Five of Italy's Most Spectacular Castles
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Fort Bard is a fortified complex built in the 19th century by the House of Savoy on a rocky spur above the town of Bard in the northwestern region of Aosta Valley.
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Castello Scaligero in Malcesine, on the north-eastern shore of Lake Garda, is a medieval castle which belonged to Lombards, Franks, Scaligeri, Venetians, Visconti, French and Austrians. It was made famous by German writer Goethe in his ‘Italian Journey'.
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Considered one of the most spectacular and best preserved castles in Italy, Torrechiara is a 15th-century manor with medieval and Renaissance elements, in a panoramic position at the entrance to Val Parma in Emilia-Romagna.
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The Aragonese Castle is a medieval castle located on a volcanic rocky islet at the northern end of the Gulf of Naples, connected to the island of Ischia by a causeway. The original fortress was built by Hiero I of Syracuse in 474 BC.
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The Rocca Albornoziana is a fortress located on top of a hill overlooking the Umbrian town of Spoleto. It is the main stronghold of the fortification system built by Pope Innocent VI to strengthen the Church's authority in the territories of central Italy
Italy is a country rich with castles due to its history of being a fragmented territory with many independent city states, duchies, local lords, kingdoms and more all throughout the Middle Ages. Castles served defensive purposes and at times were turned into sumptuous residences for local nobility. As the situation became more stable after the Renaissance, castles continued to be built for prestige, as a symbol of power and as second residences where to host lavish banquets.
Below are some spectacularly located castles that we invite you to visit.
Topic
The Curious Traveler
Travel Guide
Location
Bard
Ischia
Parma
Spoleto
Malcesine