If you’re visiting Italy, you want more than a simple vacation – you want an experience. Italy is filled with brilliant architecture, historical landmarks, and a rich history. What if you could get all of that combined in a hotel experience like never before? That’s where these castle hotels in Italy come in.
Many castles in Italy have stood for centuries and have been renovated into incredible accommodations in recent years. From the Castello di Casole, surrounded by the rolling hills of the Tuscan countryside, to the Castello Tafuri on the sunny shores of Sicily – each property is special, featuring unique histories and designs that everyone should see at least once.
So, without further ado, here are the 11 best castle hotels from across Italy to book your stay in right now.
Castle Hotels in Tuscany
Castello di Casole, A Belmond Hotel
Castello di Casole is a must if you’re looking for places to stay in Tuscany. It’s in Casole d’Elsa, just a short drive (24 miles) from the Siena city center. The castle holds thousands of years of history, dating back to the Etruscan civilization in 998 AD.
In the 1800s, the Bargagli family restored and expanded the estate. It served as a medieval village, with its own wines, olive groves, and other produce, until it transformed into the luxury lodging it is today.
The castle walls are three stories high and were restored using exposed wooden beams, tiles, and terracotta from the original structure. Now, it boasts a large central courtyard surrounded by the San Tommaso Chapel, Essere Spa, and a gourmet restaurant called Ristorante Tosca. On the grounds, there are beautiful gardens, a swimming pool, and an ancient Etruscan amphitheater.
The air-conditioned rooms feature antique furniture and decor from the site dating back centuries, combined with modern touches, and offer all the amenities you could ever need >> Check Availability and Prices.
Castello di Bibbione
In the hilly countryside of the Chianti region, just 16 miles from the center of Florence, is the beautifully renovated Castello di Bibbione. The castle dates back to 997 AD and was built by Cadolingi of Montecascioli.
It featured tall defensive walls and battlements (which have since been removed) and sits in a prime position on top of the hill. Later, it became one of four Buondelmonti Castles used to defend the Valle del Pesa.
The historic castle is the centerpiece of a small medieval village, with ancient houses across the hills, vineyards, olive groves, and lush greenery surrounding it. The main farmhouse comprises five apartments, each boasting unique furnishing and panoramic views.
The separate Villa Il Poggio is the largest, accommodating up to twelve people and featuring an outdoor swimming pool, a kitchen, and private gardens.
The property has its own olive trees and wine farm, so you can indulge in wine-tasting sessions and visit the wine shop >> Check Availability and Prices.
Castello Banfi – Il Borgo
Castello Banfi is an impressive sight, sitting on a hilltop surrounded by the vineyards of Ombrone Valley in Montalcino, near Siena. Built between the 9th and 13th centuries, it features white “conci” stones, indicating the site’s use as a Roman Villa.
In the following years, ownership was transferred to the Sienese Pladici family in the 15th century. The family’s legacy remained until recent years when new owners began restorations after damage during WWII.
The medieval castle offers the grandeur of the tall exposed brick walls, two internal courtyards, and a focal crenelated tower at the tallest point. Amongst the original architectural features, like the octagonal pillars and archways in the central courtyard, are marble details indicating recent renovations.
The interior is equally impressive, with exposed wood beam ceilings, terracotta floors, and modern furnishings in each room. On-site, is a small winery where you can try the best fine wines in the area, the Balsamaria storing locally-produced balsamic vinegar, and a Glass Museum too >> Check Availability and Prices.
Castello di Meleto
The last Tuscan castle is Castello di Meleto in the countryside of Gaiole in Chianti, just a short drive (37 miles) from Arezzo. The castle is also an hour’s drive from Florence and about 40 minutes from Siena for lovely day trips. It sits atop a hill overlooking the surrounding vineyards and was first built around 1256 by Benedictine monks of Badia a Coltibuono.
The historic site stands after centuries, sustaining minimal damage through conflicts between the Sienese and Florentines in the 1400s. In the 1700s, many defensive features were taken down and it was transformed into a villa.
