Italy is one of the most scintilla-tingly-beautiful destinations in all of Europe. There’s not a single thing missing from this fabulous country.
Fantastic food, enchanting landscapes, intriguing and complex history and mind-blowing art and architecture – all of these and more are part of Italy. Of all the beautiful aspects of this country, one is particularly beautiful – the castles of Italy.
How many castles are in Italy?
Italy has a rich social legacy, with endless design ponders speaking its pleasant scenes. There are around more than 45,000 castles in Italy, each with its remarkable history and appeal.
From the monumental Castel Sant’Angelo ignoring the Tiber Waterway in Rome to the fantasy Castel Amorosa settled in the moving slopes of Tuscany, these structures are a demonstration of Italy’s assorted past and building show-stoppers.
A few palaces, for example, the renowned Castel del Monte in Puglia, are recorded as UNESCO World Legacy Destinations and are exceptionally esteemed for their structural and verifiable significance.
Here are several of the most beautiful, most awe-inspiring castles built in Italy.
1.Castel Sant’Angelo
One of the most renowned castles in Italy is the Castel Sant’Angelo. It is located in central Rome and was constructed by none other than Emperor Hadrian in 123 AD. The emperor built the castle as a giant mausoleum to house his remains but he didn’t spare the structure of beauty. The irony is that this mausoleum-castle was the only Roman building to survive through the centuries whilst being still in use. Artists such as Michelangelo stayed and worked there, which adds to the castle’s glamor and makes this castle one of Italy’s points of interest.
Timings: 9 am – 7:30 pm
Entry fee: INR 1650 (adults) / INR 1080 (18 -25 years) / INR 460 (0-17 years)
Location: Lungotevere Castello, 50, 00193 Roma RM, Italy
Suggested Read: Witness The Beautiful Fountain in Rome – The Trevi Fountain
2.Castello di Sirmione
This castle has a prime location; it sits prettily on the beautiful Lake Garda, in the town of Sirmione. Also referred to as Castle Scaligero, Sirmione was constructed in the 13th century on the bones of a previous castle that had stood there since Roman times. The Roman castle Sirmione is one of Italy’s best-preserved castles, attracting visitors from all over the world. The castle is surrounded by lake water on all the sides, and the only way to get in or out is via the traditional drawbridge. The lake has actually been enclosed by the walls to form a moat, done so naturally in this castle that it is one of the best examples of lacustrine architecture.
Timings: 8:30 am – 6:30 pm
Entry fee: INR 630
Location: Piazza Castello, 34, 25019 Sirmione BS, Italy
3.Aragonese Castle, Ischia
This castle is located on a tiny volcanic island, which is connected to the island of Ischia by a 720-foot bridge. Built in the 5th century B.C., this castle protected its inhabitants from pirates for a long time. In the 15th century, Alfonso V of Aragon rebuilt and fortified the castle to face battle successfully. The castle is partly in ruins today and is one of the main Italy attractions that the beautiful island of Ischia offers us.
Timings: 9 am to sunset
Entry fee: INR 1100
Location: Castello Aragonese d, 80077 Ischia NA, Italy
4.Castell’Arquato, Emilia-Romagna
During the 8th-century, this fortress encompassed not just a castle, but an entire town. The castle walls would have surrounded the stone hamlet to protect the people who lived in it. The castle is an excellent example of a Middle-Ages construction. Get to the top of the castle for a fabulous view; you’ll understand why this castle was the chosen location for the movie ‘Lady Hawk’.
Timings: November – February: Weekends and public holidays: 10 am to 1 pm and from 2 pm to 5 pm.
March, June, July, August, and October: Tuesday to Sunday: 10 am to 1 pm and from 3 pm to 6 pm.
April, May, September: Daily: 10 am to 1 pm and from 3 pm to 6 pm.
Entry fee: INR 720
Location: Castell’Arquato, 29014 Province of Piacenza, Italy
5.Belfort Castle, Trentino
Belfort Castle is the most romantic of all the castles you find in this region. Belfort Castle was built in the 14th century and the ruins that stand today are still grand. They speak of the original grandness of the castle, a marvel in the linear form of building. It’s an imposing and eye-catching structure even today, featuring an old embattled tower surrounded by outer walls. Belfort Castle was built by Henry, Count of Tyrol in 1311.
