Montecchio Maggiore: the castles of Romeo and Juliet
Last updated on December 17th, 2025.
It was a crisp, sunny September morning as we set off on our drive to Montecchio Maggiore.
The small town and commune in the province of Vicenza in Veneto probably won’t mean much to you. However, if I throw in the words, Romeo and Juliet, your literary senses may begin to tingle.
Montecchio Maggiore is the location of two castles, both of which date to the 14th century. Il Castello della Bellaguardia, also known as Castello di Giulietta, sits 896ft (273m) above sea level. Slightly lower at 768ft (234m) is Il Castello Della Villa, or Castello di Romeo.
In short, these are the real castles behind the story of Romeo and Juliet.
The former was owned by the Capulet family, while the latter was attributed to the Montecchi family. Both families, and the castle’s scenic backdrop, were the inspiration for the infamous tale of the star-crossed lovers.
While herds of visitors flock to 'Juliet's House' (Casa di Giulietta) in Verona, the real deal lies around 30mi (48km) away in the province of Vicenza. It's not possible to sleep in these Italian castles but they make a great half-day trip plus they're 100% FREE to visit.
Perfect material for your Italy bucket list, use this post to help plan your trip to Italy.
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Visiting the castles of Romeo and Juliet at Montecchio Maggiore
The story behind Montecchio Maggiore
Despite having read, and studied, Romeo and Juliet, I never knew that the real writer came from Vicenza.
Nobleman Luigi da Porto was inspired to write the novel, originally titled ‘Historia novellamente ritrovata di due nobili amanti’. This loosely translates to the ‘rediscovered story of two noble lovers’.
The story of the young couple remained unknown, until English playwright, William Shakespeare, found, and adapted, the story. Today, Romeo and Juliet is one of the best known, and loved, tragedies in English literature.
Castello di Romeo (Romeo's Castle)
The first castle of the two is that of Romeo’s, or, the Montecchi family. Its grand structure, and tower, give you an idea of an era gone by.
Sources say that the enclosure was most likely built around the mid-14th century by the Della Scala family. Known as Scaligeri (Scaligers), they were the ruling family of Verona and mainland Veneto for 125 years.
The tower, standing at 82ft (25m), most likely served as a keep. Usually it’s open to the public, but it was closed at the time given the situation when we visited.
Castello di Romeo was ruined at the beginning of the 16th century by the Republic of Venice. They were afraid of the castle falling into enemy hands following the War of the League of Cambrai.
Romeo’s castle today
What’s left of the castle is primarily the outer structure and the tower. As you enter the castle grounds, you’ll see that rows of chairs take up the enclosed space.
As well as being a visitor attraction, the castle’s also used as an outdoor cinema. It typically runs throughout the summer and draws in a good crowd. Its unique location makes the event popular with locals and visitors alike.
Castello di Giulietta (Juliet's castle)
Sitting at the highest point of Montecchio Maggiore is Castello di Giulietta (Juliet's castle).
It’s a short walk from Romeo’s castle, but watch your surroundings as there aren’t any pedestrian paths on the main road. Saying that, stick to the side of the winding road and keep an eye out for passing cars.
Like Romeo’s castle, what’s left of Juliet’s is also the exterior. However, it’s far larger, plus there are more castle grounds to cover.
Juliet’s real balcony?
As you make your way to the entrance, you’ll notice a wooden terrace attached to the side of the castle.
Whether it was built to make it seem like Juliet’s well-known balcony remains a mystery. Still, it does feed into the romance of the tale. That, plus, you don’t have the hundreds of tourists to contend with as in Verona.
The views from the top at Montecchio Maggiore
Undoubtedly, the highlight of Castello di Giulietta are the views from the top. Stairs leading up to the ‘rooftop’ terrace invite you to enjoy the panoramic views.
Not only can you catch a better glimpse of Romeo’s castle below, but also of the surrounding green landscape of the Veneto countryside.
