Italy is a country rich in brilliant scenery, from the winding canals in Venice to the ancient ruins across Rome and Pompeii and the gorgeous, sun-soaked Amalfi Coast. Yet, nothing quite rivals the beauty of an Italian Castle. From their intriguing histories to their unmatched architecture, these are the best castles in Italy to add to your itinerary.
From the Scaligero Castle on Lake Garda to Aragonese Castle on the idyllic island of Ischia, there is no shortage of these hidden gems in Italy. These ancient structures, some looming over small villages and others in the heart of major cities, hold ruins and museum complexes that any tourist will love.
This guide will take you through ten of the best, detailing the fascinating history of each fortress and everything you need to know about how to see them.
1. Scaliger Castle (Sirmione)
Scaliger, or Scaligero Castle, is the crowning jewel of Sirmione and one of the best things to see at Lake Garda. The castle is an impressive example of lake fortification, boasting tall walls and towers, a drawbridge entrance, and a dock, which was recently opened to the public in 2018 after its restoration.
This medieval castle was erected in the 14th century by the Scaliger family, which ruled over Verona between 1259 and 1387. Antonio II Della Scala, the lord at the time, intended for the castle to be used as a primary defensive fortress for Verona, but the fortress of Peschiera eventually took over that role. After that, it served as barracks, municipal and post offices, and even a prison until it became what it is today.
To see Scaliger Castle in all its glory, try a Sirmione boat cruise like this one, which will take you across Lake Garda and past the castle. However, it’s best to gain access to the interior museum portion. Tickets can be purchased from the official site or the on-site ticket office.
EXPLORE: More places to visit on the lake in our Lake Garda Itinerary Ideas.
2. Castello Grinzane (Piedmont)
When it comes to castles in Italy, the rolling hills of Piedmont are home to some of the best, and Castello Grinzane is no exception. The castle is surrounded by the green landscapes of the Langhe wine region and stands out brilliantly as both imposing and eye-catching.
This medieval fortress, built in the 11th century, has been owned by several influential families and noblemen over the last thousand years. Most notable is Camillo Benso di Cavour, a Piedmont statesman who arrived at Grizane in 1832. He was appointed mayor of the medieval village of Grizane and helped pave the way for agriculture and cultivation development. Castello Grinzane is now dedicated to informing and promoting the wine-making tradition.
Tickets to the Castello Grinzane can be bought on-site at the ticket office or online using TripAdvisor. You can also get an entrance ticket to the Langhe Museum from Viator, which is more accessible. It’s also important to note that larger groups should book ahead of time by at least one week.
LISTEN: To our podcast on the Palaces and Castles of Piedmont.
3. Castello Sforzesco (Milan)
Castello Sforzesco, or Sforza Castle for short, is set in beautiful Milan. It has distinctive red brick walls, stone archways, and two large towers. A large square sits in the center with a fountain, making it even more impressive. What makes the castle extra special is how it’s withstood the test of time.
Castello Sforzesco was first built in around 1358, ordered by the lord of Milan, Galeazzo II Visconti, only to be destroyed by the Ambrosian Republic in 1447. Following the demise of the Visconti family, Francesco Sforza ordered the castle to be rebuilt. Leonardo Da Vinci and Bramante later added to the castle’s design by painting frescoes. Then, after even more damage during World War II, it was finally fully restored in 2005.
Now, it houses several different museums, ranging from Egyptian art to Michelangelo exhibits. Castello Sfozesco is free, but you’ll need to purchase combined tickets from the official website to access the museums inside. However, many people opt for guided tours instead. This Sforza Castle tour, for example, includes entry to the castle and the Pietà Rondanini museum.
4. Castello di Monteriggioni (Tuscany)
Castello di Monteriggioni is unique because it’s a small town rather than a single fortress, and it’s open to the public at all times. The 13th-century walled town is set in the stunning countryside of Siena, surrounded by green foothills, olive groves, and vineyards.
The Sienese built the Castello di Monteriggioni between 1214 and 1219 as a form of protection from the Florentines as they expanded their territories during the Middle Ages. The walls surrounding Monteriggioni are tall and imposing, boasting fourteen tall towers that display its defenses and survival over the centuries.
The best way to get there is by car, which you can park at the free parking at the bottom of the hill. Then, you can freely access Castello di Monteriggioni via Porta Romana or Porta Fiorentina and explore to your heart’s content. You’ll find plenty of places to visit inside the town walls, including Piazza Roma, wine shops like Fattoria, and the Monteriggioni in Arms Museum.
You could also book a night or two at one of the accommodations, like the Monteriggioni Castello holiday home.
DISCOVER: Things to do in nearby Siena.
5. Castello Aragonese d’Ischia (Ischia)
Castello Aragonese d’Ischia, or the Aragonese Castle, sits on a volcanic rocky islet just east of Ischia Island and is connected to the mainland by a 700-foot-long stone bridge. It is arguably one of the most beautiful castles in Italy, with its ancient walls looming above the bright blue Mediterranean Sea.
Since its original construction around 474 BC by Hiero I of Syracuse, the Aragonese Castle has undergone three phases. The Syracusan tyrant, Gerone I, was the first to build the fortress and named it Castrum Gironis. Later in the Middle Ages, it was called Insula Minor. Significant changes were made in the Renaissance around the mid-15th century when King Alfonso of Aragon oversaw the construction of the bastions and underground tunnel to access the castle.
The Aragonese Castle is now managed by the Materra family, which handles any restorations or events. It is open every day of the year, with a few exceptions, and tickets and other relevant information are available on the official website.
6. Brunnenburg Castle (South Tyrol)
If you are touring Dolomite towns, you might find your way here to Brunnenburg Castle in South Tyrol. The castle peeks out on top of a glacial debris cone, surrounded by lush trees and greenery.
