majesty.
Today, the castle is home to the South Tyrol Museum of Culture and Provincial History, and it is exceptionally well-preserved, allowing visitors to admire a vast array of both internal and external features, including the Inner and Outer baileys, the Knight’s Hall, and the Upper Chapel and Keep.
15. Scaligero Castle
A true marvel of Italy, Scaligero Castle is often referred to as the “floating castle” due to its location on Lake Garda. Historically, it served as the entry point and center of the Sirmione community.
Scaligero Castle is one of the best-preserved castles from the Scaliger era, constructed atop an older structure during the 13th and 14th centuries. It was briefly occupied by the House of Visconti before the 15th century.
The castle area incorporates a small harbor surrounded by ramparts, from which bowmen would safeguard both the fortification and water inlets.
