7 frightening Italian castles for Halloween

Last updated on September 16th, 2026.

Halloween in Italy isn’t as celebrated as in other countries.

Its Italian name, Vigilia d’Ognissanti, is rarely used and many Italians refer to it as Halloween.

In the run-up to the holiday, you may see some ghoulish décor hanging from shop windows or on bar counters.

On the day, you can expect to see some kids dressed in spooky costumes on their way to Halloween events. Some may even take part in 'dolcetto o scherzetto', or 'trick or treat' in English, in the evening.

But, overall an Italian Halloween doesn't compare to other holidays. The few Halloween Italian traditions that exist tend to be events.

Take the town of Borgo a Mozzano in Lucca, Tuscany. Each year, it hosts a popular Halloween festival that includes shows and an interactive game called 'la notte nera' (black night).

Instead, many Italians place more importance on the festivals that come after Halloween. These are 'Tutti i Santi' (All Saints Day) and 'Il Giorno dei Morti' (All Souls Day). It's a time when people pay respect to their dead ancestors by adorning their graves with flowers and candles.


A real Italian Halloween

While Italy doesn't celebrate Halloween like other countries, it's definitely not lacking in ghostly tales.

Thanks to its many haunted hotels in Italy, and palaces, each has their own spooky story to tell. If you're looking to spend Halloween in Italy, these places are guaranteed to send a shiver up your spine.

One of the most unique things to do in Italy, use this post to help plan your Italy trip.

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7 most haunted castles to spend Halloween in Italy


1. Castello di Visconteo, Trezzo sull'Adda, Milan

Visconti Castle (Castello di Visconteo) is located in Trezzo sull'Adda, a commune in Milan.

It was built in the 14th century by Bernabò Visconti who was Lord of Milan at the time. Visconti’s nephew, Gian Galeazzo, had his uncle removed from power, and seized the castle in 1385. Visconti was imprisoned, and died a few months later from poisoning.

There have been several mysterious sightings of paranormal activity surrounding the castle.

View of Visconti Castle and Adda River in Trezzo sull Adda - trips to the Milan countryside
View of Castello di Visconteo (Visconti Castle) overlooking Adda River in Trezzo sull'Adda

In 1973, German tourists camping on the castle grounds reported seeing a ‘group of soldiers’ carrying torches and wearing helmets. And in 2004, an SLR camera captured an image resembling a knight in armor, said to be Bernabò Visconti.

While there has been no recent viscount or soldier sightings, this is one castle you should visit at your own peril….


Best boutique hotel in Milan — Antica Locanda Dei Mercanti

Extend your stay in the region at the stunning Antica Locanda Dei Mercanti. Though the building dates to the 18th century, its interiors are bright, light, and ultra-modern.

This 4-star Milan hotel is very close to Sforza Castle (Castello Sforzesco) Milan Cathedral and exclusive shopping areas. It’s central enough to walk to many top attractions, but not so noisy that you can’t get a good night’s sleep.

Visiting Milan for the first time? My Milan travel guide lists all the do's and don'ts to visiting the city.

⏩️ Get tickets for Sforza Castle with a digital audio guide

⏩️ Buy tickets to visit Milan Cathedral (Duomo di Milano) and the terraces with audioguide


2. Castello di Montebello, Rimini

Combine a well-known tale with a historic castle in north-west Italy, and you've Montebello Castle (Castello di Montebello).

To its credit, the story’s probably more known than the castle. Montebello Castle is a 14th century hilltop fortress in the province of Rimini.

The area itself is full of natural beauty, with panoramic views across the valleys.

It's also in Rimini where you can visit the impressive Italy in Miniature attraction. It features 273 buildings set in a three-dimensional map among 5,000 real miniature trees.

Halloween in Italy - Castello di Montebello
Spend Halloween in Italy at Castello di Montebello ©WPestana/Wikimedia

The story behind the castle

The castle’s most infamous story is the unsolved disappearance of the owner’s daughter, Azzurina. The young daughter of the lord of the castle was playing inside the house, and was prohibited from going outside.

See also  Sicily in autumn: a resident's guide to October and November 

She was said to have blue eyes and blue hair, hence the name Azzurina, meaning ‘little blue one’.

