Are you looking for the best castles in Northern Italy you should visit on your next trip to the beautiful Italian regions up north?
The castles of Italy give us a glimpse on the country’s turbulent history from pre-Roman times to the gunpowder era.
Some of these castles have been restored to their former glory while some castles are far too ruined to be explored by children but can be enjoyed from a distance. Some have been designated a UNESCO World Heritage status. All are interesting.
If you want to go inside a castle, you must check beforehand that it’s actually open to visitors. Also check its opening hours. Phone numbers and websites of each castle on the list will be posted here for your reference.
Alright, let’s dive into the best castles in Northern Italy you should visit on your next holiday in the area.
Italy has possibly hundreds of castles, the prettiest ones found in the northern regions. A visit to any of these will be one of the best experiences you will always remember about your Italian vacation.
Here are 9 of the must-visit castles in Northern Italy.
Best Castles in Northern Italy You Should Visit
1. Castello Sforzesco
Address: Piazza Castello, 20121 Milano MI, Italy
Phone No.: +39 02 8846 3700
Website: https://www.milanocastello.it/
Open: daily, 7:00 AM – 7:30 PM
The Castello Sforzesco or Sforza Castle is a huge medieval-Renaissance fortress in Lombardy’s capital city. It was built by the 15th century Duke of Milan, Francesco Sforza, on the remnants of a fortification from the previous century.
Sforza Castle houses six historical museums and art collections by Michelangelo and da Vinci. Exploring these will take you about three hours or so. If you’re in a rush to visit other points of interest in Milan, you may as well check out only the items you’re truly interested in. There is a Michelangelo sculpture, for starters. And of course, da Vinci.
The view from the top of the castle is not to be missed so take the time to go up there.
2. Castello di Moncalieri
© Gianni Careddu | Wikimedia Commons
Address: Piazza Baden Baden, 4, 10024 Moncalieri TO, Italy
Phone No.: +39 011 640 3058
Website: http://www.castellodimoncalieri.it/
Open: Friday to Sunday, 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
A UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1997, Castillo de Moncalieri (Castle of Moncalieri) is a hilltop palace located some 8 km. south of Turin in the region of Piedmont. It was originally a castle, one of the Residences of the Royal House of Savoy.
The Castle of Moncalieri features landscaped gardens and offers guided tours of its ornate rooms.
Here you will get an amazing view of the city of Turin with the glorious Alps in the background, except on a hazy day when the mountains are practically invisible.
3. Castello Estense
© xiquinhosilva | Flickr
Address: L.go Castello, 1, 44121 Ferrara FE, Italy
Phone No.: +39 0532 419180
Website: https://www.castelloestense.it/en
Open: Wednesdays to Mondays, 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM (Closes on Tuesdays)
The Castello Estense (Este Castle) is a moated medieval castle in the center of Ferrara in the Emilia-Romagna region.
It was built in the 14th century by the marquis of Ferrara himself, Niccolò II d’Este, and named it Castello di San Michele (Castle of Saint Michael). Its purpose was to protect the marquis against the people on revolt.
The pretty moated already looks astounding from the outside, but wait till you get inside! The frescoes on the castle’s ceilings will remind you of the Vatican, sans the throngs of tourists.
The Este Castle has a very interesting gallery and museum as well. As one of the most castles in Italy, this is an absolute must-see in Ferrara!
4. Castello del Buonconsiglio
© Franco Visintainer | Wikimedia Commons
Address: Via Bernardo Clesio, 5, 38122 Trento TN, Italy
Phone No.: +39 0461 233770
Website: https://www.buonconsiglio.it/
Open: Tuesdays to Sundays, 9:30 AM to 5:00 PM (Closes on Mondays)
Home to the prince-bishops of Trento from the 13th century to the end of the 18th century, Castello del Buonconsiglio is one of the best castles in Italy you can visit.
Castello del Buonconsiglio is the largest and most important monumental complex of the Trentino-South Tyrol region. It is also the biggest attraction in the capital city.
The Buonconsiglio Castle Museum is comprised of a series of buildings of different eras, enclosed by walls and positioned slightly higher than the city. You can spend a couple of hours here if thoroughly checking out all of the exhibits.
Various artworks and artifacts from Roman period to present are on display here, but among the highlights are the ornately decorated rooms themselves. You can also walk around the gardens and climb the tower for great views.