Timings: 24 hours open
Entry fee: INR 315
Location: SS421, 1, 38010 Castel Belfort TN, Italy
6.Odescalchi Castle, Bracciano
Two different papal families (families of the Pope) have lived in this 15th-century castle. Just a day away from Rome, this castle was lived in by the Borgia pope and by Pope Orsini. It’s free now for people to celebrate their weddings and other special occasions. In fact, the castle was recently decorated to within an inch of its structure to facilitate the premises for Petra Ecclestone’s $8 million wedding! How would you like to stay in a castle? Now you can!
Timings: Monday to Friday: 10 am–5 pm
Saturday – Sunday: 10 am- 6 pm
Entry fee: INR 765 for adults and INR 540 for children aged 6 to 12
Location: Via Giulio Volpi, 12, 00062 Bracciano RM, Italy
7. Castle of Fenis, Valle d’Aosta
This castle is situated in a tiny village that is surrounded by the majestic snow-tipped Alps. It was built in the 13th century, and renovated or updated during the 14th and 15th-centuries. Inside the castle are the beautiful and delicate frescoes of St. George and the Dragon. There are many other items of decoration from the noble families that once inhabited this incredible castle. This castle is definitely one of the best places to visit in Italy.
Timings: The timings are from 10 am to 1 pm, and then from 2 pm to 5 pm
Entry fee: INR 580 (adults) / INR 170 (6-17 years) / Free (for children under 6 years)
Location: Località Chez Sapin, 1, 11020 Fenis AO, Italy
8.Castello Saraceno, Taormina, Sicily
The town of Taormina in Sicily houses a lovely castle that was built in the 10th century by Muslim invaders. This castle is the crown jewel of Sicily’s many beautiful ancient ruins. In later times, this castle was used as a monastery. Entering the castle is prohibited today, but you can get wonderful views of it from outside. The best way to enjoy this castle would be to climb up the Castelmola Castle and look towards the Castello Saraceno.
Timings: 9 am – 6 pm
Entry fee: INR 1000
Location: 98039 Taormina, Metropolitan City of Messina, Italy
9.Castel dell’Ovo
The ancient island of Megaride is now a peninsula; on this stands the Castel dell’Ovo, with its mind-blowingly beautiful fortifications still standing upright in Southern Italy. The name dell’Ovo refers to an ancient historical episode where Virgil cages an egg (in Italian “ovo”) in the castle’s dungeons. The beautiful location makes this castle simply amazing to see.
Timings: Monday – Saturday: 8 am to sunset
Sundays and public holidays: 9 am – 1 pm
Entry fee: Free of cost
Location: Via Eldorado, 3, 80132 Napoli NA, Italy
10.Monteriggioni
Monteriggioni Castle was built on top of a low hill on which olive groves and vines flourished. The castle was built by the city of Siena, Tuscany to serve as a stronghold during the 13th century. Those were the years when the city was under attack by Florence. Later on the castle became part of Florence during the 16th century. The castle now stands as a lonely reminder of those days of battle in medieval times.
Timings: 10 am – 1:30 pm and 2 pm – 4:30 pm
Entry fee: INR 270
Location: Via Primo Maggio 4, 53035, Monteriggioni Italy.
11.Fortezza di San Leo
The Fortezza di San Leo stands on top of a little vegetation-covered hill, and is a true testament to the renaissance marriage of art, architecture, and nature through mind-blowing decorations. The Fortezza served as a prison in the past but from the beginning of the 20th century, it has been respectfully retained as a historical monument. San Leo is located in the province of Rimini, and boasts of a Renaissance stronghold along with several other fabulous monuments, palaces and the local Duomo. Do visit this enhancing town during your Italy holidays. It’s well worth obtaining an Italy visitor visa just to tour these fantastic castles.
Timings: 10:30 am – 4:30 pm
Entry fee: INR 670
Location: Via Giacomo Leopardi, 47865 San Leo RN, Italy
12. Castello di Amorosa
Plan to be charmed by a pleasant middle-aged palace settled in California’s Napa Valley if you’re going to Castello di Amorosa in Tuscany. The palace offers an enthralling look into Italy’s rich legacy with its authentic Old World appeal, complete with stone walls, cracked pinnacles, and lavish grape plantations.