Tips for visiting the castles of Romeo and Juliet in Montecchio Maggiore
Arrive early
While you won’t likely encounter the same number of crowds visiting as in Verona, arriving early has several benefits.
For one, you get to really enjoy, and explore, the castles without many people around. Also, coming earlier means being able to take as many photos as you want, and without any interruptions.
Dress accordingly
Though we were blessed with autumn sunshine on our visit to Montecchio Maggiore, it was chilly at the top.
Unless you’re entering the restaurant, there aren’t many places where you can warm up. It was also pretty windy when we were at the top of Juliet’s castle. That said, dress warmly and enjoy the views in comfort, and not in the cold.
Castello di Romeo, Via Castelli 4 Martiri, 36075 Montecchio Maggiore-Alte Ceccato VI
An extra villa stop
When in Montecchio Maggiore, and if you’ve time, I highly suggest making an extra stop to Villa Cordellina Lombardi. It’s about 4 minutes’ drive from the castles of Romeo and Juliet and it's simply spectacular.
The villa dates to the 18th century, and was built in a Palladian architectural style that's popular around Veneto.
Venetian painter, Giambattista Tiepolo, painted the remarkable frescoes, while Giorgio Massari and Francesco Muttoni were the principle architects.
The gardens of the villa are equally jaw-dropping, radiating even more in the glorious sunshine. Today, Villa Cordellina Lombardi is the seat of the representative for the province of Vicenza. Open to the public for a small fee (€6/$7/£5), it’s also available for private hire.
Villa Cordellina Lombardi, via Lovara 36, Montecchio Maggiore
What do you think of Romeo and Juliet’s castles in Montecchio Maggiore? Do they look like somewhere you’d like to visit? Let me know in the comments below.
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I did not realise old Willie was a plagiarist. ? it does explain his inspiration for a story that was a bit out of his usual fare. Yet more places to add to my Italian wish list. Very interesting.
lol it does seem he was inspired by the original tale. I guess he made it his own...?!
I just passed by but I did not know those castles and their stories...
We have to check them out next time we visit Verona, thank you!
Hi Francois, they're in the province of Vicenza, not Verona 🙂 But do add them to your list
I never knew about these castles and their story. I'll have to visit them at some point, thank you for sharing this 🙂
You're welcome! There are tons in Italy, but these have a literary backstory 🙂
You had me at castles! I’ve lived in Vincenza with my aunt and uncle yet didn’t know there were real Romeo & Juliet castles! I’ve only been to the Verona location. Would love to explore these two especially as they are less crowded and have great views!
You must visit the next time you come back! It's a great mini day trip and the views are spectacular!
This is incredible, I had no idea there was a story that Shakespeare adapted! Such beautiful places to visit and I love that they are free too
It's so charming to visit, especially when it's sunny, and yes, it's free!
I took two years of Shakespeare and did not know that Romeo and Juliet was an adaptation of an original story - nor did I know about this place and the castles. I’ve been to Verona but not here so just found another justification to return to Italy.
So happy to read this Karen! It's just nice to imagine how the original author was inspired to write the novel
Wow I didn't know that there were two castles that inspired Romeo and Juliet! That's incredible! Definitely something to add to the Italy bucket list.
Perfect Francesca! I hope you get to see them one day 🙂
So cool, Lisa! I had no idea Romeo and Juliet was based on an old novel or even potentially real families! I’d love to visit next time I’m in the area 🙂
Thanks Lannie! It was nice to see the inspiration behind the tale 😀
I guess I'm admitting to a certain lack of literary knowledge, but I don't remember being aware that Romeo and Juliet was based on real families with real castles. Very interesting to see these via your blog!