On the day of the summer solstice in June, her father came looking for her, but no-one could find her. The story becomes a slight blur from here, as it seems Azzurina disappeared after chasing after her ball that day.

Though the story remains unsolved, there have been recordings of a young girl every five years during the summer solstice. We may never know what happened to Azzurina, but it seems her spirit has never left Castello di Montebello.


Boutique hotel in Rimini — i-Suite Hotel

What better way to relax after visiting a haunted castle, than by checking into a 5-star boutique hotel. The i-Suite Hotel offers sea views, ultra-modern rooms, free WiFi and an outdoor pool.

Spa lovers will also be delighted to know there’s one on site, complete with sauna, Turkish bath and views of the Adriatic Sea.

The hotel dishes up regional delicacies at its restaurant, and operates a local product only policy.


3. Castello di Bardi, Parma

Sitting high on an outcrop of red jasper, the fort surrounding Bardi Castle (Castello di Bardi) is a tremendous sight. It’s an impressive example of medieval architecture in Parma, but with a tragic tale behind its history.

Inside is a small museum showing tools that the locals used, which date back to 19th and early 20th century.

The interior of the castle still maintains its Gothic style ceilings and wall paintings. Inside the courtyard, you’ll see the remains of the chapel that the princes built many centuries ago.

Halloween in Italy - Castello di Bardi
Celebrate Halloween in Italy at Castello di Bardi ©FilippoAneli/Wikimedia

An Italian Halloween tragedy

The story's almost reminiscent of Romeo and Juliet.

A young soldier and nobleman’s daughter fall in love, but their relationship is forbidden because of her family and class.

When he goes to war, she awaits his return but weeks later, sees enemy soldiers carrying a victory flag when approaching the castle.

Believing her beloved has died in battle, she throws herself off the high castle and dies on impact. Unbeknownst to her, he’s alive, but he also jumps from the castle upon finding out the fate of his beloved.

To this day, memories of the tragedy continue to haunt Bardi Castle. Sightings have been recorded of the ghost of the young soldier wandering the castle looking for his lover.


Boutique hotel in Parma

Wake up to views of Parma Cathedral at Palazzo Dalla Rosa Prati. This 4-star boutique hotel, located in the medieval square, has modern guest rooms, suites, and apartments with free WiFi.

One feature I particularly love are the spa baths or crystal shower stalls in the bathrooms. Though they don’t serve breakfast in the hotel, there’s a cafe in the building that does.


4. Castello di Poppi, Poppi

Poppi Castle (Castello di Poppi) was the former property of the noble family of the Conti Guidi. You can find this striking castle in Poppi, which is in the region of Tuscany.

There are many design aspects in the castle that shows off its Renaissance style, like the grand stone staircase. Built in 1470, it was covered with the coats of arms of the Florentine families that ruled from Poppi in the 15th and 16th centuries.

For the purpose of this post, its tower is the center of this Halloween Italian tale.

See also  84 free things to do in Italy with kids 

Countess Guidi, Matelda, was the most beautiful, and sought-after woman in Poppi. Her husband, Conti Guidi, was much older than his bride, and would punish anyone who’d even look at her.

Castello di Poppi Depositphotos Buffy1982
Castello di Poppi and its haunted tower ©Depositphotos

A doomed affair

When the Count was away on military or political commitments, Matelda took the opportunity to take new lovers. The only problem was, she couldn’t let anyone find out about her clandestine relationships. It would risk ending her prosperous marriage, and potentially her own life.

To maintain her double life, she’d see her lovers, and then tell them to leave via a passage in the basement. What she didn’t tell them, was there were spikes and blades awaiting them in the dark tunnel. Inevitably, her lovers met their tragic fate, and paid the price for their moment of lust.

The townspeople soon began linking her to the deaths, and Matelda was eventually caught and put in the tower. Since then, many locals have reported seeing a beautiful woman dressed in white looking out from the castle.

If you want to find out whether the sightings are true, you’ll have to go and visit for yourself….


Boutique hotel in Poppi — Borgo I Tre Baroni

Borgo I Tre Baroni is a 4-star spa and resort in Poppi. Its main features are its rooftop terrace, outdoor pool and a sauna.

