15 dreamy Italian castles to book right now 

It’s safe to say that we travelers are spoiled for choice when it comes to choosing unique hotels and accommodations.  

From Bohemian-style glamping sites and treehouses to yurts and igloos, the choice is more varied than ever. 

But in Italy, there’s one accommodation type that has a special type of allure: Italian castles.  
And with approximately 20,000 castles in Italy, I’ve rounded up some of the dreamiest Italian castles to book.  

The first part of this travel guide will list the Italian castle-style hotels that follow the classic structure. By this, I mean that the complex may have a tower, a moat or both features. 

The second part will list accommodations that have ‘castle’ (castello) in their name but don’t subscribe to the above description. These properties, while also historic, to me classify more as townhouses, estates, villas or lodges. 

A unique way to see the country, use this post to help plan your Italy trip. 

What is a castle? 

A castle is a type of fortified structure that was primarily built — by noble families — during the Middle Ages.  

They were typically used as a form of defense, as residences or sometimes as a seat of power. 
As mentioned above, Italy has so many castles, that they serve as a reminder of the country’s rich past. 

15 Italian castles to book right now

Part one — real Italian castles

1. Relais Castello Bevilacqua, Veneto 

Experience a stay in an authentic medieval castle at Relais Castello Bevilacqua.  

Dating to the 14th century, the castle consists of 7 junior suites that perfectly combine historic features with modern touches. 

The fairytale castle in the province of Verona is also considered one of the most haunted hotels in Italy.  

An ideal location for travelers wanting to spend Halloween in Italy Relais Castello Bevilacqua ticks every ghoulish box. 

Nearby things to do 

Approximately 28mi (45km) or 48mins by car is the historic center of Verona. There’s a train from Bevilacqua station but it involves taking 2 trains. On top of this, the train journey time is much longer at around 2hrs 11mins. 

A little closer to the castle are the small cities of Montagnana (8mins’ drive) and Este (27mins). 
Two cities that make an ideal Veneto day trip, they’re worth visiting when in the area. 

2. Castello Visconteo - Hotel e Ricevimenti, Lombardy 

Experience sleeping in a 13th-century fortress in Cassano d'Adda at Castello Visconteo.  

The small town is situated around 27mi (44km) from the center of Milan and overlooks the Adda River. 

Standard Double rooms at Castello Visconteo come with four-poster beds and original wooden features. Suites are larger (65m2) and include a large living room, dining area and/or attic area. 

A castle that has maintained many of its original features and frescoes, it once hosted renowned artist Leonardo da Vinci. 

Underline Castello Visconteo as one of the best Italian castles to book near Milan. 

Nearby things to do 

Cassano d'Adda train station is approximately 1mi (1.6km) from the hotel, making it possible to visit other places. 

Milan’s historic center is around 1hr by train or 47mins by car. Closer to the hotel are other riverside towns worth exploring like Trezzo sull’Adda. It’s one town of many that make an ideal day trip from Milan.  

3. Castello di Spessa Golf & Wine Resort, Gorizia, Friuli-Venezia Giulia 

Escape to a rural oasis in the town of Capriva del Friuli at Castello di Spessa Golf & Wine Resort.   

The town’s situated in the province of Gorizia in Friuli-Venezia Giulia and is located close to the border with Slovenia. 

A gorgeous property, whose traditional decor perfectly represents its historic past, it’s a unique stay in this part of Italy. 

As stated in its name, the hotel has a golf course along with a spa and winery within the complex. There are 4 onsite restaurants serving Italian food made from locally sourced ingredients. 

Nearby things to do 

Capriva del Friuli is in an interesting part of Italy given its proximity to Slovenia. 

Gorizia is around a 16-minute drive from the hotel. On the Italian side is Gorizia Castle while the town of Nova Gorica sits on the Slovenian side. 

Another place of interest close to Castello di Spessa Golf & Wine Resort is D'Osvaldo Prosciutti. The family-run shop sells high-quality raw prosciutto made from an ancient recipe. 

Gorizia Castle (Castello di Gorizia), Borgo Castello, 36 
D'Osvaldo Prosciutti, Via Dante, 40, Cormons 

4. Castello di Valenzano, Arezzo 

Castello di Valenzano (Valenzano Castle) is one of the most unique Italians castles to book in Tuscany. 

Situated in the town of Subbiano, the stone castle dates to the 10th century. 

