The most haunted hotels you can stay in (Italy edition)

When it comes to anything ghost or paranormal-related, I’m usually the first to run and hide.

But when traveling, I take on a different — dare I say braver — persona. Rather than avoid places known for their haunted reputations, I’m usually the one suggesting a visit.

Learning the history and creepy backstories, in the company of others, makes for an enjoyable outing.

Haunted hotels, though, are a different category entirely. I’m not sure I could spend a night in one, but I wouldn’t say no to a visit.

If you’re a braver person than me, one of these haunted hotels in Italy might just catch your interest.

Guaranteed to send a shiver up your spine, these places are bookable year-round, not just for Halloween.

A few alleged haunted places in Italy we’ve visited include:

• Teatro Massimo in Palermo (the haunted staircase that we visited on our 2 days in Palermo. The theater also happens to be one of The Godfather filming locations in Sicily)
• Ca’Dario in Venice, one of several spooky buildings to spend Halloween in Italy

Some unique travel ideas to add to your Italy bucket list, use this post to plan your Italy trip.

9 haunted hotels in Italy

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1. Castello della Castelluccia, Lazio

Looking for haunted hotels in Rome? Look no further than Castello della Castelluccia.

Located in the Roman countryside, the green scenery is makes a backdrop for the medieval castle. Welcoming guests since the 12th century, Castello della Castelluccia has hosted everyone from popes and royalty to well-known figures.

Part of its haunted reputation comes from its proximity to Nero's tomb. Rumors of ghostly sightings and sounds are said to be courtesy of the Roman emperor who haunts the hotel’s grounds.

Breaking balloons

Legend has it that Nero’s tomb was disturbed during an event celebrating Napoleon as King of Italy, struck by a balloon roughly the size of Napoleon’s Coronation balloon, designed by Pope Pius VII.

Since then, stories have circulated of the awoken, disgruntled emperor wandering the castle grounds.

Aside from Nero, the hotel has also reported sightings of an alchemist's ghost. After being struck by lightning in the castle’s central tower, he’s said to have appeared in several of the rooms since.

Fancy spotting the ghost of Nero or the wandering alchemist? Book a night or two at Castello della Castelluccia and find out for yourself.

Castello della Castelluccia, Via Carlo Cavina, 40, Rome

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2. Castello Bevilacqua, Veneto

In wondrous, romantic Verona is one castle known for more than just its history.

Construction of Castello Bevilacqua began in the 14th century under Guglielmo Bevilacqua, completed later by his son Francesco.

In 1848, the Austrian army invaded Italy, torching the castle and killing its then count, Alessandro Bevilacqua, in the process.

His ashes scattered to the wind, made the grounds his final resting place. Since then, sights and sounds attributed to the slain count have been reported within the fortress walls.

Still defending his home from outsiders, listen for his wailing among the trees of the hanging garden.

A fairytale castle

Spooky tales aside, a stay at Relais Castello Bevilacqua is your chance to experience an authentic medieval castle in Verona.

A 4-star hotel, its 7 junior suites embrace the building's historic past with plenty of modern touches. Each suite comes with a four-poster bed, Renaissance-style decor and a corner whirlpool tub.

Sounds good? Book your stay at Relais Castello Bevilacqua and tick off a unique stay on your travel bucket list.

Castello Bevilacqua, Via Roma, 50, Verona

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3. Hotel Burchianti, Tuscany

At the top of the list of haunted hotels in Florence is Hotel Burchianti.

Located in the heart of the city, the hotel is just a 5-minute walk from Florence’s iconic Duomo. Alongside its prime location, striking frescoes and panoramic views, Hotel Burchianti also has plenty of spooky sightings to its name.

Unlike the other hotels on this list, Burchianti's stories aren't tied to a single historical figure or event.

Instead, they rotate through different characters and locations. Ghosts of children running through the halls, apparitions of maids cleaning the hotel or a woman knitting in a chair.

At the beginning

Hotel Burchianti first opened its doors in 1919, run by the Burchianti sisters. Operating as a guesthouse, they welcomed a range of guests, from international students to poets and politicians.

One of the hotel’s most defining features is its frescoed walls and ceilings, with original work dating to the 15th and 16th centuries. It's a real Florentine touch to this boutique hotel.

Icy breathing

For a truly spine-tingling stay, consider one of the junior suites.

Beautifully decorated, with frescoed walls and ceilings and modern comforts, they also come with something a little more unsettling.

Some previous guests have reported icy breathing on their face while they slept, and the sense of being watched.

Deservedly one of the most haunted hotels in Italy, check into Hotel Burchianti and see if the stories hold up.

Hotel Burchianti, Via del Giglio, 8, Florence

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4. Relais all'Ussero a Villa di Corliano, Tuscany

In the province of Pisa, Tuscany, sits a historic villa dating to the 15th century.

Surrounded by classic Tuscan countryside, Villa di Corliano has maintained many of its features from the Renaissance period.

Inside, are well-preserved frescoes by Andrea Boscoli and Nicola Matraini, two notable artists of the time. Also within the villa’s original walls: a chapel, stables, an oil mill and a large park.

Ghouls and full moons

At the heart of the haunted activity is Teresa Scolastica della Seta Gaetani Bocca, the villa owners’ daughter, who lived there between the late 18th and early 19th century.

Her connection to the villa was strong enough, it's said, that she refused to let go, even after her death.

Various witnesses have reported ghostly sightings of her during a full moon, along with strange noises and footsteps in the main hall and rooms.

A beautiful location in Pisa

Villa di Corliano sits a few kilometers from San Giuliano Terme, in the province of Pisa.

A thriving B&B, with the excellent Osteria all'Ussero on the grounds, it’s a beautiful property to experience.