Each room is individually decorated with hand painted designs. It also offers panoramic views of the surrounding Casentino Forest National Park.

The wellness center is small, but they have a sauna, aromatherapy treatments, and a relaxation area with herbal teas.


5. Castello di Fénis, Aosta Valley

Fénis Castle (Castello di Fénis) is one of the most famous medieval structures in the Aosta Valley. It’s located in the town of Fenis, a mountainous autonomous region in north-west Italy.

With its many grand towers, it’s easy to see why this castle is a popular attraction.

Fenis Castle Italy Depositphotos
Halloween in Italy at Castello di Fénis (Fénis Castle) ©Depositphotos

The castle has had many owners, including the Viscounts of Aosta and architect Alfred d’Andrade. Today, it’s owned by the Autonomous Region Aosta Valley, which has turned the castle into a museum.

Unlike the castles mentioned so far, Castello di Fénis doesn’t have a spooky story behind its history.

What it does have is umpteen reports of visitors hearing strange noises and footsteps. Even more bizarrely, it usually comes from the castle’s upper floor — an area not open to visitors.

Is it a figment of their imagination, or something more sinister...?


Boutique hotel in Aosta Valley — Le Coffret

Get an authentic Italian alpine experience at Le Coffret. This rural house dates back to 1779, and is located in the less touristic area of Saint Marcel. All rooms offer free Wi-Fi, and garage parking is free.

Rooms come with orthopedic mattresses and pillows, an LED TV and a library. The hotel also has free WiFi throughout the building, free parking and ski storage too.

Fellow spa lovers will enjoy the small spa on site, with treatments you can book and a cozy hot tub. 


6. Castello di Moncalieri, Piedmont

Moncalieri Castle (Castello di Moncalieri) in Piedmont is probably one of the most haunted places in Italy. The medieval castle's a short distance from the center of Turin, and is surrounded by vines and elegant gardens.

Its royal residents over the years have included Queen Marie Adelaïde and princesses Clotilde and Laetitia from the House of Savoy.

Moncalieri Castle Depositphotos scrisman
Outside Castello di Moncalieri (Moncalieri Castle) ©scrisman/Depositphotos

Strange sightings

Like Castello di Fénis, there doesn’t appear to be a legend behind the castle’s haunted reputation. However, the list of sightings and recordings of paranormal activity makes this the spookiest place to spend Halloween in Italy.

Sightings have included:

  • an armored knight on his horse
  • a monk dressed in the style of the crusades and
  • a Cardinal reading his book
See also  3 days in Lake Como

Given its noble residents, it’s not surprising that sightings of knights and ladies have also been reported haunting castle grounds.

If you’re curious to check this castle out for yourself, you’re in luck. There are guided tours to the castle, but check the website before visiting, for the most up-to-date information.


Boutique hotel in Turin — Turin Palace Hotel

If you’re looking for a luxury boutique hotel that’s within minutes from Turin’s best attractions, Hotel Turin Palace is perfect. The rooms and suites have a chic modern décor, with soft colors and minimalist design.

The location’s just a few minutes’ walk to sights like the Shroud of Turin, the Royal Palace and Piazza Castello.

⏩️ Get entry tickets for Turin Royal Palace and a guided tour


7. Ca' Dario, Venice

The last one isn’t technically a castle, but its creepy history makes Ca’ Dario (Palazzo Dario) a worthy contender.

Amidst the beauty and awe of Venice, is this haunted palace with an eerie past. Ca' Dario is located between Palazzo Barbaro Wolkoff and the narrow Rio delle Torreselle on the Grand Canal.

Architecturally, it also looks quite out of place. The castle was first built in a floral Venetian Gothic style, then later renovated after 1486 in a Renaissance-style.

Ca Dario Venice Italy Nino Barbieri Wikimedia
Would you spend Halloween in Italy at Ca Dario in Venice? ©Nino Barbieri/Wikimedia

The first owner was Giovanni Dario, Secretary to the Venetian Senate, diplomat, and merchant.

He lived at Ca' Dario with his family, but tales of tragedy and death plagued the palace. Two of Dario’s own children are said to have died there, with the last tragedy recorded as recently as 1993.

