Italy’s castles are more than just stone walls and towers: they are the keepers of centuries-old secrets, tales of bravery, and the whispers of hidden treasures. From medieval fortresses to royal palaces, every castle has a story to tell. 

Let’s explore the most iconic castles you must visit, as well as some secret treasures waiting to be discovered.

In the center of Milan, Castello Sforzesco stands as a testament to power, art, and history, but beyond its imposing walls lies a treasure trove of secrets. Originally built by the Visconti family in the 14th century and later expanded by Francesco Sforza in the 15th, the castle has served as a fortress, a noble residence, a Napoleonic barracks, and even a World War II bomb shelter. 

While most visitors admire its grandeur, few realize that Leonardo da Vinci’s frescoes in the Sala delle Asse were hidden for centuries beneath layers of paint, only rediscovered during 20th-century restoration efforts, revealing a delicate tangle of tree branches forming a mystical canopy. Inside, another unexpected masterpiece awaits: Michelangelo’s Pietà Rondanini, an unfinished sculpture so raw and emotional that some believe the artist was reworking it until his dying days, abandoning classical perfection in favor of a deeply spiritual expression. 

Beyond its art, the castle also hides underground passages and once had a secret escape route leading to the nearby Porta Giovia, used by the Sforza family in times of crisis. Today, its vast courtyards, rich museum collections, and proximity to Parco Sempione make it a must-visit, but those who look deeper will find a place where war, art, and history have intertwined for centuries.

If you’re coming to Milan, Castello Sforzesco is a must-see. Check out our Milan itineraries where a visit is always included!

Perched along the Tiber River, Castel Sant’Angelo is far more than just a castle: it is a 2,000-year-old time capsule that has transformed from an emperor’s grand mausoleum into a fortress, a papal refuge, and even a prison where condemned souls awaited their fate. Built in 135 AD to house the remains of Emperor Hadrian and his family, its massive cylindrical structure was later absorbed into Rome’s defensive walls, making it a key military stronghold during barbarian invasions. 

In the Middle Ages, it became a papal safehouse, connected to Vatican City by the Passetto di Borgo, a hidden escape route famously used by Pope Clement VII to flee during the Sack of Rome in 1527. While its name, “Castle of Angels,” comes from a vision of the Archangel Michael sheathing his sword atop its roof, signifying the end of a deadly plague in 590 AD, its darker past is marked by executions in the inner courtyard, including that of the notorious Renaissance figure Beatrice Cenci, whose ghost is still said to wander its walls (if you’re a fan of spooky stories, don’t miss our Halloween special!).

Today, visitors can explore its spiraling corridors, frescoed papal apartments, and secret dungeons, all while taking in one of the most breathtaking panoramic views of St. Peter’s Basilica and Rome’s skyline from its rooftop terrace. Enjoy a visit to the castle while in Rome!

Rising from the rolling hills of Puglia, Castel del Monte is an enigma of stone and symmetry, a fortress unlike any other in the world, built by the brilliant yet elusive Emperor Frederick II in the 13th century. Its perfect octagonal shape, with eight towers and an eight-sided courtyard, has long puzzled historians, as it lacks the typical defensive features of medieval castles: no moat, no drawbridge, and no real military function. 

Some believe it was designed as an astrological observatory, aligning with celestial events, while others suggest it held esoteric or religious significance, blending elements of Arabic, Romanesque, and Gothic architecture in a way that defies medieval norms. The number eight, symbolic of infinity and cosmic balance, appears throughout the structure, reinforcing theories that the castle was a place of knowledge, mystery, and possibly even initiation rites. 

A UNESCO World Heritage Site, Castel del Monte continues to intrigue scholars and visitors alike, who come not only to admire its mathematical precision but also to uncover the secrets hidden within its ancient limestone walls, where history, science, and legend intertwine. Include a visit to this marvel in our signature Puglia Tour.

Rising dramatically from the crystal-clear waters of Lake Garda, Rocca Scaligera is a fairytale-like fortress that seems to float between land and lake, one of the best-preserved medieval castles in Italy. Built in the 13th century by the powerful Scaliger family, rulers of Verona, the castle was not just a defensive stronghold but also a strategic gateway to Sirmione, controlling access to the peninsula.

Completely surrounded by water, it features a rare fortified dock, once used to shelter Scaliger fleet ships, making it one of the very few castles in the world with its own private harbor. Inside, visitors can explore its imposing battlements, climb the 47-meter-high tower for breathtaking views of Lake Garda’s shimmering expanse, and walk along the well-preserved drawbridges and inner courtyards.

Legends whisper of a tragic love story between a nobleman and his lost bride, said to haunt the castle’s halls on moonlit nights. Whether for its history, its stunning location, or its romantic legends, Rocca Scaligera remains one of Italy’s most enchanting medieval gems.
 
Are you planning a visit to Lake Garda? Ask us for a custom-made trip, including this enchanting castle.

In the heart of Ferrara, Castello Estense stands as a rare testament to medieval military engineering and Renaissance refinement, one of the few Italian castles still entirely encircled by a water-filled moat. Built in 1385 after a violent uprising, the Este family constructed this imposing fortress not just for defense but as a symbol of absolute power, ensuring that no rebellion would threaten their rule again. 

