Where to See Italian Castles
- Spoleto: La Rocca Albornoziana
- Portovenere: Andria Doria Castle
- Castell’Arquato: La Rocca Viscontea
- Ferrara: Castello Estense di Ferrara
- Milan: Castello Sforzesco
- Rome: Castel Sant’Angelo
- Soave: Walled Town and Castle
- Portofino: Castello Brown
- Stura Valley: Forte di Vinadio
- Pontremoli: Castello del Piagnaro
- Tuscany: Sammezzano Castle
- Naples: Castel dell’Ovo and Castel Nuovo
- Torrechiara and Castles of Parma
- Castles in the Heel of the Boot
- Sarzana: Sarzanella Castle
- Rapallo Castle
- Benevento: Rocca dei Rettori
Spoleto: La Rocca Albornoziana
Address: Piazza Bernardino Campello, 1, 06049 Spoleto PG, Italy
Phone: +39 0743 224952
La Rocca Albornoziana offers magnificent views of Spoleto and surrounding landscapes. Built on the Roman acropolis’s foundation in the 14th century, this historic castle boasts stunning frescoes and grand courtyards. Tours are guided, so check in advance for English language schedule.
Portovenere: Andria Doria Castle
Address: Via dei Mulini, 19025 Porto Venere SP, Italy
Phone: +39 0187 794800
This impressive castle, built by the Genoese, showcases breathtaking views of the sea and the lovely San Pietro Church. It also hosts a small art museum for visitors to enjoy.
Castell’Arquato: La Rocca Viscontea
Address: Giardini Giovanni Paolo, 3, 29014 Castell’Arquato PC, Italy
Phone: +39 0523 803215
Rocca Viscontea is notable for its medieval architecture, featuring a fortress museum that conveys life during that era along with a tower for stunning panoramic views.
Ferrara: Castello Estense di Ferrara
Address: L.go Castello, 1, 44121 Ferrara FE, Italy
Phone: +39 0532 419180
The stunning Castello Estense di Ferrara is a Renaissance castle surrounded by a moat, located in the heart of the old town.
Milan: Castello Sforzesco
Address: Piazza Castello, 20121 Milano MI, Italy
Phone: +39 02 8846 3700
Castello Sforzesco is a historic castle in the bustling heart of Milan, filled with multiple museums that showcase a wide range of art and history.
Rome: Castel Sant’Angelo
Address: Lungotevere Castello, 50, 00193 Roma RM, Italy
Phone: +39 06 681 9111
A former mausoleum, Castel Sant’Angelo is now a museum that offers remarkable views of both the Vatican and the city of Rome.
Soave: Walled Town and Castle
Address: 37038 Soave VR, Italy
Soave is known for its medieval walls and stunning castle, complemented by the famed vineyards that produce exquisite Soave wine.
Portofino: Castello Brown
Address: Via alla Penisola, 13, 16034 Portofino GE, Italy
Phone: +39 375 791 8926
Castello Brown provides picturesque views of Portofino and features fascinating displays of history and art related to the region.
Stura Valley: Forte di Vinadio
Address: Piazza Vittorio Veneto, 8, 12010 Vinadio CN, Italy
Phone: +39 0171 959151
Forte di Vinadio is a stunning fortress set in the beautiful Stura Valley, perfect for history enthusiasts who enjoy picturesque landscapes.
Pontremoli: Castello del Piagnaro
Address: Via Piagnaro, 54027 Pontremoli MS, Italy
Phone: +39 0187 831439
Castello del Piagnaro boasts a museum showcasing prehistoric artifacts with spectacular views over the medieval town and its surroundings.
Tuscany: Sammezzano Castle
Address: Via Giuseppe Garibaldi, 6, 50066 Leccio FI, Italy
Currently not open for visitors, Sammezzano Castle offers a virtual glimpse into its stunning interior. Explore its fairy-tale architecture through online resources.
Naples: Castel dell’Ovo and Castel Nuovo
Address: Via Eldorado, 3, 80132 Napoli NA, Italy
Phone: +39 081 795 6180
Castel dell’Ovo is renowned for being the oldest castle in Naples, while Castel Nuovo showcases rich history through its impressive frescoes and paintings.
Torrechiara and Castles of Parma
Address: Str. del Castello, 1, 43013 Torrechiara PR, Italy
Phone: +39 0521 355255
Torrechiara Castle is known for its exquisite frescoes and is located near a fine restaurant, making it a great spot for a cultural and culinary experience.
Castles in the Heel of the Boot
Address: Contrada Castel del Monte Ex, Strada Statale 170, 76123 Andria BT, Italy
Phone: +39 327 980 5551
Discover the unique octagonal Castel del Monte, recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage site, amidst the region’s stunning landscapes.
Sarzana: Sarzanella Castle
Address: Via Alla Fortezza, snc, 19038 Sarzana SP, Italy
Phone: +39 0187 622080
This beautiful castle overlooking Sarzana provides panoramic views of the surrounding area and showcases the town’s rich history.
Rapallo Castle
Address: Lungomare Vittorio Veneto, 16035 Rapallo GE, Italy
Phone: +39 0185 230346
Rapallo features a charming castle built to safeguard against pirate raids while the picturesque historic center is delightful to explore.
Benevento: Rocca dei Rettori
Address: Piazza Castello, 82100 Benevento BN, Italy
Phone: +39 0824 774111
Rocca dei Rettori, built by the Lombards, is a testament to Benevento’s rich history, providing insights into the region’s architectural evolution.