The Tyrant noble family first constructed the impressive structure between 1241 and 1253 in the 13th century. Bishop Bruno Graf Meinhard II was the first to deem this castle a defense for the nearby Tyrol Castle.
The castle was sieged and suffered significant damage in the 14th century but continued to decay over the years. It wasn’t until the 1900s that the castle was completely refurbished. It currently holds the Ezra Pound Memorial and the South Tyrol Museum of Agriculture.
To enter Brunnenburg Castle, you don’t need to make any reservations beforehand. Once you arrive, you can purchase tickets on-site and pay the relevant admission charges. The best way to experience the castle and the museum is through one of the guided tours offered by the castle staff. That said, private individuals can explore on their own if they wish.
EXPLORE: The Most Beautiful Cities and Towns In Italy.
7. Castel dell’Ovo (Naples)
Found on the coastline of Naples, Castel dell’Ovo sits proudly on the islet of Megaride. The English name “Egg Castle” comes from the legend that the Latin poet Virgil hid a magical egg beneath the castle. Allegedly, he stated that if the egg should break, the castle would fall. Yet, here it stands.
The castle was first constructed in the 12th century by the Normans, who built it over the remains of a villa dating back to the Roman era. Over the centuries, it was used by different groups, including the Swabians and Angevins, including Alfonso of Aragon.
Alfonso “The Magnanimous” was the King of Aragon and King of Sicily during the 1400s. He used the castle as a military fortress before moving to the larger Castel Nuovo.
Now, the castle mainly hosts temporary art exhibits and events. It is mostly empty, but the views and architecture are worth seeing. And there is no need to worry about ticket prices since the entrance to Naples Castel dell’Ovo is free. If you want a deeper understanding of the castle and historical retellings from a guide while throwing in some sightseeing, a tour like this Castel dell’Ovo boat tour is a great choice.
READ: Our guide on Where to Stay in Naples.
8. Torrechiara Castle (Torrechiara)
Torrechiara Castle is among the most remarkable medieval castles in Italy, found near the city of Parma in the Emilia-Romagna region. It stands proudly in the valley overlooking the Parma River, with imposing vine-covered walls and four towers that loom above the rest. You also can’t miss the highlight of its design — a crenelated curtain wall surrounding the outer edges of the castle.
Unlike other origins, Torrechiara’s story is quite the love story. It was built in the 15th century between 1448 and 1460 by Pier Maria Rossi, the Count of Berceto and Marquis of San Secondo, who dedicated it to his lover Bianca Pellegrini. Hence why some call it the “Castle of the Lover.”
Now a national monument, you can visit the castle and explore the exterior and all the rooms, each adorned with beautiful frescoes and antique decorations. Tickets can be purchased using their online ticket service or on-site at the castle ticket office (cash only). Large tour groups should contact the ticket office ahead of time.
9. Castel Sant’Angelo (Rome)
Castel Sant’Angelo is one of Rome’s top attractions, and for good reason. Of all the castles in Rome, this one is extraordinary. It boasts views of the city’s skyline and has a unique, intricate architecture that attracts tourists worldwide. It also sits along the edge of the River Tiber, right in front of the Ponte Sant’Angelo.
Emperor Hadrian initially commissioned the castle as a mausoleum for himself and his family in around 135–139 AD. It went through many life cycles, becoming a fortress in the 15th century to a personal residence and prison, and now a historical attraction. The iconic statue of the Archangel Michael on the very top, inaugurated in 1752, is one of the main symbols of the castle.
Castel Sant’Angelo is a tourist hotspot in Rome, so it can get quite busy, but there will be plenty of opportunities to visit, including special evening openings. You can book tickets online and see the castle on your own or opt for a skip-the-line entry ticket or Castel Sant’Angelo guided tour instead.
FIND: Grandeur on a smaller scale in Fountains in Rome.
10. Orsini-Odescalchi Castle (Bracciano)
Last but certainly not least, we have the jaw-dropping Orsini-Odescalchi Castle, or Odescalchi Castle for short. It stands on the south shore of Lake Bracciano, one of Italy’s great lakes. It is undoubtedly largely impressive and arguably one of the most famous castles in Italy. The light-colored brick stands out against the green vines along its medieval walls and the blue lake beside it.
Odescalchi Castle was first built in the 15th century by the Orsini family and was used as a military fortress. From there, it underwent many transitions but was most notably a fortified royal residence. It hosted several royal guests over its lifetime, including Pope Sixtus IV della Rovereto and Christina, Queen of Sweden, between 1632 and 1654. It was first converted into a museum in the 19th century by Baldassarre III, who preserved the brilliant interior and frescoes.
If you want to visit the incredible attraction, you can book tickets online using the official website. As a bonus, the castle management offers different events and experiences, from private tours to educational workshops and recreations.
CONSIDER: Treating yourself like royalty and stay at one of the Best Castle Hotels in Italy.
Which of These Italian Castles Will You Visit First?
That’s a wrap on the most beautiful castles in Italy. From the Eternal City of Rome to Emilia-Romagna and beyond, these medieval wonders are waiting to be explored. Whether you visit Castello Grinzane or Torrechiara Castle, the choices are endless. In fact, you might struggle to pick a favorite.
If that’s the case, check out this sample 10-day Italy itinerary for some extra inspiration, and hopefully, you can fit in many of these incredible fortresses and then some.
So, what are you waiting for? It’s time to start planning your trip to Italy and preparing for the getaway of a lifetime.
Our team of writers and creatives at Untold Italy are experts in keeping you informed and inspired about travel in Italy. Our team collaboration involves writers, photographers and editorial staff dedicated to sharing accurate Italy travel information.
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