Italy is a country rich in history, art and culture, but also in charm and romance. Among the many wonders it offers to its visitors, there are the castles, testimonies of a glorious and adventurous past, which still preserve their charm intact.
Sleeping in a castle in Italy is a unique experience, which will make you feel like the protagonists of a fairy tale and will give you unforgettable emotions. In this article we present you ten of the most beautiful and suggestive castles where you can stay, discovering their history, their legends and their secrets.
Castello di Pavone Canavese, Piedmont
The Castello di Pavone Cavanese is a medieval fortress that stands on a hill overlooking the village of Pavone Canavese, in Piedmont at the foot of the Alps.
It was built between the 9th and 11th centuries to defend the territory from the invasions of Hungarians and Saracens, who threatened the peace and prosperity of the region. The castle witnessed many historical events, including the birth of the kingdom of Italy under King Arduino, who owned it in the 10th century. In 1888, the castle was bought by Alfredo d’Andrade, a famous architect and restorer, who transformed it into a noble residence, enriching it with furniture, decorations and works of art.
The castle is now a luxury hotel and restaurant, which offers its guests a fairy-tale atmosphere, surrounded by a tropical garden and a breathtaking view of the surrounding landscape.
Castello della Castelluccia, Lazio
The Castello della Castelluccia is an ancient manor that stands in the Natural Park of Veio, on the outskirts of Rome.
It was built between the 12th and 13th centuries on the remains of a Roman villa of imperial age and belonged to several noble families, including the Muti, the Borgia and the Massimo. It was visited by illustrious characters such as Pope Pius VII and Queen Christina of Sweden.
The castle is now a four-star hotel that offers its guests a romantic and fairy-tale atmosphere, surrounded by beautiful landscaped gardens with Mediterranean plants and flowers, fountains and an outdoor semi-Olympic pool. The rooms are furnished in an elegant style, with terracotta floors and wrought iron beds. Some boast a jacuzzi and a fireplace. The restaurant of the castle serves traditional Italian dishes and fine wines in a dining room entirely frescoed or on a panoramic terrace. In the morning you can enjoy a rich buffet breakfast.
The castello della castelluccia is an ideal destination for those who want to live a dream with their eyes open, immersed in nature and history, just a few kilometers from the Eternal City.
Castel Monastero, Tuscany
The Castel Monastero is located in Siena, in the heart of Tuscany.
It was founded in the 11th century as a Benedictine monastery, then became a medieval fortress and finally a noble residence.
Today it is a five-star resort, which offers its guests luxurious and refined rooms and suites, furnished with taste and attention to detail. The resort also has two Michelin-starred restaurants, where you can taste the specialties of Tuscan and international cuisine, accompanied by fine wines. The resort also has a spa with indoor and outdoor pool, jacuzzi, hammam and beauty and wellness treatments.
The resort is surrounded by a park of 23 hectares, where olive trees and vines are grown.
Castello Orsini Hotel, Lazio
The Castello Orsini is located in Nerola, a small medieval village in the heart of Sabina, about 30 km from Rome.
The castle dominates the Tiber Valley and offers a panoramic view of the surrounding landscape. It was built in the 13th century by Orso Orsini and was the scene of numerous battles between the noble families of Lazio.
Over the centuries, the castle underwent various architectural and decorative transformations, which enriched its style and beauty. The castle still preserves many original elements, such as the battlemented towers, the drawbridge, the inner courtyard, the noble chapel and the frescoed rooms. The castle also hosts a museum that tells the history of the Orsini family and the surrounding territory.
Today the Castello Orsini is an exclusive five-star hotel, able to offer a unique experience of staying in a historic residence. The rooms are located in four buildings inside the castle, and are equipped with all modern comforts. Some rooms also have a balcony or a garden view.
On reservation it is also possible to dine in the turret of the castle or even in the prisons (now transformed into a cellar); or you can participate in olive oil tastings and cooking classes; or take advantage of the guided tour of the castle and visit the tower of the castle with the glass elevator; finally you can relax in the outdoor pool with jacuzzi in summer.
Castello di Vigoleno, Emilia Romagna
The Castello di Vigoleno is located in Vigoleno, in the province of Piacenza. It was built in the 12th century as a military fortress, then became a noble residence and finally a fortified village.
Today it is a four-star hotel, which offers its guests rooms and suites furnished with antique furniture, paintings, carpets and objects of art. The castle also has a historic cellar, where you can taste local wines and typical products. The restaurant of the castle offers dishes of Emilian and Italian cuisine, made with quality ingredients.