Over the centuries, the villa has hosted European royalty, writers, poets and political figures. Mary Shelley is said to have drawn inspiration for Frankenstein from an incident that took place here.

Shelley was reportedly inspired by the story of a surgeon who carried out experiments on the human body in the basement. The doctor, Francesco Vacca Berlinghieri, used electrical impulses to make the body’s muscles move.

It’s unknown whether Shelley based Frankenstein’s name on the doctor, Francesco, but you can’t help but wonder.

Want to experience it first hand? Book a night or 2 at Relais all'Ussero a Villa di Corliano.

Villa di Corliano, Via Statale Abetone 50 Località Corliano, Pisa

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5. Castello Malaspina di Fosdinovo, Tuscany

The third Tuscan castle on this list is Castello Malaspina di Fosdinovo.

Dating to the 12th century, the castle located in the north of Tuscany is home to this tragic tale.

Star-crossed love story

When 16-year-old Bianca Maria Aloisia fell in love with a stable boy, her father, the Marquis, was far from pleased. He locked her away in a windowless, doorless room in the castle, with only a dog and a boar for company.

Bianca died a few years into her confinement. Marks are said to still be visible on the ceiling of the room where she died.

Sightings of a young girl wandering the castle have been reported since. During a full moon, listen for Bianca, said to still be roaming the castle walls.

Beautifully decorated and steeped in centuries of history, Castello Malaspina di Fosdinovo is worth a closer look.

Castello Malaspina di Fosdinovo, Via Papiriana, 2, Fosdinovo, Tuscany

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6. Hotel Villa Traiano, Campania

In a city known as the 'city of witches', you’d expect nothing less than a few spooky tales.

And, it’s here in Benevento, Campania, that we find our next haunted hotel: Hotel Villa Traiano.

Housed in a 19th century villa, this refurbished boutique hotel sits in the heart of the historic center. Some of Benevento’s top sights, including the Arco di Traiano and the Rocca dei Rettori, are a few minutes' walk away.

Unlike the other hotels on this list, Villa Traiano doesn’t have a specific backstory or historic past tied to it. Instead, the hotel was rumored to have once been a gathering place for witches, who were said to meet at the nearby River Sabato to carry out pagan rites.

The full history of Benevento's witch connection is unclear. But, it was enough to inspire one of the city’s most popular products, Strega Liqueur.

Villa Traiano Hotel, Viale dei Rettori, 9, Benevento

7. Castello Dal Pozzo, Piedmont

Overlooking Lake Maggiore, Castello Dal Pozzo sits in the village of Oleggio Castello.

Its beauty and tranquil surroundings are somewhat overshadowed when you hear the star-crossed tale of Barbara and Matteo.

In 1467, a young captain, Matteo, was sent by the Duke of Milan to prepare for an approaching battle. On arrival, he was hosted in the castle by nobleman Alberto Visconti and his wife.

Star-crossed lovers part II

There, he met their 15-year-old daughter, Barbara, and the two grew close quickly, sealing their bond with a kiss in the castle’s chapel. Unbeknownst to Matteo, Barbara had already promised to the son of a lord.

The day after Matteo left for battle, her father discovered the relationship and, furious, locked here away in the tower.

After weeks without word from Matteo, Barbara's sadness and desperation grew until she died there, her wails once said to echo through the fortress.

Since then, shadows of a girl peering out from the tower window have been reported. A figment of imagination, or Barbara still waiting for Matteo's return?

A 5-star hotel overlooking my favorite lake in Italy, Castello dal Pozzo is more than its ghostly tale. Its 45 rooms blend historic elegance with modern luxury.

With an open-air pool and private park, book your stay at Castello dal Pozzo for a rare castle experience.

Castello Dal Pozzo, Via Visconti, 8, Novara

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8. Castello di Sorci, Tuscany

Surrounded by the picturesque greenery of the Tuscan countryside sits the striking Castello di Sorci.

Located in Anghiari, in the province of Arezzo, the 12th century castle was once the summer residence of Baldaccio d'Anghiari. A prominent army leader, his rising reputation was feared by many, including banker and politician Cosimo de’ Medici.

Threatened by his growing popularity, an order was placed to execute Baldaccio. He was killed on September 6th, 1441, in Palazzo Vecchio, his body thrown from the window, then decapitated.

While Baldaccio didn’t die in Anghiari itself, spooky sightings have been recorded at Castello di Sorci.

Every year on the night of September 6th, an apparition is said to appear, carrying a head under his arm. It's a very eerie tale for the castle's history.

A hotel remembers

According to the website, there are just 3 rooms available at Castello di Sorci.

The Stanza di Annalena was named after Baldaccio’s widow. Annalena went on to become the owner of the exquisite Boboli Gardens in Florence after her husband’s untimely death.

Castello di Sorci, Anghiari

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9. Ostello 7 Santi, Tuscany

The fifth haunted hotel in Tuscany on this list, and the second in Florence, is Ostello 7 Santi.

What looks like a standard hostel on the outside has a much darker backstory underneath.

Ostello 7 Santi is housed in a 19th-century former convent. However, rather than a place of peaceful harmony, it has a troubled past. In its rooms and its former dungeons, many people were tortured and killed.

Since then, strange wailing sounds have been reported, with many theorizing they’re the tortured souls of the dead.

A good choice for budget travelers visiting Florence, whether the rumors outweigh the price is up to you.

Ostello 7 Santi, Viale dei Mille, 11, Florence

Map: haunted hotels in Italy

Here's a map of all 9 haunted hotels from this guide, plus a couple of other spooky places worth knowing about: Teatro Massimo in Palermo and Ca' Dario in Venice.

What are your thoughts on these haunted hotels in Italy? Are you brave enough to stay at one of these haunted hotels in Italy? Let me know in the comments below.

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.

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