The most beautiful castles in Italy. Aragonese Castle - Ischia, Campania
If you want to plunge into a truly magical atmosphere, if you dream of getting lost among the narrow streets of picturesque medieval villages and feeling like real counts and countesses, even if only for a day, follow us: the portal "Italy in Russian" invites you to go on a journey to discover for 20 of the most beautiful castles in Italy!
Lost in the middle majestic mountains, surrounded by inaccessible gorges, proudly looking into the face of the wind or washed by the waves, all these castles and fortresses are completely different from each other in character and historical purpose, but identical in their splendor; their beauty, at times, borders between reality and fantasy, and no matter whether the strongest personalities in history set foot here - rest assured, the fate of these castles was an incredible number of intrigues, forbidden love stories and bloody battles.
Scaliger Castle in Malcesine, Veneto
Castello Scaligero di Malcesine
Take a medieval castle perched on a rocky cliff, add a little romantic atmosphere and picturesque landscapes of an ancient borgo that are truly worth your attention, and mentally mix well: here it is, the perfect cocktail for the curious traveler, because no tourist has ever visited the village of Malcesine , did not leave there dissatisfied with the trip.
Restored in 1300 by the noble Ghibelline family of the Scaligers, who ruled from 1262 to 1387, this regal-looking castle today houses within its walls various museums (Museum natural history Lake Garda, Goethe Museum, Monte Baldo Museum and Fisheries Museum). Admire its towers and battlements, repeating the swallowtail - a signature feature of all Scaliger fortresses - and, as soon as you get inside, enjoy a breathtaking view of the beautiful waters of the lake.
Photo by Thinkstock
Find out more about the beautiful Veneto region!
Rocca Scaligera in Sirmione, Lombardy
Rocca Scaligera di Sirmione
We remain on Lake Garda to admire another castle of the powerful Scaligeri, but we move to another region of Italy, to. We go to the town of Sirmione, one of those magical places that immediately win the heart of a traveler. His historical Center is a peninsula cutting into the lake, offering the traveler breathtaking landscapes for photo and video shooting and, above all, for the soul.
Rocca, a majestic and beautiful castle, dominates the cityscape and is one of the best preserved examples of a fortified lake fortress in Europe. The fort was built in the 13th century as a defensive structure located at the only gate to the city. When Sirmione joined the Venetian Republic, the fortress was garrisoned, but now there is a museum and a small church open to visitors
If you have not been here yet, be sure to visit Sirmione and its “guardian: you will definitely thank us for the advice.
Lake Garda is one of the most beautiful places in Italy, click on to discover it.
Aragonese Castle - Ischia, Campania
Castello Aragonese
The oldest castle, founded on a small peninsula formed from volcanic lava in the southeast, dates back to the reign of the Syracusan tyrant, Gelone. Later, the fortress was dominated by the Greeks and Romans, and then it was taken over by the Aragonese from the clan d'Avalos, who gave the fortress a modern appearance.
A fortress that seems to float on the waves Gulf of Naples, really makes an indelible impression, because the Aragonese castle today looks almost as majestic as it did centuries ago. The most peculiar attraction of the castle is definitely the Torture Museum, a place definitely not for the faint of heart, where you can see a full arsenal of instruments for torturing prisoners.
For those who consider themselves to be sensitive and delicate, we recommend that you bypass this place and simply admire the castle at sunset, when crimson-golden colors color the panoramas, giving the landscape an unforgettable charm...
Discover the island of Ischia by clicking on !
Rocca Calascio - Abruzzo
Rocca Calascio
In the territory national park Gran Sasso and Monti della Laga, at almost 1,500 meters above sea level, rises the Rocca Calascio, a medieval fortified fort that from the first moment captures the soul and mind of the visitor with its powerful appearance. The location of Calascio Castle, the highest in all of Italy, is truly impressive: the views you can enjoy from climbing one of the four towers of the fortress will never be forgotten. You will see small charming villages of Abruzzo, emerging like sprouts in spring, between formidable mountains and emerald valleys.
The charm of this place has captivated more than one director: several films have been shot here, some of them very famous. Are you intrigued? Then go to the town of Calascio and visit its formidable fort, especially since the entrance to the fortress, to the delight of tourists, is absolutely free.