Thanks Steven. It wasn't a true story or characters, but the original author based his story surrounding the families living there at the time
Whoa, I just learned! Haha, but seriously, I had no that 1 - there is a real place that inspired the Romeo and Juliet stories and 2 - that Shakespeare didnt actually write the story but adapted it from Luigi da Porto! That is crazy! But I have to say that the castles in Montecchio Maggiore look amazing!
lol I'm glad to read this! It's something that many people don't know 🙂
I have visited Italy several years ago and never knew this castle existed. Thanks for for your blog and I have added this to my wish list. I love romantic stories and would love to visit this castle of Romeo and Juliet some day. 🙂
You're welcome Jan! I'm so glad to read that you enjoyed the post
We love visiting Castles, luckily have many in Wales but the ones in Europe are so pretty - these are going on the list, thanks for sharing
Laura x
You're also lucky in Wales to be blessed with plenty of historic castles 😀
I learned shortly after moving to Vicenza that the original author of Romeo and Juliet was from there, but I had no idea the castles themselves were there! I'll definitely be going there as soon as I get home!
Cool! We should definitely meet up in the center!
I was totally caught unaware, I never knew we have a Romeo and Juliet castle in the real world. This is one castle that I would like to explore and Juliet's balcony looked cute and romantic. Thanks for sharing this information piece.
You're welcome!
I'd love to see these castles in Montecchio Maggiore! Good to know that they're not as busy as Casa di Giulietta, and getting there early sounds like a good plan for getting the best pics. I'll definitely have these castles on my list when I next visit Italy!
Perfect Carrie Ann! We really enjoyed the ambience, plus they're totally free!
We did enjoy the novelty of seeing the Romeo and Juliette site in Verona. But I am sure it would be far more romantic to see the castle behind the story of these star-crossed lovers. Definitely worth a trip to Montecchio Maggiore. Too bad there was not a real Juliette balcony to see. But those rooftop views would make up for my disappointment.
They're stunning Linda, and especially on a sunny day! I'm sure you'd both prefer to see these castles than the house in Verona
OMG! I would love to visit those castles? The castles and the place look so beautiful ?? Love the detailed post and photos ❤️
You should visit one day!
I had no idea this existed and am adding this to my travel bucket list as I would love to see it for myself 🙂 Very cool and love the pretty pictures!
Great to read! Montecchio Maggiore is worth visiting if just for these castles
I am a big fan of Romeo and Juliet. This looks like a romantic magical journey that I would love to take
You need to add this to your Italy list! 🙂
Beautiful pictures. I would love to visit Romeo and Juliet castle. Will definitely add to my to visit places.
Perfect! I'm certain you'll love it
Romeo and Juliet has to be one of my favourite Shakespeare plays. I didn't realise you could visit these castles!
You can, and it's free too!
What a stunning place! Thanks for sharing about this! Such a great blog!
Thank you!
how romantic and scenic! I love castles, maybe one day soon I can visit
I hope so too 🙂
Wow how absolutely gorgeous! I'd love to visit it one day especially knowing the story behind this magnificent place!
It definitely adds to the tale!
Imagine visiting a castle... that just sounds absolutely amazing and delightful and I can't wait to go to one.
There are plenty in Italy 🙂
Wow I love castles and I would love to visit. It looks like such a gorgeous countryside too. I wouldn't have guessed it's so windy out there too!
It really was, but sunny 🙂 You must visit as you love castles
This castle and the story behind it gives me so much inspiration to visit this place soon. I like the story of Romeo and Juliet, plus the whole view from the castle looks breathtaking.
It's really fantastic for literary fans, and for anyone that likes castles too!
It would be really great if I could visit a real castle. Knowing that the castle has something to do with Romeo and Juliet is extra inspiring.
You definitely feel inspired when you see the castles
Oh my gosh, amazing. I would LOVE to do this. I am all about castles.
They're really beautiful too 🙂
This is so so beautiful! I would love to explore Italy, checking castles and the beautiful countryside..That would be amazing.
You have to come and visit one day!
This is the perfect itinerary. I would love to see the castle inspiration that romeo and juliet is based off of.
It's the real deal and with spectacular views too 🙂