5. Castello di Miramare
Address: V.le Miramare, 34151 Trieste TS, Italy
Phone No.: +39 040 224143
Website: https://www.miramare.beniculturali.it/
Open: daily, 9:00 AM – 7:00 PM
Castello di Miramare was built by Maximilian I for his wife in 1860. He was assassinated in Mexico during his reign as the (only) emperor of Second Mexican Empire at age 34. This has spawned the legend that the castle he’d built in Trieste was cursed and that anyone who sleeps there will die a violent death – in a foreign land – at a young age.
Curse aside, the Miramare Castle is one of the top medieval castle a gorgeous place sitting directly on the gulf of Trieste, offering incredible views of the water. The castle is situated in a 22-hectare seashore park, including an extensive cliff.
The castle grounds are ideal for long walks, with stunning gardens featuring various species of tropical plants and trees. A day can be easily spent here if your time allows.
The Miramare Castle is highly recommended and should not be skipped when you’re in Friuli Venezia Giulia.
6. Forte di Bard
© Roroke • CC BY-SA 4.0 | Wikimedia Commons
Address: Via Vittorio Emanuele II, 85, 11020 Bard AO, Italy
Phone No.: +39 0125 833811
Website: https://www.fortedibard.it/
Open: daily, 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM
The 19th-century Forte di Bard, or Fort of Bard, is one of the most popular castles in Italy among tourists. It sits on a rocky prominence above the Dora Baltea river in Bard, Aosta Valley. Since 2006, it welcomes tourists as the Museum of the Alps.
The panoramic views from this fortified castle to the valley and the hilltop are amazing. Inside, you will have a great experience exploring the museum. The place is also popular for trekking and cycling.
Movie fans will recognize Bard and its castle as the fictional country of Sokovia in the 2015 film Avengers: Age of Ultron.
7. Castelvecchio (Old Castle)
Address: Corso Castelvecchio, 2, 37121 Verona VR, Italy
Phone No.: +39 045 806 2611
Website: https://museodicastelvecchio.comune.verona.it/
Open: daily, 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Verona’s 14th-century Old Castle, or Castelvecchio, is powerful, compact in size, and with very little decoration. It is just a square compound built using red bricks, with four buildings inside. However, it is considered as one of the most outstanding castles in Italy and among the most prominent examples of Gothic architecture of its time.
This huge fortress is surrounded by a moat, now dry, but was once filled with waters from the nearby Adige, Italy’s second-longest river, after the Po. It features a garden in the center, with a small fountain shaped like a dog’s head which is said to represent loyalty.
The bridge leading to the fort was completely destroyed during the second World War, but the original material was lifted from the river and restored.
The impressive Castelvecchio houses a fine art gallery, which you can explore for an hour or two. Outside, the views of the river and surrounding area are just as just impressive. This is a must-visit when you’re in Verona.
8. Castello del Valentino
Address: Viale Mattioli, 39, 10125 Torino TO, Italy
Phone No.: +39 011 090 6655
Website: https://castellodelvalentino.polito.it/
Open: usually the 1st, 2nd, and 3rd Saturdays of the month
Certainly one of the most beautiful castles in Italy, Castello del Valentino in the center of Turin is a must-visit in the Piedmont region.
A well-maintained and beautiful example of Baroque architecture, Castello del Valentino is one of the Residences of the Royal House of Savoy. Its name is said to derive from Saint Valentine, whose relics were venerated in a church nearby.
This amazing architectural masterpiece is now a property of the Polytechnic University of Turin – Department of Architecture and Design. Yes, it is possible to visit the castle, but only during the assigned tour days. Otherwise, you can walk by the gates to take pictures and enjoy the view.
9. Scaligero Castle
Address: P.za Castello, 34, 25019 Sirmione BS, Italy
Phone No.: +39 030 916468
Website: https://museidelgarda.ticka.it/
Open: daily, 8:30 AM – 7:15 PM
One of the best-preserved castles of Italy, the 13th-century Scaligero Castle is a fortress from the Scaliger era that serves as the access point to the historical center of Lombardy’s Sirmione, on Lake Garda.
The beautifully-restored Scaligero Castle is an amazing place to visit. Guests are given a pamphlet explaining the history; it helps to read it.
It is one of the most popular attractions in the country with amazing views to offer. However, note the steps up to reach, but they’re worth it when you get there.