The most beautiful castles in Italy. Palaces, castles in Italy Miramare Castle, Friuli Venezia Giulia

November 27th, 2013

Castle del Monte (Castel del Monte) rises alone on the secluded hill of Western Murge in the desert area of ​​​​the city of Andria, province of Bari, at an altitude of 560 meters above sea level. The castle complex received its modern name only at the end of the 15th century; the original name has not been preserved. The castle Castel del Monte was named after the ancient settlement of the same name at the foot of the hill, on which was the small monastery of Santa Maria del Monte. Often the locals of Andria call it the “Crown of Apulia”.

The Middle Ages is a huge historical period associated with large-scale events and significant changes in all spheres of life, both individual states and entire nations of Europe and Asia. This is the time of the fall of the Roman Empire and the Great Migration that began after this, which in the future, for many centuries, will serve as fertile ground for the emergence of countless cultural, linguistic and religious conflicts between the Germanic and Romanesque peoples who previously lived on the territory of the once united empire. “The Dark Ages,” as the famous Italian poet Petrarch rightfully called this era, despite the global upheavals, without which not a single civilization has survived in the history of its development, will also become a time of great transformations.

As never before, the church in the person of the Pope will gain unprecedented power and power, which everyone will have to reckon with, from the inhabitants of remote settlements and residents of enlightened cities to monarchs and kings. This is the heyday of the ideals of monasticism and the unlimited power of the Inquisition, sowing the same horror in the souls of both inveterate heretics and the most devout parishioners. The time of chivalry and incessant clashes, when Christians shed each other’s blood in constant internecine wars, and the time of the Great Crusades, when no less blood was shed by Muslims and crusaders on the battlefields in the struggle for holy Jerusalem.

Of course, to get even an approximate idea of ​​the Middle Ages, which occupied almost nine centuries in the history of mankind, you will need to be familiar with much more extensive information. But the mention of these several significant events allows us to get an idea of ​​the time and conditions in which the largely mysterious and in its own unique castle of Castel del Monte was built. And in order to better understand the features of the architecture of the castle or its true purpose, and perhaps try to find clues to some of the mysteries that generously shroud Castel del Monte, it is worth paying attention to the direct owner of the castle, whose personality seems just as colorful , how contradictory.

Much can be said about this man, whose lust for power and cruelty knew no bounds, but the mention of just one fact from his turbulent life gives a very clear and visual idea of ​​the ambiguous character and disposition of this person. Thus, never harboring deep religious feelings and in every possible way delaying his participation in the next Crusade, this man still managed to achieve the seemingly impossible - to be excommunicated from the church and, despite the papal anathema, to win the Crusade and return to the Christian world Jerusalem. We are talking about none other than the Holy Roman Emperor, ruler of Germany, king of Sicily and Jerusalem, Frederick II of Hohenstaufen.

The construction of the castle is mentioned only in one document that has survived to this day. It is dated January 29, 1240 and it states that the Holy Roman Emperor Empire Frederick II Staufen ( German Friedrich II von Hohenstaufen) orders the governor and the judge Richard de Montefuscolo buy lime, stone and everything you need...

…pro castro quod apud Sanctam Mariam de Monte fieri volumus…

(for the castle we want to build next to the Church of St. Mary on the hill).

However, further from the document it is not entirely clear what is meant - the beginning of construction or some final work. The latest version is supported by another document released by in 1241-1246. - Statutum de reparatione castrorum ( list of fortifications that require repairs). It lists Castel del Monte as an already built castle.

As the site for the future construction of the next castle, Frederick II chooses Apulia, a region that was at that time part of the Kingdom of Sicily (now the region of the province of Bari in southern Italy), where he, in fact, grew up and lived all his childhood and youth. According to the prevailing legend, Castel del Monte (from Italian “castle on the mountain” or “castle of the mountain”) was built on the site of the ruins of the abandoned monastery of St. Mary, or rather, on a small hill in the form of a hill located in the middle of a deserted flat area (in 16 km from the city of Andria), later called Terra di Bari. Hence the origin of the original name of the castle Castrum Santa Maria de Monte, which remained with it for a long time.

The construction of the castle began in 1240, and the completion of the work dates back to 1250, that is, by a strange (or perhaps purely coincidental) coincidence, the completion of Castel del Monte coincided with the year of the death of Frederick II. Which, even putting aside the feigned mystery, involuntarily suggests some symbolism, because after the death of the emperor, the entire House of Hohenstaufen will soon disappear. And one of the most striking reminders of the great dynasty of South German kings and emperors of the Holy Roman Empire remains the Castel del Monte castle, which has consistently towered over the flat terrain of Apulia for almost 800 years.

According to surviving written evidence, it is known that Frederick II gave preference to the construction of objects and structures exclusively for military purposes. Therefore, it is not surprising that during his reign he managed to rebuild more than 200 castles and fortresses and was mentioned as the founder of only one church in Altamura. There were even legends about the emperor’s passion for defensive fortifications, as if court nobles sometimes begged their ruler to finally take a break and not build so many new castles. But it is not difficult to explain such a sacrifice of the spiritual needs of one’s people for the sake of purely practical military goals; one need only remember the difficult and irreconcilable relationship between the emperor and the Pope.