People that have owned the palace or stayed for more than 20 days, died of illnesses, or committed suicide or murder. The last two instances reported were due to bankruptcy. However, this still doesn't sway me to want to spend a night at Ca’ Dario.


Boutique hotel in Venice — Corte di Gabriela

Forget the spooky abode in Venice, and instead, immerse yourself in the splendor of Corte di Gabriela. This boutique hotel has 13 rooms, offering its guests a comfortable stay in Venice.

They serve exceptional Italian breakfasts, luxury rooms and spacious showers. Corte di Gabriela is also within walking distance to Venice’s main attractions like Doge's Palace and St. Mark's Basilica.

Have I sufficiently scared you with this post? Would you consider spending Halloween in Italy at one these haunted Italian castles? Let me know your thoughts in the comments below.


FAQs on Halloween in Italy

Do Italians celebrate Halloween?

Yes, though less than in the US or UK. It's a fairly recent addition, mostly seen in costumes, decorations and events for kids rather than a major cultural holiday.

What is Halloween called in Italy?

Officially Vigilia d'Ognissanti, though most Italians just call it Halloween.

What do Italians celebrate instead of Halloween?

Tutti i Santi (All Saints' Day) and Il Giorno dei Morti (All Souls' Day), when people visit cemeteries to honor deceased relatives with flowers and candles.

Which Italian towns are known for Halloween celebrations?

A few towns hold dedicated events. Corinaldo, in the Marche region, is sometimes called Italy's 'Halloween capital', while Triora, in Liguria, is known as the 'town of witches.' Borgo a Mozzano in Tuscany also hosts an annual Halloween festival with its 'la notte nera' (black night) event.

Are there haunted castles in Italy?

Yes. Several Italian castles have their own ghost legends and history, some hosting special events around Halloween.

Is trick-or-treating a thing in Italy?

On a small scale. Some children do go dolcetto o scherzetto in the evening, though it's far less widespread than in the US.

Disclosure: This post may contain affiliate links, which means I may receive a commission if you click a link and purchase something that I’ve recommended. Thank you for your support.

Written by Lisa Rivera: Italy traveler and resident for 10+ years. First-hand researched for 2026.

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Photos of Italian haunted castles in Italy - Halloween in Italy

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128 Comments

  1. I love these spooky places with their stories! The castles are beautiful, but my sleep is important, so I would rather stay in one of the boutique hotels you recommended. I think my favorite story was about Matelda of Poppi! It's so evil, it's brilliant!

    1. Thank you Tiffany! Yes, Matelda was verrry evil and she got what was coming to her in the end 😀

  2. You have given me solid reasons to visit these castles and palaces. I love to hear the haunted stories and experience it someday. It haunted stories of each castle is unique. The story of Castello di Montebello, Rimini is the most scary one. Lovely read.

  3. Italy wouldn't have been a top of mind destination for Halloween for me but actually, it makes total sense to check out some haunted homes. I guess we get wrapped up wrapping ourselves in fanciful costumes and forget what the period actually used to be all about. Great post!

    1. Ah thank you! I completely agree, plus these castles are there for life, not just for Halloween 😀

  4. Oh wow!! How awesome would it be to hit all of these up! I'm actually not a HUGE Halloween buff, but I could definitely see myself spending time visiting these castles! Italy is a DREAM vacation!!!

  5. The kids had been complaining about the usual Halloween celebration and had been requesting for a different type of adventure. This is just perfect. Too bad we saw this post late but we will definitely consider a trip to Italy or a nearby area with old structures or houses/ castles to visit next year. Thank you for this brilliant idea.

    1. This would be an adventure they'd never forget! Definitely stay close to them lol, you may just spot something unusual!

  6. Spooky, I am very faint hearted when it comes to ghost sightings or even the thought of it. My aunt used to narrate these stories of ? sightings all the time and since then I m very scared.

  7. I am sure that there must be other haunted places in Venice apart from Ca’ Dario. Arriving in Venice, in December, in the mist, late at night was a pretty creepy experience. Your imagination can easily run away with you......

  8. Funnily enough Lisa, I actually have had Halloween in Italy, back in 2010. I went to SIena to visit a friend who was living there at the time - we didn't do anything cool like stay in a castle (or spa) though! I like the sound of the i-Suite Hotel 🙂 I must visit Italy again soon! x

  9. I had no idea of these "haunted" castles in Italy! Regardless one believes or not in the legends these look like fantastic places to visit!