Find out about the incredibly beautiful places in Abruzzo by clicking on !
Fort Diamante - Liguria
Forte Diamante
To fully enjoy the grandeur of this fortress, you must look at it from below due to its impressive size. Fort Diamante - an eighteenth-century fortified fortress, for all its bulk, seems to rest neatly on the green peak of Monte Diamante, from which the castle takes its name. Used to defend the walls of the city of Genoa, the castle contains within its walls milestones from the history of the Republic and the Habsburg dynasty.
The fort can only be reached on foot: part of the journey can be made by the picturesque Trenino di Casella locomotive, departing from the station located near Piazza Manin - a journey to the castle along the green hills between the Val Polcevera and Val Bisagno valleys you will never forget! Then you will have a climb to the top of the mountain where the fortress is located, lasting about 40 minutes. Believe me, the fort is worth it!
Miramare Castle, Friuli Venezia Giulia
Castello Miramare
This elegant and sophisticated castle, surrounded by the waters of the Adriatic Sea, served as the residence of the rulers of the Habsburg dynasty. At first glance at the snow-white castle, which seems simply magical, it becomes clear that the interior decoration of the residence is no less luxurious than its appearance. Surrounded by a magnificent green park full of rare plants, created by landscape designers who managed to take into account every smallest detail, the castle houses in its interiors original pieces of furniture that belonged to one of the richest dynasties in Europe. Really fabulously beautiful. Continuing the fairy-tale theme, as in any magical story, they claim that a terrible curse reigns over the castle... Aren't you scared? Then go to - you won't regret it!
Fort Bard, Valle d'Aosta
Forte di Bard
We climb the "boot" to the North and head to Bard, in the region, in a beautiful borgo, dominated by a truly impressive, beautiful and almost intact fort by war and time, built by the Savoyard rulers at the beginning of the nineteenth century.
The fortress, consisting of three buildings located on three levels, was intended to protect Italy from the border with France, which was especially important after the Napoleonic invasion. Later, a military prison and a powder magazine for the Italian army were set up here. The bastion occupies almost 15,000 m of area; today, inside the fortress walls there is an interesting multimedia Museum of the Alps, dedicated to the thousand faces of the majestic mountains.
Castel Sant'Angelo in Rome, Lazio
Born along the calm waters of the Tiber and reachable through famous bridge, guarded by angelic faces, also known as Hadrian's Mausoleum because it originated as the tomb of a Roman emperor - one of the attractions " must see"The Eternal City.
During the Middle Ages and the Renaissance, the Castel Sant'Angelo was modified several times until it took on its present appearance. According to legend, in 590, when the plague was roaming the streets of Rome, Pope Gregory saw the Archangel Michael on the top of the castle, sheathing his sword. The Vatican interpreted the sign as the end of the epidemic, and the fortress was named the Castle of the Holy Angel. In the Middle Ages, the castle served as a refuge for the Popes, and later as both a prison and a residence. Perhaps the most laconic description of Castel Sant'Angelo would be the words: "Two thousand years of history and splendor." There is no need to say more.
Wondering where to stay in Rome? Top hotels Here:
Torrechiara Castle, Emilia-Romagna
Castello di Torrechiara
Castelluccia Battipaglia, Campania
La Castelluccia di Battipaglia
This beautiful ancient castle seems straight out of the pages of history books. Castelluccia is the symbol of the city of Battipaglia, which, unfortunately, is in a deplorable state. Built on the site of an ancient fort in the year 1000, Castelluccia, as it was called local residents, retains the original seventh-century walls and towers built much later, in the thirteenth century. The original plan of the castle itself was completely modified in 1920 by the architect Farinelli. Inside the castle you can also admire a beautiful church with wonderful ancient frescoes.
Travel to Battipaglia to discover the history of Castelluccia and the stunning landscapes of the territory in which he was born.
Bon Voyage!
In many Italian cities, ancient churches and palaces have been preserved; time stood still on narrow cobblestone streets, stopped in the Middle Ages or the Renaissance.