There’s no mistaking that the property was once a former castle. Rooms furnished in traditional decor, high ceilings, wooden beams and four-poster beds characterize the accommodation here. 

To give guests an authentic castle experience, rooms and suites at Castello di Valenzano don’t have TVs or air conditioning. What’s more, there’s no elevator, just the internal staircase like it was in the past.

Nearby things to do 

The town of Subbiano is a 10-minute drive away, while Fioraia Castle is 15 minutes from the hotel.  

Arezzo, one of the most beautiful places in Tuscany, is 14mi (22km) or 27mins by car. 

Reaching many of these places without a car in Tuscany can be difficult. Public transport options can be limited and renting a car is usually more convenient. 

It’s a topic I cover in greater detail in my 5 days in Tuscany itinerary. 

Map: 15 Italian castles to book

5. Castello di Petroia Relais, Gubbio, Umbria 

To the right of eastern Tuscany is the first of two Italian castles to book in Gubbio, Umbria. 

Dating to the 15th century, Castello di Petroia Relais today houses an elegant stately hotel. 

Individually decorated rooms maintain original castle features like frescoed ceilings, exposed beams and arched doorways. 

Castello di Petroia Relais has an onsite restaurant and bar, an outdoor (seasonal) pool and a hot tub. The pet-friendly hotel provides guests with a free breakfast, WiFi and a rooftop terrace. 

Nearby things to do 

Staying at Castello di Petroia Relais places you in a region in Italy with plenty of travel potential. 

Just 8 minutes away, or 2.7mi (4.3km), is the historic Vallingegno Abbey (Abbazia di Vallingegno).  

Slightly further from the hotel is the larger, and extremely popular, landmark of the Basilica of St. Francis Assisi. Approximately 43 minutes’ drive, the hilltop church and pilgrimage site are worth seeing when in the area. 

Perugia, and its historic sites like the Palazzo del Capitano del Popolo is approximately 32 minutes by car.  

6. Castello di Baccaresca, Gubbio, Umbria 

The second of Italian castles to book in Gubbio is Castello di Baccaresca. 

Set on an estate with a 12th century stately castle, the hotel’s the perfect getaway to leave behind everyday stresses. 

Its rooms and suites are mostly modern but some, like the Deluxe Triple Room, maintain many original features. 

However, the standout room at Castello di Baccaresca is the Panoramic Suite. As its name suggests, the room has a unique rooftop feature from which you can enjoy unspoiled panoramic valley views. 

Other notable services at the hotel include an onsite restaurant and cafe, outdoor pool and a luxury spa.

Boredom isn’t an option as the hotel has plenty of activities for guests to indulge in. These range from archery and Pilates classes to private wine tours and bike rentals.  

Nearby things to do 

Some of the nearby attractions and places of interest to Castello di Baccaresca mirror those of Castello di Petroia Relais. 

Approximately 23mi (37km) from the hotel are the Frasassi Caves (Grotte di Frasassi). Located in the neighboring region of Marche, the caves, which were discovered in 1971, are among the largest in Europe. Visits are only permitted with a guided tour which you can book online.  

7. Hotel Castello di Vigoleno, Piacenza 

Situated in a borgo of the same name is the picturesque Hotel Castello di Vigoleno.

Offering guests 3 room types (Classic Double, Suite and Superior Suite), the furnishings reflect its castle heritage.  

Four-poster beds, antique furniture and crested cushions are a taste of what you can expect during your stay. 

Other services include a restaurant and a bar/lounge. Pets are welcome (and stay free of charge) and the gardens and terrace are available for guests to use. 

Nearby things to do 

Two museums, the Orsanti Museum (Museo gli Orsanti) and the Mastio di Vigoleno are just a minute’s walk away.  

Alternatively, consider indulging in a pampering session in the nearby spa town of Salsomaggiore Terme. Around 7mi (11km) or 18 minutes’ drive, the Terme di Salsomaggiore e di Tabiano will heal any aches and pains. 

For a longer day trip consider visiting the city of Piacenza. Home to medieval palaces, a basilica and museums, the city is sure to keep boredom at bay. 

8. Castello di Semivicoli, Casacanditella, Abruzzo 

Check into a hotel set in a 17th century brick castle at Castello di Semivicoli.  

Its rooms and suites retain period features like wooden ceilings and fireplaces and perfectly blend classic and modern furnishings.  

The Superior Suite sleeps up to 5 guests and comes with a partial sea view and view of the hotel’s vineyard. 

