For centuries, tourists & locals alike have been fascinated by the enchanting castles located in Italy. These romantic relics and towering peaks are located in beautiful places around the country; atop cliffsides, by the seaside and throughout green valleys, each with memoires of its own history. Anyone visiting Italy’s castles are captivated by stories of love, loss and leadership which places a role in the history of Italy. Some of the castles have been renovated and refashioned into hotels, others have been modified with museums, restaurants and gift shops and some have been restored to preserve its original entrancing design, enthralling landscapes and captivating histories. These seven intriguing castles are a must see for tourists seeking Italy’s most majestic sights. In no particular order, these are our must see castles in Italy that you need to put on your bucket-list!

#1 Rocca Maggiore | 12th century castle

The first castle that you need to visit is Rocca Maggiore located in Assisi in the Umbrian region. The earliest records of the Rocca Maggiore castle dates as far back as the 12th century, indicating that the fortress was originally built in 1174 by the Germans as a feudal castle. Historic stories about the castle include stories of sovereign dynasties spending their time in this castle including the Swabian Emperor Frederick II, who was baptized in Assisi in 1197 at the young age of three, and spent many childhood years here under the charge of Conrad of Urslingen. In 1198 when Conrad was away, the Assisian people became rebellious and destroyed his stronghold, and it remained in ruins until 1367 when it was restored by Cardinal Albornoz. Nearly a century later in 1458 Assisian lord Jacopo Piccinino constructed a 12-sided tower and erected a wall adjoining the château and city, then in 1478 the Pope Sixtus IV renovated the castle and from 1535 through 1538 the Pope Paul III added on the round tower at the castles main gate.

#2 Castello Di Sirmione | Italy’s best preserved castle

This castle, located in the Lombardy region is a 13th century medieval Castello Di Sirmione, built by Mastino della Scala. The castle strategically stands at the peninsulas entrance as a seaport stronghold and is one one of the first things you see. It has been very well maintained and makes for a perfect visit. This lacustrine example of Scaligeri era fortification is bordered by a moat and entered by drawbridges. As one of Italy’s best-preserved castles, this citadel has a museum that houses Roman era artifacts and is one of the most visited sites in Italy.

#3 Castello dei Ventimiglia | Huge variety of styles & architecture

This castle remained in ruins from the time it was destroyed by Frederick II in 1243 until it was restored in 1391 by the Ventimiglia family and then was included in Sicily’s preservation plans of 1779. Decisively and defensively constructed at the top of Mount Bonifato, this ancient four towered Castello dei Ventimiglia was built to protect the Ventimiglia family from enemy attacks. Due to the numerous times the castle was reconstructed there are various different styles of art, and architecture.

#4 Fénis Castle | A Fairy tail Castle

The impressive Fénis Castle located in Italy’s Aosta Valley region is a huge tourist attraction. Both Italians and tourists from all around the world come to visit this extraordinary and inspiring structure. Standing at the hilltop with towers extending into the skyline like a fairytale castle, the Fénis Castle was originally constructed in early 13th century with ongoing construction throughout the 14th century by the Challant family. The castle continued to flourish all through the 15th century until the Challant family began to fall into financial despair and the castle slowly fell into disrepair. By the 18th century as the Challant family debts continued to increase, the castle was sold to Saluzzo Paesanna’s Count Baldassarre Castellar. In the early 20th century the castle was purchased by architects that restored and remodeled it. The castle was most recently purchased by the Regional Council as a historical landmark and tourist attraction.

#5 Castello Di Otranto, Emperor Charles V

The five-sided Castello Di Otranto castle was secured with a moat surrounding its perimeters by Emperor Frederick II and rebuilt from 1485 through 1498 by Alphonso II of Naples. The castle was built in the  the city of Otranto, in Italy’s Apulia region. This fortress was originally designed with three cylindrical towers, a single entrance sporting the Emperor Charles V coat of arms and the Punta di Diamante, a diamond head bastion.

#6 Sforza Castle, Castello di Porta Giova

The Sforza castle was built in Milan, within the Lombardy region of Italy. After extensive restoration at the turn of the twentieth century, the castle is currently the home of several of Milan’s museums. This castle was originally named the “Castello di Porta Giova” and was created by Lord Galeazzo II Visconti in 1358- 1370, but was destroyed by The Golden Ambrosian Republic. The castle was later renamed the Sforza Castle after it was reconstructed in the 15th century by the Duke of Milan, Francesco Sforza. Sited along the margins of the Sempione Park, this citadel was home to the lords of Milan for over 400 years.

#7 Castello Estense, Uprising of The Ferrarese

In the late 14th century in the Province of Ferrara, the Ferrarese people revolted upon the castle claiming the life of Tommaso da Tortona, who they blamed for outrageous taxes and ruins they suffered. Even though the leaders of the revolt were killed, the Marquis was convinced the palace was not secure enough, ordered a defensive fort to be built to the north of Palazzo. The fortress walls were taken down as the city grew, and in 1544 a fire damaged the original foundation and the exterior was remodeled by Girolamo da Carpi, since then the interior has been remodeled time and again. The Ferrara was annexed in 1860 into Italy and is now state owned by the Province of Ferrara. The castle was damaged in WWII and reconstructed again in 1946. A “Castle for the City” project was organized in 2002 involving masterpieces from the Ferrara school in Dresden, and the opening of secret rooms to visitors. The castle was again damaged in the earthquakes of 2012 and underwent restoration.

These seven fascinating castles in Italy are a must see for visitors traveling to Italy. Guests will find hotel accommodations, restaurants, gift shops and museums inside of these remarkable castles so you can pick up a little something to take back home for family & friends. Not only will you be taken back by these beautiful castles, they are located in Italy’s majestic countrysides which will make you fall in love with the country.