Yet, over time, what began as a grim stronghold evolved into a lavish ducal residence, where Ferrara’s elite lived in splendor among golden frescoes, grand halls, and opulent chambers. Hidden beneath the castle’s grandeur, however, lies a darker history: damp dungeons and secret passageways where prisoners, including Este family rivals and disgraced nobles, were locked away, some meeting their tragic fate. One of the most haunting stories is that of Parisina Malatesta, the young wife of Marquis Niccolò III, who was executed in the castle’s underground cells after being caught in a forbidden romance with her stepson. 

Today, visitors can explore the very same frescoed rooms that once hosted scholars and artists of the Renaissance, stroll across its drawbridges, and even descend into its shadowy prisons, where whispers of the past still seem to linger in the cold stone walls. Located in Emilia Romagna, add this visit to a comprehensive tour of the Region!

Nestled in the Aosta Valley, Castello di Fenis looks like it was plucked straight from the pages of a medieval fairytale, with its circular towers, crenelated walls, and tiered wooden balconies creating a picture-perfect fortress. Unlike most castles of its time, it was never built for war, meaning its defenses, though imposing, were more about status and prestige than actual military strategy. 

Constructed in the 14th century as the residence of the powerful Challant family, the castle’s real magic lies within its beautifully preserved frescoed interiors, where scenes of knights, saints, and noble courts unfold in vibrant colors, particularly in the courtyard, where a stunning depiction of St. George slaying the dragon greets visitors. Every corner of Castello di Fenis speaks of medieval life at its finest, from the grand banquet halls to the hidden passageways that once ensured the safety of its noble inhabitants. 

With the breathtaking backdrop of snow-capped Alpine peaks, this castle remains one of Italy’s most enchanting and best-preserved medieval treasures, a rare glimpse into aristocratic life untouched by time. 

We especially recommend a trip to the Aosta Valley during the winter, to enjoy the ski slopes.

Hidden in the rolling hills of Tuscany, Castello di Sammezzano is a dazzling explosion of Moorish fantasy, a rare and unexpected masterpiece in the heart of Italy. Built in the 19th century by the eccentric nobleman Ferdinando Panciatichi Ximenes d’Aragona, this castle is unlike any other in the country, featuring kaleidoscopic tiles, intricate stucco patterns, arabesque arches, and domed ceilings that seem more suited to an Andalusian palace than a Tuscan villa. 

Every room is a feast for the eyes, from the Peacock Room, with its mesmerizing rainbow of geometric designs, to the Hall of Mirrors, where light dances off delicate ornamentation, creating an almost surreal atmosphere. Despite its breathtaking beauty, the castle has spent much of its existence abandoned and at risk, its fate caught in legal and financial struggles. Today, it remains closed to the public, with only rare and highly sought-after guided tours offering a fleeting chance to step inside this dreamlike masterpiece. 

A true hidden gem, Castello di Sammezzano remains one of Italy’s greatest architectural mysteries, a place where East meets West in an unforgettable display of artistic grandeur.

Live your Tuscan Dream in one of our designated tour.

Shrouded in mystery and perched on a hill in Emilia-Romagna, Castello di Montebello is a fortress where legend and the supernatural intertwine, drawing ghost hunters and history lovers alike. Its most chilling tale is that of Azzurrina, a young albino girl whose tragic fate has haunted the castle for centuries. Born Guendalina Malatesta, she was hidden away due to medieval superstitions surrounding albinism, her mother dyeing her hair blue in a failed attempt to conceal it: hence the name Azzurrina ("Little Blue One").

On June 21, 1375, during a violent storm, she was playing with a ball inside the castle when she vanished without a trace, with only the echoes of her cries left behind. Since then, legend holds that every five years, during the summer solstice, strange sounds and ghostly whispers can be heard within the castle walls. Whether you believe in ghosts or not, visitors often report eerie sensations, cold drafts, and unexplained noises while exploring its dark corridors and underground dungeons. 

Beyond the legend, Castello di Montebello remains a stunning medieval stronghold, but for those who dare, it offers a chilling brush with Italy’s most famous ghost story.

Are you looking for a thrilling adventure? Contact us to craft your personalized itinerary.

Amid the sun-drenched vineyards of Tuscany’s Chianti region, Castello di Brolio stands as a symbol of both medieval power and winemaking excellence, having been owned by the Ricasoli family since 1141, making it one of the oldest family-owned estates in the world. This imposing fortress, with its stone towers, fortified walls, and sweeping views of the Tuscan countryside, was once a key stronghold in the battles between Florence and Siena, its walls still bearing the marks of centuries-old conflicts. But Castello di Brolio’s greatest legacy isn’t war: it’s wine. 

In the 19th century, Baron Bettino Ricasoli, a politician and wine innovator, developed the original formula for Chianti wine, a blend that would go on to define one of Italy’s most famous vintages. Today, visitors can stroll through the castle’s gardens, explore its historic cellars, and, of course, enjoy exclusive tastings of the estate’s renowned Chianti Classico wines, all while soaking in the breathtaking Tuscan landscape.

Whether for its medieval history, its deep-rooted wine tradition, or the sheer beauty of its surroundings, Castello di Brolio offers an unforgettable experience where past and present come together in every sip.

If you’re in the mood for wine, check out our ultimate wine guide.

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