  10. I would feel indeed, like in Romeo and Juliet movie, if I will be in this castle. This trip sounds so romantic, not like I imagine celebrating Halloween. But that's the positive thing. Thank you for inspiration.

  11. Oh! all the haunted places. I would love to visit. But only during the day. Is it really true that an SLR camera captures such a shot of a knight! Quite intriguing. I enjoyed reading about the scary places and the stories behind them. The story of Matelda is quite interesting. I will make a point to visit these places when I visit Italy.

    1. Honestly, I've not tried it for myself, and not sure I want to lol! They're all beautiful, I hope you visit one day.

  12. Adventuring around Italy...visiting all haunted castles must have been such an experience! I would totally do it!

  13. I love this take on a Halloween post!I love castles and you've shared such a cool selection of those that are potentially haunted 🙂 I'd love to do a tour of these some day!

  14. When you visit a country with rich history like Italy, you’re bound to run into a few haunted castles. So much drama around love and lovers! And how sad for the lost little girl. And it seems like there are houses that are cursed and the owners and their families pay the price. I’m a scaridity cat, so I enjoy reading and visiting these places in the day time only!

  15. I have visited Italy a lot but to be honest never thought they had so many castles there to start with and thanks to your post for this piece of knowledge. I must say some of these are indeed beautiful and my favourite one is Bardi Castle (Castello di Bardi) with some spectacular views. I could risk the spookiness to visit this absolutely marvel. The other ones are no less and I must say there are some spookiness about them . Thanks for sharing these marvels from Italy.

  16. Oh wow i had no idea that there are so many haunted places in italy. Most of them look rather quaint than horrific. I would love to explore the ines with castles

  17. I have never been to a proper castle. The photos make me want to go castle hopping in Italy, well I hope in the future. Halloween is for sure more memorable visiting these castles. 🙂

  18. I love visiting castles everywhere I go - but I'm not sure that I'd want to see the haunted ones! Or at least not at night where it would be far too scary for this scaredy cat! These castles look beautiful though, so if I didn't know they were haunted I'd probably visit anyways! Also, Italy is always a good idea 😉

    1. Don't worry, I share your feelings! I think if you go with someone, or in a large group, you'll be ok!

  19. While I am a bit too nervous to do things like this when I travel by myself, Castello di Poppi sounds like a fun visit. I would love to go back to see the castles. I always love a good excuse to go to Italy though...

  20. The only way I could the Mrs. to stay at a haunted castle would be to omit telling her that it is haunted. If I chose one to visit it would be Le Coffret. I am a sucker for alpine accommodations.

  21. This was so fun to read! If I am lucky enough to visit Italy, I am definitely stopping by here. I love haunted things like this!

  22. I love these stories of haunted castles! I would actually be excited to have a ghost sighting. 🙂 Plus, what a fascinating take on seeing Italy. (I've been three times, so this would be a fun way to dig deeper.) Thanks for sharing!

  23. THese haunted castles look amazing. Italy is on the short list of my upcoming travel destinations, and I wil have to make sure to check some of these out.

  24. The story of Castello di Montebello, Rimini just gave me goosebumps! I can imagine getting lost in a huge castle, but disappearing is so scary! Not sure if I would be brave enough to wander around in this castle.

  25. Oooh I've never been in Europe during Halloween but I imagine it would be a bit creepy considering how many old castles there are! I'd love to stay in Antica Locanda but I wouldn't dare do so on Halloween. Not much of a believer in ghosts or anything but that would be a lot, even more me haha.

  26. I love this idea! I haven't encountered any ghosts, but I do believe I have a guardian angel so I am open to the possibility...

  27. Gosh I have so much to add to my bucket list. This I'll certainly need to add. Castles and surrounding looks lovely.

  28. We love hunting for paranormal activity so any castle visits would be great for us. And they certainly look creepy!

  29. I would love to tour haunted castles! I can't think of a better haunted tour experience than exploring those old stone hallways.

  30. Staying in haunted castles? Wow! You have a list of it too. This will be a completely interesting experience. I am wondering if I would get a sleep or not ?