But castles have a special, harsh charm; their walls heard the clang of swords and the whistling of arrows, blood flowed over the rough stones, they still retained the salty smell and bittersweet taste of victories and defeats. Generals gave commands, and engineers created defensive structures that were amazing in their scale, ingenuity and precision of thought. Ancient castles are scattered throughout Italy from north to south, we will tell you about some of the most beautiful castles in Italy.
Castel del Monte is located in Puglia, 50 km from Bari and is protected by UNESCO.
Castel del Monte was built in 1229-49. by order of Emperor Frederick II. It amazes with its simplicity and clarity of forms, as well as its exact dimensions And geographical location, according to secret teachings. What is this Temple of Knowledge or a Castle for unknown reasons? This remains a mystery.
Sforzesco Castle in Milan.
The Sforzesco Castle in Milan was erected by the will of the Visconti in 1368, the work was continued by the Sforzas, who lived in it until 1466.
The Este Castle in Ferrara was built in 1385 according to the design of Bartolino da Novara. It was a real fortress, built for protection. At the end of the last century the castle was opened. The fortress is included in the list world heritage UNESCO.
Fenis Castle is located in Valle d'Aosta. The first mention of the castle dates back to 1242, but it looked much more modest then.
Later the castle became the property of the noble family Chalan, who expanded it. Fenis Castle acquired its modern appearance in 1320-1420.
Now the castle is open to the public.
Aragonese castle in Taranto.
The Aragonese castle in Taranto (Apulia) dates back to 916, at which time the Byzantines began to build fortified structures to defend against Saracen pirates and attacks from the Venetian Republic. In 1486, the castle was expanded by order of Ferdinand II of Aragon. Nowadays, naval services are located here, which, in addition to their main work, conduct tours of the castle.
The Fenestrelle fortress is located in the north of Piedmont, it is the largest defensive structure in Europe. Alas, the fate of the grandiose fortress was not so brilliant; Fenestrelle became famous not in military battles, but as a prison for opponents of the ruling government.
The Castle of San Giorgio was built in 1395-1400. by the will of Francesco I Gonzaga. It is located in the very center of the city of Mantua, behind its walls is the Ducal Palace.
The plan of the fortress is a square with towers at the corners.
The castle has always belonged to the Gonzaga family. For many years, Isabella d'Este, the wife of Francesco Gonzaga, lived here. One of the most beautiful rooms of the castle is the spouses' room, covered with frescoes by Andrea Mantegna.
Nowadays the fortress hosts exhibitions and cultural events.
Norman castle in Bari.
The Norman castle in Bari was built by Emperor Frederick II. Once upon a time the castle was located on the seashore, but the water has gone away.
The castle was a royal residence and now houses a museum.
Castel Sant'Angelo in Rome.
Castel Sant'Angelo was built in 123 as a burial mausoleum for Emperor Hadrian and his family. Later it was strengthened and used for defensive purposes.
The castle got its name after Pope Gregory I had a vision of an angel sheathing his sword, which symbolized the end of the plague that had engulfed Rome.
Nowadays the Castel Sant'Angelo houses a museum.
The Egg Castle (Castel dell'Ovo) is the most old fortress Naples, it is picturesquely located in a bay, connected to the land by a thin isthmus. The waves hit its powerful walls, creating romantic images. There is a legend associated with the name of the castle: Virgil put an egg in an enchanted amphora, placed it in an iron cage, and built a castle on top. To destroy the fortress, you must first break this egg.
The Swabian castle was built on the foundations of a Norman fortress. It is distinguished by geometrically precise shapes and a powerful appearance. Knights stayed within the walls of the castle, preparing to go on a crusade to the Holy Land. Now the castle houses a museum and library.
Breno Castle rises on a hill above the town of the same name in Lombardy.
First, a chapel was erected on the site of the fortress, dedicated to St. Michael the Archangel, protector of the Lombards, who at that time controlled these lands. Around the 12th century, the church was expanded and then demolished to build a citadel. The first castle had two floors, high tower and a wall decorated with swallowtails. Most likely, a wealthy Guelph family lived here. Since the 1250s. They began to surround the hill with a fortification wall. The houses began to be transformed into fortified structures, and the fortress passed into the hands of the Ghibellines.