In those days, the Papal States sought at all costs to protect itself and its possessions from the encroachments of the Holy Roman Empire, and therefore extremely tense relations always remained between each newly elected pope and the emperor. And even the first and second excommunications of Frederick II (in 1227 and 1239) and the nickname of “the real Antichrist”, which was firmly attached to the emperor, are hardly capable of showing the hostility and hatred that they had for each other, perhaps, at that time two of the most powerful rulers in the Catholic world. Therefore, the struggle between Frederick II and Pope Gregory IX for the central part of Italy, which over time developed into an open and fierce confrontation, simply could not help but affect the policies pursued by the emperor. All the more mysterious against the backdrop of the constant wars and uprisings that Frederick II waged and suppressed is his idea of ​​​​building the Castel del Monte castle, which, in fact, is neither a castle nor a fortress.

The basis of the two-story building of Castel del Monte was taken from a completely non-standard shape of a regular octagon, thanks to which the castle remains the only fortification with such an unusual layout. Moreover, among all the medieval castles of Western Europe. Which, in fact, complicates and often baffles modern researchers who are busy searching for reliable analogues that in the 13th century could have inspired Frederick II to build such an unusual structure for his era. But knowing about the emperor’s good acquaintance with the mentality of the eastern people (especially the Saracens), his tolerance for foreign cultures and religions and his extreme free-thinking, it can be assumed that the prototypes of the future Castel del Monte could have been borrowed by Frederick II from the Muslim world, during his Crusade to the Holy Land.

The Dome of the Rock mosque, built in Jerusalem back in the 7th century AD, is often associated with this version. and also shaped like an octagon. Returning to the castle, it is worth noting that in addition to the octagonal walls 25 meters high, each corner of the castle is adjacent to octagonal towers, whose tops rise above the ground a little higher - 26 meters. As is easy to see, the number of corners and, accordingly, towers of Castel del Monte is eight, but on each of the two floors of the castle there are eight identical halls, and if you look closely at the decoration of the rooms, you can also find a frequent eightfold repetition of the details of the internal ornament.

And as if this repetition of the number 8 seemed small, the courtyard of the castle, which could well have the shape of a circle or square, is also the same octagon. Hence, it is not surprising that there is a strong association of the Castel del Monte castle with the mysterious number 8, which constantly serves as an object of intense interest to historians, adherents of numerology, and ordinary lovers of secrets and riddles.

Due to its external similarity, Castel del Monte is often called the “crown of Apulia”. Indeed, this comparison seems fair, and not only due to the external similarity, but also because Frederick II wore an eight-pointed crown. So the castle and its characteristic shape could serve as a symbol of the emperor’s power, which he wished to capture “in stone.” Strictly speaking, only limestone (base) and marble (columns, decoration of windows and portals) were used in the construction of the castle, but this in no way violates the version of the castle-symbol, but rather, on the contrary, only once again confirms it. Marble as a building material undoubtedly has a lot of advantages, but it is hardly suitable for the construction of such powerful defensive fortifications as castles, fortresses or forts.

Thus, the origin of the number 8 is largely associated directly with the architecture of the Castel del Monte castle. True, there are other assumptions, because the same number can be seen in the ring of Frederick II, decorated with eight petals, and by looking into the history of various cultures and teachings, you can also find your own interpretation of the symbolism of the number 8, as the personification of power, wealth, success or good luck . But let’s finally leave the numbers and move directly to the features of the castle, which could equally well be called a hunting residence, a monument, a kind of observatory, or even a religious building.

When building fortifications in the Middle Ages, paramount importance was always given to the ability of a castle or fortress to withstand any attack and its ability to withstand long sieges. But, turning to the history of Castel del Monte, you can discover a strange feature - ditches were never dug around the castle or even earthen ramparts were poured. In addition, there are no storage facilities in the castle where food supplies should be stored in the event of a siege. On the other hand, taking a closer look at the castle, along with small windows, you can also notice narrow slits of loopholes located along the perimeter of all the towers. This means that the small garrison that could be accommodated in the interior could still count on at least some advantage (besides the impressive walls) during the defense of the castle. But then it becomes completely unclear why the spiral staircases in the towers of Castel del Monte are twisted “in the wrong direction.” According to one of the rules of “castle building”, spiral staircases should rise from floor to floor in a clockwise direction.

This gives castle defenders a better position, as attacking soldiers have to climb stairs and fight in an awkward position. But the thing is that the soldiers going to storm the castle are deprived of the opportunity to deliver the most powerful blows with their main weapons - swords, because this requires swinging from right to left, while the soldiers defending the castle, thanks to the twisting of the stairs and a higher her position will always be slightly to the right. So the non-standard (counterclockwise) direction of the spiral staircases of Castel del Monte would have received at least some justification only if the castle had been besieged by troops consisting exclusively of left-handers. Or, what is more obvious, Frederick II in this way once again emphasized the non-defense purpose of the castle.