The Castello di Vigoleno is an example of a medieval fortified village of particular beauty, intact in all its parts and is also visitable with different modes: free visit to the Mastio, guided tour to the noble floor, guided tour to the Mastio, to the village, to the Romanesque church and to the noble floor.
The Castello di Vigoleno has been awarded with the title of “One of the most beautiful villages in Italy” and has hosted illustrious characters such as Gabriele D’Annunzio, Luigi Pirandello and Princess Maria Ruspoli.
Castello di Limatola, Campania
The Castello di Limatola is a majestic Norman castle located on a hill overlooking the Volturno river and the town of Limatola, in the province of Benevento.
The castle has ancient origins and has undergone several transformations over the centuries, passing from a military residence to a noble residence. The castle still preserves some defensive features, such as the wall, towers and scarpata, but also elements of artistic value, such as frescoes, decorations and palatine chapel.
Today the castle is able to offer its guests comfortable and refined rooms and suites, equipped with all modern services. The castle also has an outdoor pool, a wellness center with sauna, Turkish bath, jacuzzi and massages. The restaurant of the castle offers dishes of Campanian and Mediterranean cuisine, prepared with fresh and selected ingredients.
Castello di San Marco Charming Hotel & SPA, Sicily
The Castello di San Marco is an authentic fairy tale by the sea. The gentle lapping of waves that rock Taormina’s feet and Etna’s suggestive profile that stands out in the distance make it a true paradise on earth.
The history of the castle dates back to the 17th century, when it was built as a baroque residence by the princes Gravina di Palagonia, on a pre-existing Arab fortress. The castle was then enlarged and embellished over the centuries, becoming one of the most prestigious residences in Sicily. In 1980, the castle was bought by the Vagliasindi del Castello family, who transformed it into a luxury hotel, preserving its style and history.
The hotel is immersed in a park of about 4 hectares on the sea and it is in this park that the exquisite 30 rooms and suites of which the structure has are housed.
Thanks to the Acqua Leonis healing spa, guests can regenerate and relax with personalized treatments; then they can enjoy the restaurant that offers recipes of the Sicilian tradition using local raw materials.
It is worth mentioning that recently the Castle has obtained the confirmation of the prestigious Golden Crown of Residenze d’Epoca. 50 periodic quality checks that have been successfully passed by the structure, confirming it as an excellence.
Relais & Chateaux Hotel Castel Fragsburg, Trentino Alto Adige
Built in 1624 as a hunting residence, the Castel Fragsburg is located on a hill overlooking the city of Merano and offers a panoramic view of the Adige valley. Over the centuries, the castle changed several owners and underwent various transformations.
In 1954, it was bought by the Ortner family, who turned it into a luxury hotel and affiliated it to the prestigious Relais & Chateaux chain. The hotel has 20 elegant and comfortable suites, decorated with a style that combines alpine charm and Mediterranean sensuality. The hotel also offers a healing alchemical spa, the first in the world, where guests can enjoy treatments and massages based on herbs and essential oils. The gourmet restaurant of the hotel serves dishes of traditional and Mediterranean cuisine, prepared with local and organic products.
Perched on the promontory that overlooks Merano, the Castel Fragsburg enjoys a private hill and is surrounded by a park of 50,000 square meters. A garden where every guest is invited to discover its paths and routes, where the heated pool and the natural and bathing pond await visitors for moments of pure relaxation. A paradise literally between heaven and earth.
Castello di Montegridolfo, Emilia Romagna
The Castello di Montegridolfo is a medieval village among the hills of Rimini that finds its origins already in 13th century. During its centuries of history it was contested between families of Malatesta and Montefeltro, lords of Rimini and Urbino.
The village of Montegridolfo has been restored respecting medieval style and preserves charm of historical atmosphere. You can admire panorama that opens from natural terraces overlooking Conca valley and Foglia valley.
Among various structures within castle you can find Palazzo Viviani’s historic noble residence which now houses a four-star hotel that will allow its guests to go back in time and enjoy peace and tranquility of small medieval village.
Castello di Monterone, Umbria
The Castello di Monterone is located in Perugia, on the hill of Sant’Apollinare.
It was built in the 13th century as a military fortress, then became a noble residence and finally a convent. Today it is a four-star hotel that can not help but make its guests fall in love with the unique view of Perugia and its surrounding valley.
Time has stopped at the Castello di Monterone and you can enjoy walks in the middle of the splendid rose garden and the relaxation given by its wellness center; all this a stone’s throw from the historic Perugia and the famous Assisi.