In 1350 - 1450 In the valley there were skirmishes between the Venetians and Milanese for control of the territory. After this, the fortress was conquered by Francesco Sforza, becoming part of the Duchy of Milan. In subsequent centuries, the Republic of Venice ordered the destruction of all the fortresses and forts of the valley, except for the castle of Breno, which was intended for noble families.
In 1516, the citadel passed to the French, and later it lost its military necessity.
Sunny Italy is filled with charming cities, graceful palazzos, majestic temples and archaeological antiquities.
But it is impossible to imagine it without proud castellos - castles, guardians of the lands, which for many centuries were not only the home of the nobility and their servants, a place of refuge from enemies for the surrounding peasants, but also an indicator of the status and strength of the local ruler. So, what are they - the most beautiful castles Italy.
Sforza Castle, Milan
Castel Sant'Angelo, Rome
It was erected in the 2nd century AD by order of the Roman Emperor Hadrian as a mausoleum. Once famous as tallest building Eternal City. Over time, the former tomb was overgrown with walls and towers, turning into a formidable fortress.
According to legend, it was on the walls that Pope Gregory the Great, in 590, during a plague epidemic, saw the Archangel Michael sheathing his sword, thereby ending the disease. Today there is a Military History Museum here.
Valentino Castle, Turin
Built in the 13th century in the shape of a horseshoe, and named after the Church of St. Valentine. In the middle of the 17th it was rebuilt and acquired its current appearance, more reminiscent of a palace than a medieval fortification. It is interesting because of its two completely different facades, radically different from each other in architectural style. Today there is the Faculty of Architecture of the Turin Polytechnic University, around which there is a blooming botanical garden. So, it turns out that the castles of Italy are not only tourist places, but also guardians of science.
Photo source: weaponhistory.com.
Castel Nuovo, Naples
The "Angevin Man" was erected in the 13th century by order of Charles of Anjou as the residence of the Neapolitan kings. Charles did not have time to enjoy the new fortification (the uprising of the Sicilians interfered), but his descendants ruled the surrounding area from these high walls for a long time. Later it was repeatedly stormed by the enemy and even by an earthquake, and rebuilt several times. Now the formidable walls are one of business cards Naples and one of the most majestic castles in Italy.
Photo source: nice-places.com.
Castel dell'Ovo, Naples
Photo source: allmytime.ru.
Castelvecchio ("Old Castle"), Verona
San Martino al Ponte (the first name of the castle after the neighboring church of St. Martin) was born back in the 9th century. It could also well serve as a source of inspiration for the craftsmen who built the Moscow Kremlin. Nowadays it is where paintings by Titian, Tintoretto, Tiepolo, sculptures, ancient weapons, and ceramics are kept.
Photo source: © LianeM-Fotolia.com.
Castel del Monte ("Castle on the Mountain"), near Andria, Apulia
Photo source: agentika.com.
Aragonese Castle, Ischia Island, Campania
A couple of hundred meters from the island of Ischia, on a small volcanic island rises. Its walls seemed to have emerged from the sea foam a minute ago, straddling the gray stone and rising towards the hot Italian sun.
In fact, it traces its ancestry back to the 5th century BC. In the 15th century, the Aragonese castle experienced a rebirth when the rulers of Aragon strengthened the castle, connecting it with a stone bridge to the island. On the territory of the castello there is also a monastery with a cemetery and the Museum of Torture - one of the richest exhibits in all of Italy.
Photo source: ischiatipps.com.
Fenis Castle, near Aosta, Valle d'Aosta
Fenis Castle was built in the 13th century, and since that time it has never been besieged by the enemy, performing more representative than defensive functions. Abandoned in the 18th century, a century later bought by the state and restored. Nowadays, among other things, the Furniture Museum is located here.
Photo source: windoworld.ru.
Malaspina Castle, Fosdinovo, Tuscany
An 11th-century fortification still owned by the Malaspina family, who captured the castle back in 1317. This building is famous for its numerous ghosts, and also for the fact that, according to legend, Dante Alighieri himself stayed here. Another legend tells about the too free treatment of one of the owners of the castle with the lords who were in love with her.
Photo source: castle-ua.com.
Scaliger Castle, Sirmione, Lombardy
Photo by: Alex Cheban.
Estense Castle, Ferrara, Emilia-Romagna
Photo source: ogs.trieste.it.
