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A high number of Italian castles deserve a visit: from north to south, the ancient castles and forts are a fascinating testimony of a distant past, which allows you to discover life as it was in the Middle Ages. We picked five of the most evocative castles, that are worth a visit!
Srmione Castle, Pixabay
1) Castello Scaligero in Sirmione
A very rare example of lake fortification in the beautiful scenery of Lake Garda, the Scaligero Castle in Sirmione has walls and towers of various heights that reflected in the water. Because of its strategic location, the castle was originally intended to defend the domains of the Scaligeri family in the area of Mantua and Milan.
Recommended: Farmhouse Casa Adea, located in the hills, offers finely furnished rooms and a roof terrace which opens on the countryside and the woods. The restaurant offers fine local cuisine with organic and seasonal produce.
2) Rocca Calascio near L’Aquila
Rocca Calascio, in the province of L’Aquila, overlooks the valley of Tirino and the Navelli plateau, on a ridge at 1,460 meters above sea level, in a favorable position from the defensive point of view: the castle originated as a military observation point in communication with other castles nearby. Made of white stone, the fort includes a central building,
crenellated walls in pebbles and four corner towers with a circular base.
Recommended: Farmhouse Alle Vecchie Querce, in the countryside of the Natural Park Sirente offers guests the opportunity to participate in agricultural activities such as collection of truffles and wood products, as well as proposals for outdoor activities such as mountain biking and archery.
3) Castle of Bardi, in the hills of Parma
A veritable fortress built on top of a rocky outcrop of red jasper, the castle of Bardi is an example of military architecture, and during the Middle Ages, with the Landi family, it became a mansion. The fortress in
the province of Parma is an articulated complex, which developed over time. Walled embankments, with a still viable walkway, following the shape of the rocky outcrop.
Recommended: Farmhouse La Volta, on the hills of the famous spa town of Salsomaggiore Terme, with a Restaurant that serves traditional dishes from Parma. Set on a gentle plateau, it is the ideal place for those who love hiking, bird watching and cycling.
4) Castle of Erice, in Sicily
Erice, in Sicily, whose ancient origins are linked to the shrine dedicated to the worship of Venus, is still home to a fortress known as Castle of Venus, originally connected by a drawbridge with the Balio towers. What we can see today was made by the Normans. Reconstructions and expansions occurred throughout the centuries, especially during the 19th century, when the Pepoli Tower, a symbol of the landscape of Erice was built.
Erice Castle – Photo Flickr by neekoh.fi – CC-BY-2.0
Recommended: Agrihotel Divino, located between Trapani and Marsala, with a spa, wine tasting room and wine bar. Among the specialties: smoked tuna, swordfish and mullet.
5) Castle of Fénis, in Val d’Aosta
The towers of this castle in Val d’Aosta are striking, and the complex is enclosed by double walls. The manor, which shows the different reconstructions made by the Challant family, still enshrines decorations and frescos. Unlike many castles in the region, built on top of rocky promontories, the castle has no natural defenses, which suggests that it originated as a prestigious administrative seat.
Recommended: Farmhouse Plan de la Tour, in the picturesque setting of the National Park of Gran Paradiso, located in a wood and stone building. Do not miss the homemade products such as yogurt and fruit juices, for a breakfast in the quiet of the mountains.
Fénis Castle – Photo Flickr by Luca Terzaroli CC-BY-2.0
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