Among the emperor's hobbies, falconry occupied a special place, to which he devoted a lot of his free time. And based on his own observations and experiments, Frederick II even wrote a treatise “The Art of Hunting with Birds.” Thus, based on the emperor’s passion for hunting, there is an assumption about the construction of Castel del Monte as a hunting residence. But such an idea is called into question by the extreme luxury and exorbitant richness of the interior furnishings that the castle could boast of at the time of its completion. Another purpose of Castel del Monte is associated with the peculiarities of the orientation of its entrances and windows to the cardinal points.

The main gate of the castle faces exactly to the east, and the spare gates are located strictly in the opposite - western - direction. As for the windows, both external and facing the courtyard, they are arranged in such a way that the rooms of the second floor are illuminated by direct sunlight throughout the year, and the eight halls of the first floor receive natural and, interestingly, light during the summer and winter solstice. , absolutely uniform lighting. This is where the version of the castle as a medieval observatory or a huge astronomical calendar was born.

Supporters of occultism and mysticism make their contribution to the emergence of much more sacred reasons for the construction, as well as the very purpose of Castel del Monte. They are of the view that followers of some secret teachings or societies hidden from the eyes of the uninitiated (to which Frederick II could belong) used the castle to conduct their ritual or religious rites.

Of course, direct evidence of such a version cannot be found, but many tourists, after visiting the castle, often point out the strange and unusual sensations that they experience when they first find themselves inside Castel del Monte. Perhaps people are impressed by the massiveness and impressiveness of the structure or the antiquity of the castle and its centuries-old history, which inevitably takes their breath away. But who knows, whether some mysterious energy is making itself known, which has not yet lost its power and is still stored within the walls of Castel del Monte?

Well, at the end of just a brief acquaintance with the most famous medieval castle in Italy, if we still ignore otherworldly forces, it is worth recalling that Castel del Monte, soon after the death of Frederick II, will serve as a prison for his grandchildren. Then, having lost its former significance and grandeur, after numerous lootings, the castle will lose both its former splendor and its austere beauty. Over the centuries, the octagonal fortress, a monument to the power of the Hohenstaufen family, the hunting residence of the emperor, and the cult-astronomical structure would become a refuge where the local nobility would seek salvation from the plague epidemics that broke out more than once throughout Europe and reached the southernmost regions of Italy.

Around the 17th century, the castle suffered the unenviable fate of being abandoned and living out its last days in complete desolation. But, fortunately, after almost 200 years of slow and therefore imperceptible destruction, the abandoned castle will be remembered again. In 1876, following the unification of Italy into a single state, restoration work began at the Castel del Monte castle, and in 1996 the castle will become one of the historical sites protected by the UNESCO World Heritage Fund. (whc.unesco.org/en/list/398)

And although today Castel del Monte has become a historical and tourist attraction, it still serves as a living reminder of the entire Hohenstaufen dynasty, which gave the world such great rulers as Conrad III, Frederick I Barbarossa and Henry VI.

In 1459, the fortress came into the possession of the noble Italian family of Lord Ferrante of Aragon. And in 1656, the castle last served as a residence for noble families of Italy fleeing the plague, which was raging in the city of Andria. And after some time, Castel del Monte was empty and only in the 19th century it became the home of shepherds, local bandits and marauders. During this period, the castle was looted, precious marble materials were stripped from the walls, and the rich sculptures were sold.

In 1876, the fortification came into the possession of the noble Carafa family, which began its restoration and reconstruction.

Currently, the Castel del Monte castle is a monument of medieval architecture and is open to all tourists.

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 the simplicity and clarity of its forms, as well as its precise 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 UNESCO World Heritage List.

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 Castle of the Egg (Castel dell'Ovo) is the oldest fortress of Naples, it is picturesquely located in the bay, connected to the land by a thin isthmus. Waves hit its powerful walls, creating romantic images. A legend is associated with the name of the castle: Virgil put an egg in an enchanted amphora, placed in an iron cage, and a castle was erected 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, a 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.

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 midst of majestic mountains, surrounded by inaccessible gorges, proudly facing 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 it doesn’t matter whether the strongest personalities in history have 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 Scaliger family, who ruled from 1262 to 1387, this regal-looking castle today houses within its walls various museums (Lake Garda Natural History Museum, 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. Its historical center is a peninsula cutting into the lake, offering the traveler breathtaking landscapes for photography 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.

The fortress, as if floating on the waves of the 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 Gran Sasso and Monti della Laga National Park, 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, built by the Savoyard rulers in the early 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 the famous bridge guarded by angelic faces, also known as Hadrian's Mausoleum because it originated as the tomb of a Roman emperor, is one of the "must see" attractions of 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? The best hotels here are:

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 nicknamed by the locals, 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!

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 in 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. It was once famous as the tallest building of the 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 the calling cards of 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

An elegant hybrid of a dark 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. A stone that remembers the Dark Ages, the Renaissance and looks condescendingly 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.”