Brolio Castle and Barone Ricasoli Winery - Tuscany
James Martin, Europe Travel
On the hill above the Barone Ricasoli Winery tasting room sits Brolio Castle. Although the castle itself isn't open to visitors, the gardens can be visited and the castle seen from the outside. There are great views from the castle and there's a small but interesting castle museum in one of the towers that's open to the public. After the seeing the castle, go down the hill for wine tasting or dine in the very good Osteria del Castello.
Poppiano Castle - Florentine Hills of Tuscany
Poppiano Castle is a small castle in the Florentine Hills of the Chianti wine region. The owners produce wine and visitors can taste wine at the castle. Poppiano Castle is in walking distance of Le Torri Holiday Apartments (read review).
Naples - Castel dell'Ovo and Castel Nuovo
Castel dell' Ovo, or Egg Castle, is the oldest castle in Naples. It sits in a beautiful position in a little island in Naples' harbor where the original city was founded in the 6th century BC. The castle is used for exhibitions and concerts and is a popular place for weddings. The Castel Nuovo, or new castle is a huge castle erected in 1279-1282. Inside it is the Civic Museum with 14th-15th century frescoes and paintings, silver, and bronzes from the 15th century to present. Naples Pictures on Europe Travel includes pictures of both castles.Castles in the Heel of the Boot
The southern Italy region of Puglia, known as the Heel of the Boot, is home to many castles and fortresses including the unusual octagonal Csstel del Monte, a UNESCO World Heritage site. Here are six of the top castles to see in the region.
Piemonte - Manta Castle
Castello della Manta is a Gothic castle in the Piemonte region south of Turin. Inside are stunning freeoes from the early 15th century.
Rapallo Castle
Rapallo, on the Italian Riviera near the Cinque Terre, has a tiny picturesque castle in the sea. It was built in 1551 to guard against pirate attacks. Rapallo also has a small historic center that's interesting to walk around.
Ruspoli Castle - North of Rome
Ruspoli Castle, in northern Lazio region near Viterbo, was built in the 9th century and has beautiful formal gardens dating from the 17th century. Princess Claudia Giada Ruspoli owns the castle. Past guests include the composer Handel who spent time at the castle writing music.
Sarzana - Sarzanella Castle
James Martin, Europe Travel







