1. Castel Savoia
Castel Savoia was built in the early 20th century in Gressoney Saint Jean in the Valle d'Aosta and was a favourite retreat of Queen Margherita.
A small wonder with turrets against the backdrop of Monte Rosa, with a refined interior and equipped with every comfort, including electric lighting and heating. Worth a visit in spring, when the garden is full of flower beds, but also in winter to see it emerge like an apparition from the snow.
address: Località Belvedere, 11025 Gressoney-saint-jean AO
2. Palazzo Farnese
The Palazzo Farnese in Viterbo, Tuscany, is intertwined with the history of the powerful family whose name it bears and who has been elected several times to the papal throne. Its most characteristic features are the octagonal shape, the inner courtyard and the magnificent Sala del Mappamondo.
67 Piazza Farnese, 00186 Roma RM
3. Castello di Fénis
The castle of Fénis in the Valle d'Aosta also has medieval origins. The interior is relatively bare, but the highlights are the overlapping turrets and battlements and the beautifully frescoed inner courtyard. Like any decent castle, it's haunted by its own ghost.
località Chez Sapin, 1, 11020 Fenis AO
4. Castello di Donnafugata
At the other end of Italy is the castle of Donnafugata, the pride of Italy. It will be remembered for its white lace appearance and its characteristic labyrinth. Over the years it has been used as a film and television set for several productions.
address: 97100 Donnafugata Free municipal consortium of Ragusa
5. Borgo Medievale di Torino
Borgo Medievale in Turin is a castle... fake! It was built at the end of the 19th century as part of the Esposizione Generale Italiana (a sort of Expo), which combined elements and architectural styles of the most beautiful castles in the Aosta Valley. The interiors are particularly well maintained, making the guided tour very informative and suitable for schools.
address: Viale Virgilio, 107, 10126 Torino TO
6. Castello di Gradara
The castle of Gradara, located in the town of the same name, is famous as the setting of Paolo and Francesca's dramatic love story, which Dante recounted in the fifth chapter of Inferno. The castle impresses with its massive walls, reconstructed rooms and a small but impressive museum of torture. It is one of Italy's most popular castles.
address: Piazza V Novembre, 1, 61012 Gradara PU
7. Rocca di Angera
Rocca di Angera is located on Lake Maggiore in Lombardy. Inside is the Museum of Dolls and Toys, one of the largest collections from the 18th century to the present day.
via Rocca Castello, 2, 21021 Angera VA
8. Castello di Santa Severa
The castle of Santa Severa could not have been built on a more beautiful site. It is right next to the beach. The sea it overlooks is the Tyrrhenian Sea and the Latium coast. There are important archaeological remains in the surrounding area and part of the building frames a maritime museum.
address: SS1 Km 52, 00058 Santa Severa RM
9. Castello Estense
The castle of Estense is the pride of Ferrara. The frescoed apartments are a gem, but the most remarkable part, in our opinion, are the dungeons. Important art exhibitions are often held in the complex.
l.go Castello, 1, 44121 Ferrara FE
10. Castel del Monte
The complex was built by Emperor Frederick II in the town of Andria in Puglia. Due to its not so strategic location, it is speculated that the castle was actually a kind of temple of science.
address: Contrada Castel del Monte Ex, Strada Statale 170, 76123 Andria BT