Other guest perks include a seasonal outdoor pool, onsite restaurant and bar, 24-hour health club and a wine tasting room. 

Nearby things to do 

The National Archaeological Museum of Abruzzo is around 13mi (20.6km) from Castello di Semivicoli.  

Alternatively, test your golfing skills at the Miglianico Golf Country Club, approximately 8.5mi (13.6km) away. 

National Archaeological Museum of Abruzzo (Museo Archeologico Nazionale d'Abruzzo), Via Guido Costanzi 
Miglianico Golf Country Club, Contrada Cerreto, 120 

9. Castello Orsini Hotel, Nerola, Lazio 

Around 1hr by car from Rome’s city center is the 5-star Castello Orsini Hotel. 

A picturesque choice when looking for Italian castles to book near Rome, the hotel’s situated in a 10th century hilltop castle. 

Rooms and suites are situated in the main building, the stables, Borghetto dei Lecci and Villino Salimei.

Individually styled, the hotel’s decor and furnishings embrace period details that add more authenticity to your castle stay. 

Other amenities include a seasonal outdoor pool, onsite restaurant and cafe and free parking. 

Nearby things to do 

While not close by, staying at Castello Orsini Hotel means being able to visit Rome on a day trip. The distance by car is around 33mi (53km) and there’s also a public transport option available.  

Consisting of a bus and train, the journey takes you from Nerola to Rome Tiburtina station in around 1hr 30mins. 

Other noteworthy landmarks to visit include Hadrian’s Villa and Villa d’Este, both approximately 49mins from the hotel. Get your combo entry ticket for both attractions. 

10. Castello di Limatola 

If looking for Italian castles to book near Naples, consider checking into Castello di Limatola. 

Located in the town of Limatola, Castello di Limatola is around 1,000 years old. Its rooms are individually decorated, but the Deluxe Room appears to be the one that’s retained its original features. 

Other benefits include a free cooked-to-order breakfast (7.30-10am), spa, a terrace and a coffee shop/cafe. Guests can also enjoy the property’s garden, library and the complimentary in-room WiFi. 

Nearby things to do 

One of the biggest advantages about staying at Castello di Limatola is its proximity to Caserta. 

The small city is home to the Reggia di Caserta (Royal Palace of Caserta), Italy’s version of Versailles.  

Just 8.5mi (13.7km) from the property, it provides the ideal location to comfortably join a small group palace tour. 

A little further south from Caserta is Naples. The city that divides the opinions of many that visit (we loved it), the drive time is around 48mins. 

Spend one day in Naples seeing its historic sites and trying its famous Neapolitan pizza, you won’t be disappointed. 

Part two — Italian hotels with castle in their name 

As mentioned at the beginning, this section will detail Italian castles to book that don’t subscribe to the typical castle structure. 

Beautiful, and historic, properties nonetheless, I still categorize them under unique places to stay in Italy. 

11. Relais and Chateaux Hotel Castle Fragsburg, Merano, Trentino Alto-Adige 

Relais and Chateaux Hotel Castle Fragsburg is housed in a former 17th century hunting lodge. The most famous landmark near the luxury spa hotel is Trauttmansdorff Castle, which is 4mi (6km) away in Merano. 

12. Castello di Guarene, Cuneo, Piedmont 

Set in an 18th century palace in the town of Guarene in Piedmont is the sublime Castello di Guarene.

Overlooking the Langhe hills, the luxury hotel is situated 8mi (13.5km) from Govone Castle and 4mi (7km) from Alba. 

13. Il Castello di Perchia, Spoleto, Umbria 

Get cozy at Il Castello di Perchia in Spoleto, Perugia and enjoy the tranquility and mountain views. The guesthouse has a rooftop terrace, seasonal outdoor pool and complimentary WiFi for guests to use. 

14. Castello di Granarola - design apartments, Pesaro, Marche 

Castello di Granarola - design apartments are set in a hilltop castle dating to 998. Overlooking the Adriatic Coast, the luxury hotel has a pool, spa, hot tub and pets are welcome to stay. 

15. Castello di San Marco Charming Hotel and Spa, Calatabiano, Sicily 

Beautiful Italian castles to book in Sicily don’t get more stunning than Castello di San Marco Charming Hotel and Spa.  

Set in a former 17th century baroque castle in Calatabiano, it’s a 5-minute walk to St. Mark’s Beach. 

What are your thoughts on this list of dreamy Italian castles to book? Are there any that appeal to your tastes? Let me know in the comments below. 

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