Aragonese Castle, Taranto, Apulia
This fortification has many names. And Castel Sant'Angel, and Taranto Castle, and finally, Aragonese Castle, named after the dynasty of the first owners of the castel. It was born back in the 10th century, and since then it has been rebuilt more than once. Nowadays this is the headquarters of the Italian Navy. Despite this, tourists have access to the building, and it is free. Somehow the brave sailors don’t worry about insidious spies.
Photo credit: Livioandronico2013, wikimedia.org.
Castello di Agazzano, Emilia-Romagna
A graceful hybrid of the gloomy medieval castle and a Renaissance palace. Walking around you feel like you are using the services of a hospitable time machine. First, the 13th century - the birth of fortification, exclusively for a pragmatic, defensive purpose. 15th century - the appearance of the most beautiful decorative elements. 18th century - gradual transformation into a summer residence, giving relaxation to the rulers. 19th century - the appearance of a luxurious garden, decorated with marvelous sculptures.
Photo source: ita2u.com.
The chiseled tread of time. An icy wind from the depths of centuries. Stone that remembers Dark Ages, Renaissance and condescendingly looking at the bustling modernity. Marvelous architecture, elegant interior decoration, great paintings and frescoes in cool rooms, luxurious views of the surrounding area and stunning photographs.
All this and much more - the castles of Italy. A country whose middle name could well be the word “history.”
“The Venetian Republic was once the strongest, richest and most influential in the entire Mediterranean. Time has passed, now Venice is attractive not for invaders and traders, but for millions of tourists, who ... "
“Built in the 17th century for the Balbi family, this palace not only fit harmoniously into architectural ensemble Genoa also became its decoration. In 1679, the palace was bought by another powerful queen...”
“Isola Bella (translated from Italian as “ beautiful island") is an island from the Borromean Islands group of Lake Lago Maggiore, located close (400 meters) from the coastal town of Stre..."
« Royal Palace Caserta. This country residence of the kings of Naples is located in Campania and is the largest architectural structure of the 8th century in Europe. About its grandeur one can say...”
“This imposing 15th-century palace dominates Piazza del Plebiscita, an elegant Renaissance square that has long been the political and social center of Viterbo. Today, within the walls of the Pal building...”
"This National Museum located in one of the largest palaces in Florence. Its construction dates back to the mid-13th century. Of course, the history of the museum itself is not as long as that of the palace, but about...”
“Once upon a time, even before our era, in the place where the castle stands today, there was an ancient fort, which was rebuilt many times by new conquering owners, and in the 15th century the Spaniards owned it...”
“The palace and park complex Golden House is located in the very center of the Italian capital - Rome. Its construction began by order of the Roman emperor of that time, Nero, on the territory which...”
"IN Italian city Naples, among the many beautiful sights, has another very mysterious and therefore very interesting attraction - Donna Anna's Palace. Project..."
“The Ducal Palace - Palazzo Ducale - is a complex of buildings located in Mantua (Italy). Its construction lasted from 1290 to 1708. The main purpose of this is...”
“The palace and gallery of the Columns are of impressive size and majestic architectural complex, built in the 17th-18th centuries, but its roots go back to the 13th century. Villa Columns was built according to the plan...”
“In the Roman Spada Palace, which the architect Bartolomeo Baronio built in the 16th century for Cardinal Giacomo Capodifero, is the Spada Gallery. The facade and loggias of the building are decorated with beautiful plaster all...”
“The Barberini Palace in the Baroque style will amaze you with its undisguised luxury even before you get inside. It was erected in honor of the Barberini family's accession to papal power. The best professionals..."
"Castello Brolio is majestic castle, located in the vicinity of Gaiole in Chianti. From the 11th century to the present day, it was and remains the property of the Ricasoli family. It is here that the head of the family is ba...”
“The Cancelleria Palace serves as the Apostolic Office in Rome. It has Renaissance features and is located in the Parione area. Since the Papal Office works in the palace, it belongs to the Vatican, not Ita...”
“Palazzo Normanni (direct translation “Norman Palace”), located on the outskirts of the historical part of Palermo, was the residence of the Sicilian kings. The most famous part of the palace is the Palatine...”