Italy is home to some of Europe’s most stunning castles, not just churches and ruins. Below is a list of 10 most beautiful castles in Italy, as shown in photos.
Fortress of San Nicola in Tremiti Islands
The sun-soaked clifftop castle can be found on the Adriatic Sea island of San Nicola di Tremiti. You can take a boat from Puglia or Molise, Abruzzo, Le Marche, or Abruzzo to get there.
Aragonese Castle, Ischia
Castello Aragonese is a small volcanic island that is connected to Ischia via a bridge of 720 feet. It dates back to 5th century B.C. Alfonso V Aragon built the castle to protect the inhabitants from pirates in the 15th Century. The castle is still a main attraction in Ischia.
Castell’Arquato, Emilia-Romagna
This fortress from the 8th century is more than a castle. It’s a town, just as it was 1,000 years ago when it was surrounded by castle walls to defend it against invaders. It’s as if you’re back in the Middle Ages when you walk around Castell’Arquato.
Scaligero Castle, Lake Garda
The Castello Scaligero is located in Sirmione, Lake Garda. Its name comes from the rulers and lords of Verona who extended their power all the way to this area in the 13th century. The castle is beautiful not only to modern visitors. In 1786, Goethe was arrested because he made suspicious sketches of it!
Belfort Castle, Trentino
There are many castles in the area around Trento. But Belfort Castle is perhaps the most romantic. The grand fortress was built in the 14th century and may have been constructed earlier. Today, it is all but ruins.
Rocca Maggiore, Assisi
The Rocca Maggiore towers are a reminder of the 12th century. They were rebuilt in the 14th, 15th, and 16th centuries. Although it is now a ruin, the view from the top of the hill offers a stunning view of the city and the Umbrian valleys beyond.
Odescalchi Castle, Bracciano
It is a short drive from Rome and has been home to two papal families, the Orsini and the Borgias, since the 15th century. It’s been the venue for many big-name weddings in recent years, including Petra Ecclestone’s $8 million summer wedding!
Castel dell’Ovo, Naples
According to legend, Virgil placed a magical egg in the foundations of the castle to support it. It’s unlikely, but we know that the castle you see was built in 12th-century Norman times. Later, it served as the seat of the State Treasury of Naples and Royal Chamber. It is actually one of three different castles in Naples. Make sure to see them all!
Castle of Fenis in Valle d’Aosta
The castle of Fenis is located in a small village surrounded by the Alps. It dates back to the 13th century. However, it was built 14th and 15th centuries respectively. You can find frescoes depicting St. George defeating the dragon inside, as well as other decorations that belonged to the noble family who lived there.
Castello Saraceno, Taormina, Sicily
A castle was built in Sicily’s Taormina by Muslim invaders around the 10th century. Later, it used to be a monastery. Although you cannot enter the castle today due to security concerns, beautiful views can be enjoyed from Castelmola Castle, which is located above it.