The carefully restored fortress now features crenelated walls around it and two towers at the front but a larger turret at the center. The interior, while mostly modernized, has features of the original structure, including wood beam ceilings and exposed brick walls. The rooms are much more modern and clean, with bright-painted walls and comfy beds.
While at Castello di Meleto, you can visit the Castle’s Wine Shop or the Osteria di Meleto, a traditional restaurant serving classic Italian cuisine. There’s also an outdoor swimming pool and an infinity pool overlooking the valley >> Check Availability and Prices.
LISTEN: To our podcast on the Most Romantic Places in Italy.
Castle Hotels in Central Italy
Castello di Monterone
If you find yourself in Umbria, check out this exceptional castle hotel, about 2 miles from Perugia – Castello di Monterone. It has stood since the 11th century and has withstood the test of time, surviving through 14th and 15th-century conflicts between Perugia noble families. It underwent several renovations over the years, but the final major overhaul was in 1886.
The architecture of Castello di Monterone has features of Roman, Etruscan, and Rennaisance influence. Thick brick and fortified walls line the fortress, with staircases leading up to several sun terraces. It also has four tall towers and classic crenelated detailing.
Castello di Monterone offers 18 elegant rooms, most notably with unique and intricate frescoed ceilings. In select rooms, you can enjoy a marble bathroom, private courtyard, hot tub, and panoramic views. The hotel also has Gradale, an à la carte restaurant with a panoramic terrace, serving simple and delicious Italian cuisine. That’s not even mentioning the hotel spa, featuring relaxing treatments and a Turkish bath >> Check Availability and Prices.
Castello di Petroia Dimora d’Epoca
Another Umbrian marvel is the incredible Castello di Petroia, sitting only 10 miles from Gubbio on a hill overlooking the lush green forests below. Take a 30-minute drive to Perugia to explore this charming, historic city for the day.
The castle’s origins date back to the 12th and 14th centuries when the town of Gubbio built several fortresses in surrounding territories. Ownership passed through several nobilities, from the Count of Montefeltro in 1384 to the Benveduti family in 1823.
The medieval castle was restored between 1982 and 1990, and much of the original structure is preserved. Within the fortress walls, there are three main structures. The Castellare Maggiore is the main structure where most nobles had resided. Then, there is Castellare Minore, the previous housing for castle caretakers and guardians, and finally, the medieval tower.
The interior holds 16 rooms with modern, comfortable furnishings combined with antique furniture, the castle’s original wood beams, stone archways, and intricate paintings. The hotel also has an on-site restaurant in the Accomanducci dining room and the Guidubaldo Hall for breakfasts and lunch >> Check Availability and Prices.
DISCOVER: The Most Beautiful Castles in Italy to visit.
Castle Hotels in Northern Italy
Castello di Guarene
Guarene is a picturesque town about 41 miles from Turin, the capital of Piedmont. It’s home to Castello di Guarene, a marvelous and grand palace built in 1726, 18th century, and commissioned by Carlo Giacinto Roero as a personal residence. Over its history, it has been a place of residence for Piedmontese aristocracy for generations until it was eventually renovated, most recently between 2011 and 2014.
The single building has three stories and a total height of 82 feet. The outer facade and redbrick roof are impressive, but the surrounding Italian-style garden and fountain are just as beautiful. Inside the fortress are a series of immaculately decorated rooms, such as the Stanza del Vescovo, filled with Piedmontese baroque Bandera embroidery.
The castle’s restaurant is a must-visit, offering classic Italian cuisine focusing on dishes from the Piedmont region. The most remarkable feature, however, must be the hotel spa, with massage treatments, a sauna, chromotherapy showers, and an indoor pool built in an actual cave >> Check Availability and Prices.
Castello di Gabiano
Castello di Gabiano is in the commune of Gabiano, just 36 miles from Turin. The first records of this castle hotel date back to 1124. At that time, it was owned by the Bardi family, who first expanded the fortress and passed it to the Soderini. It was abandoned in the 16th century, reclaimed by the Soderini, and major restorations began in the 19th century.