Enjoy wine samplings of Italian-style wines created nearby, and absorb the amazing perspectives on the encompassing open country.
A visit to Castello di Amorosa guarantees an extraordinary excursion back in time for voyagers looking for a sample of middle-aged Italy in California’s wine country.
A visit to Castello di Amorosa ensures a remarkable journey back in time for explorers searching for an example of moderately aged Italy in California’s wine country.
Timings: Monday-Thursday: 10 am – 5:30 pm
Friday-Sunday: 10 am – 6 pm
Entry fee: INR 2250
Location: 4045 St Helena Hwy, Calistoga, CA 94515 in US
13. Castel del Monte
This UNESCO World Legacy Site is a staggering middle-aged palace with a cool octagonal shape. It offers astounding perspectives on the Apulian open country arranged on a slope.
You’ll track down all the saved rooms with old artistic creations and extravagant designs inside. It’s an extraordinary spot to investigate on the off chance that you’re into history or cool design.
Don’t miss this momentous inclusion with Castel del Monte if you’re visiting Italy castles.
Timings: 9 am – 5 pm
Entry fee: INR 630 and INR 315 for age group 18 – 25
Location: Contrada Castel del Monte Ex, Strada Statale, Italy
14. Reggia di Caserta
Prepare to be astonished by one of the world’s most dazzling imperial royal residences for explorers going to Reggia di Caserta in Italy. It is a show-stopper of Ornate design situated close to Naples and is considered one of the great Italian castles.
You’ll find extravagant rooms like the Lobby of Mirrors and the Illustrious Condos, loaded with lovely artistic creations and furniture.
The castle’s colossal English Nursery is ideally suited for a serene walk around wellsprings and vegetation. It’s an unquestionable necessity for anyone with any interest at all in Italy’s regal history and stunning design.
Timings: 8:30 am – 7:30 pm ( Sunday closed )
Entry fee: INR 2500
Location: Piazza Carlo di Borbone, Italy
15. Castello Sforzesco
You must look at Castello Sforzesco if you’re visiting Milan, Italy. It’s an ancient palace that is currently an exhibition hall. Inside, you’ll see loads of cool stuff like old workmanship and models by renowned specialists like Michelangelo and Leonardo da Vinci.
The palace has enormous nurseries and pleasant spots to stroll around. You can find out about antiquated Egypt and see old weapons as well.
It’s a spot to learn about history, particularly if you’re into old structures and cool workmanship!
Timings: 7 am – 7:30 pm
Entry fee: INR 1240
Location: Piazza Castello, 20121 Milano MI in Italy
Conclusion
Italy, the land of wine, pasta, art and architecture has always been unforgettable. The castles and the other ancient ruins make this country’s history come alive for us. When you look at the ruins of the ancient and medieval castles, you’ll start wishing you could get just a tiny glimpse of the people used to lead then. Since that’s not possible, sit by the castles and the let the stones speak to you.
FAQ’s About Castles In Italy
Are there any palaces in Italy that offer extraordinary occasions or encounters?
A few palaces like Odescalchi Palace in Bracciano offer unique occasions like weddings and festivities. Odescalchi Palace, for example, was as of late enriched for Petra Ecclestone's $8 million wedding and is currently open for exceptional events.
Q2. Are guests at any point getting to all pieces of these palaces, including the insides?
Guests can get to different pieces of the palaces, including the insides where they can investigate authentic antiques, workmanship assortments, and compositional delicacy.
Certain regions might be limited or shut to people in general for protection purposes.
Q3. What are the absolute most gorgeous palaces to visit in Italy?
The most lovely palaces to visit in Italy include Castel Sant'Angelo for Rome, Castello di Sirmione on Lake Garda, Aragonese Palace in Ischia, and Reggia di Caserta close to Naples.
Each palace offers one-of-a-kind engineering magnificence, verifiable importance, and dazzling environmental elements that make them must-visit objections for travelers.
Q4. Are there particular limitations or guidelines for visiting these palaces?
Guests might ask about any limitations, like photography strategies, regions beyond reach to people in general, or explicit rules to observe during the visit to guarantee a smooth and charming experience.
Q5. What are the features or must-see attractions inside these palaces?
Guests are interested in the exceptional highlights, verifiable importance, and critical attractions inside each palace, upgrading their comprehension and interest in visiting.