  31. What a perfect way to spend Halloween, staying in a haunted castle ! I love the idea of staying in a historical castle and one which is said to have ghosts because of its dark past - Priceless ! Castillo di Visconteo sounds perfect for me - imagine a ghost march of soldiers in the middle of the night. What a treat haha !

  32. I am not a big fan of scary and haunting things or places like this but I am sure that my sister do love visiting this places as she loves to know more about haunted houses or places.

  33. I love castles and this Halloween connect that you have given makes it even more enticing to visit them. Of all the ones listed, I would pick Castello di Bardi for a Halloween stay. The story is very tragic but I like the castle and its location.

  34. Reading your post gave me the chills! I am so afraid of haunted places but reading in details about each encounters just made me want to read more...I did not know there were so many haunted places in Italy.

  35. Those are beautiful castles! We don't usually believe in hauntings, but who knows? There are lots of things in this world that are unexplained. Of course, going inside these dark castles (especially the dungeons) would give us the hibbie-jibbies.

    1. You and me both! I make sure my partner's right there holding my hand! But yes, they're beautiful to visit

  36. Your pictures and that castel are just waow ! And yes it's true, italian doesn't celebrate a lot Halloween ! But they do the "befana" 😀
    I would love to visit those "haunted" place! I'm fascinated ahah

    1. Good luck, don't get too scared lol! I think I remember hearing about the 'befana'; will have to ask my friends again!

  37. I've heard of the Italian Halloween celebration, but I wasn't too familiar with some of these locations. The hotel in Venice looks picturesque.

  38. I would have loved to know about Ca' Dario when I was in Venice. It's definitely off the touristic path, which I love to explore when I visit a new city. I was in Italy last year for Halloween and indeed, there's not much going on on this date. 🙂

  39. These castles look so beautiful, and the spooky aura over them just gives them that added charm, just in time for Halloween, too bad that this year I can't visit them, but next year, it will be time for a spooky traveling time 😀

  40. Some of those stories and sightings actually sent shivers down my spine. I am not sure I would be brave enough to go visit them. Though I really love Castello di Bardi. It looks so beautiful situated on top of that hill. I would love to see this place.

  41. Oh wow! What amazing old castles! I would have loved to see them in their prime! Perhaps not soo keen on wandering around them knowing that they're haunted!!

  42. A very interesting and spooky article. It is interesting to see which cultures celebrate which occasions around the world. The Castle at Poppi is an interesting story. I have never encountered paranormal activity before and I don't know how I would react if I did encounter it. It makes sense that almost any castle could be haunted due to the unknown numbers of deaths that took place near or in any castle.

  43. I probably would never visit somewhere deemed haunted lol. I watch to many horror movies and I would think I was seeing everything lol. Pictures are stunning.

  44. What a very interesting blog! I found the stories so gripping and sometimes so sad. Since I am a mom, I had a hard time hearing about the five year old who disappeared. Deep down, you know something awful happened to her. Thanks for the hotel recommendations too.

    1. I'm not a mama, but I understand, it's a very strange story. And you're welcome, always happy to recommend great boutique hotels 🙂

  45. I enjoyed the castles of Italy. I suspect most castles are haunted but this article really is a great treat for Halloween

  46. I love Italy and I travel a lot there, these looks really fun, I never thought about Italy in that way, interesting!

  47. Italy! I have to say I'm love with Italy. Enough just to touch the old building's stone and you will fell all the history of it. I hope i can take my kids next summer to experience the same:)

    1. Aw I hope you get to visit next year too! It's a wonderful country, and perfect for families too

  48. Hello girl! I am definitely not into visiting these kind of places due to childhood experiences but this post is very very interesting.

  49. What an awesome post! I love anything Italian - but this is a twist I haven't seen before. Thank you for sharing so many amazing details on these venues!

    1. Aw thank you so much! There's so many great places to share in Italy, and this puts a scary twist on it!

  50. Seeing haunted castles?! Sign me up! I love how you described the stories for each of the castles in Italy. I would love to see Castello di Bardi; it's such a beauty.

  51. Wow! That nobleman's daughter must really love him to commit suicide and him as well to do the same. I don't know if I'll be able to do that although being heartbroken does feel like you want to die...

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