This historical monument stands atop the hill, surrounded by beautiful greenery, gardens, and vineyards. The tall walls and battlements of the large quadrilateral center of the structure were reinforced with four tall turrets at each corner. Within the complex, you’ll also find the underground wine cellar, one of the first constructions in the castle.
The elegant rooms are stunning, with bright white walls and modern furnishings, including cozy four-poster beds. Castello di Gabiano also has a shop selling delicious wines and Restaurant 3 Orologi, serving traditional dishes with views of the River Po in the distance >> Check Availability and Prices.
Relais Castello Bevilacqua
Bevilacqua is a small charming town in the Veneto Region, and the Relais Castello Bevilacqua is located there, 31 miles from Verona. The castle was first built in 1336 by Guglielmo Bevilacqua and later completed by his son.
It suffered significant damage during conflicts and wars against the Venetian Republic in the 1500s and later against Austrian troops in the 19th century. Several restorative projects have brought the castle to its full glory in recent years.
The castle features a characteristic moat surrounding it, three rings of fortified walls, an internal courtyard, and a drawbridge, all adding to its charm. Entrances are lined with intricate statues, and the eye-catching gardens are dotted with gazebos and paved paths.
Now, you can stay here for a few nights or host private events, such as weddings, within the hotel dining halls. There is also the Restaurant All’Antica Ala, where you can eat below rustic vaulted ceilings. Antique furniture is scattered throughout each room in the hotel, adding to its allure >> Check Availability and Prices.
LISTEN: To our podcast on the Palaces and castles of royal Piedmont.
Castle Hotels in Sicily
Castello di San Marco Charming Hotel & SPA
The Castello di San Marco is one of the best places to stay in Sicily. It is located along the sunny shores of Calatabiano, Sicily, near Catania, only 26 miles away. The historic castle is the epitome of all things extravagant. It was first built in the late 17th century, 1689, as a Baroque residence for the Prince of Palagonia.
The original square layout included the four domed pillars on each side, with red tops and detailed white trim along the edges. This remained untouched for the most part until 1747 when renovations were made, and a staircase was added to the side of the castle. That staircase now leads to a beautiful garden with a stunning water feature at the center.
Each of the 28 guest rooms is adorned with comfortable modern furnishings, a mosaic-tiled private bathroom, flatscreen televisions, and other amenities. Some rooms even include a hot tub and private pool that leads right into the room. If that isn’t enough, guests can access a private beach within walking distance >> Check Availability and Prices.
Castello Tafuri
It’s time to end your castle hotel journey here on the south-east coastline of Sicily, at the Castello Tafuri. It sits around 37 miles from its nearest major city, Syracuse, and is undoubtedly one of the best places to visit in Sicily. It’s one of the most recent structures, only being built between 1935 and 1957 when it was bought by the Tafuri-Cantone family, who converted it into a hotel.
The castle was constructed on a rocky cliff overlooking the Ionian Sea, making it one of the best views in the area. The redbrick and white trim details of the crenelated walls stand out beautifully against the blue of the ocean. Two turrets stand out on the corners of the structure, but the tallest addition is the central tower.
Each of the air-conditioned rooms has amenities such as televisions, desks, bathrooms, and basic kitchen facilities. The lounge bar and swimming pool both offer uninterrupted views of the sea below. To top it off, this majestic castle hotel also offers several activities, including motorboat rentals and diving excursions >> Check Availability and Prices.
Wrapping Up – Castle Hotels in Italy
Now that you know the best castles in Italy to stay in, which one will you choose first? Whether you explore beautiful Italian islands like Sicily or set base in a castle hotel in Perugia, Italy has no shortage of unique places to stay. It’s about time you start planning your trip to Italy and including as many medieval stays as possible for an unbeatable experience.
Need more accommodation recommendations? Check out these guides for some variety:
EXPLORE: More Italian magical locations in our guide to Romantic places in Italy.
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