Perched on top of hills or overlooking the waters of placid lakes, Italy's castles can add a romantic touch to any trip. Some have been renovated and converted into fine historic residences, perfect for a couples' getaway: Enter and you'll feel transported back to a time when ladies and knights strolled the rooms of fortresses. Here’s a round-up of some of our favorites, which you can either visit for the day or stay overnight.
Gradara Castle (Le Marche)
This is the romantic Italian castle to end all romantic Italian castles, site of the tragic love story of Paolo and Francesca, recounted by Dante in Canto V of Inferno in the Divine Comedy. The castle is a 15th-century fortress constructed by the powerful Malatesta on a pre-existing medieval building. It’s surrounded by a village encircled by walls and looks out on the hills behind the resort town of Gabicce on the Adriatic coast, between the provinces of Pesaro-Urbino and Rimini.
Castello di Monterone (Umbria)
Photo via Residenze d'Epoca
Set in the Umbrian countryside three kilometers from Perugia, with beautiful views of the city and surrounding valleys, Castello di Monterone is said to have belonged to the Order of the Templars. It is now a period residence with 18 rooms, each different from the other, with wrought iron beds and custom furniture made by Umbrian craftsmen. The castle includes a wellness area and an outdoor pool. It’s also possible to taste Umbrian cuisine in the castle’s restaurant.
Castel Toblino (Trentino)
Castel Toblino is a beautiful building dating back to the 12th century, overlooking the lake by the same name in Trentino, on a small peninsula protruding over the water, framed by woods and mountains. It’s located in the Valle dei Laghi (Valley of the Lakes), not far from Trento. In the past, Castel Toblino was owned by the vassals of the Prince Bishop of Trento, and it’s said to have been the setting of the forbidden love affair between the prince bishop of Trento Carlo Emanuele Madruzzo and Claudia Particella. Today it’s privately owned and houses a restaurant.
Castello di Razzano - Piedmont
Photo via Residenze d'Epoca
Set in the hills of the beautiful Monferrato countryside in Piedmont, Castello di Razzano offers 14 comfortable suites, a large Italian-style garden, a swimming pool surrounded by vineyards and the possibility to rent mountain bikes to explore the territory. Sipping a glass of wine at sunset, admiring the hilly landscape, with the Monviso mountain in the distance, and vineyards all around, is a memory you’ll treasure for a long time.
Castello Orsini-Odescalchi (Lazio)
Another spot for lovebirds is Castello Orsini-Odescalchi, which overlooks Lake Bracciano and is also known as Castello di Bracciano. It is a massive pentagon-shaped building with five towers, built in the late 15th century, with a spectacular view of the lake. It’s often used for wedding ceremonies and banquets and has done some time as a movie set (scenes from the Medici TV series were shot here). The Castle of Bracciano is still owned by the Odescalchi family but is managed by a foundation.
Castello di Meleto (Tuscany)
Castello di Meleto is located in the Tuscan countryside, just outside the picturesque village of Gaiole in Chianti. The original building dates back to the 11th century, while the current structure is from the 15th century. Disputed between Florence and Siena from the 14th to the 16th centuries, it was transformed into a residence in the 17th century. The view over the Chianti hills is enchanting. Today it houses an agriturismo and winery producing Chianti Classico.
Castello San Marco (Sicily)
Photo via Residenze d'Epoca
The location of Castello San Marco Resort will take your breath away: In Calatabiano, on the east coast of Sicily, it's set between romantic Taormina and fiery Mount Etna, on the Taormina Riviera, near the sea. The Baroque property from the 17th century is now a four-star hotel with 27 rooms and suites, each with a small terrace, located in the park of the castle; the property also includes a restaurant where you can savor Mediterranean specialties.
Castello di Sirmione (Lake Garda)
Another beautiful castle on the lake is Castello di Sirmione on Lake Garda. It’s a medieval fortress from the Scaliger era, and also a point of access to the historic center of the ancient town of Sirmione. Built between the 13th and 14th centuries, it’s very well preserved. Its most distinctive trait is that it’s lapped on all sides by the waters of Lake Garda, creating a striking visual effect. Sirmione is the seat of an important thermal center, so it's therefore ideal for romantic walks by the lake followed by some pampering in the spa.
