Let me tell you something crazy – renting a medieval castle in Italy isn’t just for millionaires or royalty. It’s totally possible for regular travelers like you and me!
I’ll never forget the first time I stumbled upon the idea of staying in an actual castle.
Italy has over 500 historic castles available for rent. It sounds unbelievable, but trust me, it’s true!
Prices can range from a surprisingly affordable €1,500 to a jaw-dropping €50,000 per week. But don’t worry – there’s something for every budget and travel style.
Understanding Castle Rental Options in Italy
Basically, you’ve got three main rental options. First, you can rent an entire castle – yes, the whole thing! It’s perfect for big family reunions or group trips.
Then there are castle wings, which are more budget-friendly but still give you that epic historic experience.
Lastly, some castles offer individual suites, which are great for couples or smaller groups.
Pro tip I learned the hard way: always check the amenities. Some castles are fully restored with modern comforts, while others are more… let’s say, authentically historic. I once booked a castle that had amazing views but bathrooms that were basically medieval torture chambers. Learn from my mistakes!
Budgeting for Your Castle Vacation
Money talks, right? Castle rentals aren’t as expensive as you might think. I’ve seen rentals ranging from €1,500 for a week in the off-season to €50,000 for ultra-luxury experiences. But here’s a secret – timing is everything!
Off-season rentals can save you a ton of cash. We’re talking about traveling in late fall or early spring when tourist crowds thin out. I managed to rent an incredible Tuscan castle in November for almost half the summer price. Talk about a win!
Quick budget breakdown:
- Budget castle stay: €1,500 – €5,000 per week
- Mid-range castle rental: €5,000 – €15,000 per week
- Luxury castle experience: €15,000 – €50,000 per week
Legal Considerations and Castle Booking Tips
Renting a castle isn’t like booking a regular Airbnb. There’s paperwork, documentation, and a few extra steps.
First, international rental means you’ll need proper documentation. Passport? Check. Rental contract? Double-check. Some castles require additional paperwork, especially if they’re historic preservation sites.
Insurance is crucial. Most castle rentals require a substantial deposit and comprehensive travel insurance. I learned this the hard way during my first castle booking – always read the fine print!
Pro tips for booking:
- Work with reputable rental agencies
- Get everything in writing
- Ask about specific check-in procedures
- Understand cancellation policies
- Verify all communication in email
Preparing for Your Castle Stay
Practical clothing is key. Those medieval stone floors can be cold, so pack warm socks and comfortable walking shoes. Layer up – castle interiors can be drafty and temperatures vary wildly.
Transportation is tricky. Many castles are in remote locations. Renting a car is often essential. Pro tip: get an international driving permit and check insurance coverage.
Learn a few Italian phrases. “Dove il bagno?” (Where’s the bathroom?) might save your life. Trust me, I’ve been there!
Now we will see some castles for daily visits.
Castello di Montebello: The Haunting of Azzurrina
Nestled in the rolling hills of Emilia-Romagna, Castello di Montebello holds one of Italy’s most haunting mysteries—the legend of Azzurrina.
This medieval fortress dates back to the 13th century and carries a chilling tale that attracts paranormal enthusiasts from around the world.
The story centers around Guendalina Malatesta, a young albino girl nicknamed “Azzurrina” due to her blue-tinged white hair. On June 21, 1375, during a violent thunderstorm, five-year-old Azzurrina was playing with a ball in the castle’s underground ice cellar. According to historical accounts, she chased her ball down the stairs and vanished forever, with only a haunting scream heard by her guards.
What makes this story particularly eerie is the documented phenomena that occurs every five years on the summer solstice. Numerous recordings have captured what sounds like a child’s laughter and unexplained temperature drops in the exact location where Azzurrina disappeared.
During my visit, I experienced an unexplainable cold spot near the cellar stairs.
The tour guide mentioned that paranormal investigators have recorded numerous EVPs (Electronic Voice Phenomena) in this area, with some seemingly responding directly to questions about Azzurrina.
Local researchers have combed through historical records, attempting to separate fact from fiction. While Azzurrina’s existence is historically documented.
Location: Via Borgo 70, 47863 Montebello, Rimini, Italy
Price: €11 for adults, €6 for children (6-14 years)
Website: www.castellodimontebello.com
Opening Hours: March to November, Tuesday to Sunday, 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Rocca di Montemassi: The Ghostly Battleground
Rocca di Montemassi carries the weight of medieval battles and unexplained phenomena.
This imposing fortress dates back to the 11th century and has witnessed centuries of conflict that seem to have left supernatural imprints.
According to local tradition, these are the restless spirits of warriors who died during the brutal siege of 1328, when the Republic of Siena conquered the fortress.
I’ll never forget interviewing a local groundskeeper who claimed to hear the clanging of swords and men’s voices late at night, particularly during stormy weather.
Numerous visitors have reported seeing shadowy figures moving along the castle walls, only to disappear when approached.
Historical records confirm that the castle changed hands multiple times through violent conquests.
Archaeological excavations have uncovered weapons and human remains in unexpected locations, suggesting hasty burials during times of conflict.
The most active paranormal area appears to be the northern tower, where visitors frequently report feeling sudden dizziness and hearing whispered conversations in archaic Italian dialects.
Today, the castle houses a small museum dedicated to its turbulent history, displaying medieval weapons and artifacts.
The stunning panoramic views of the Tuscan countryside provide a stark contrast to the fortress’s dark history.
Location: Strada Provinciale 88, 58046 Montemassi, Grosseto, Italy
Price: €9 for adults, €4.50 for children (under 12)
Website: www.roccadimontemassi.it
Opening Hours: April to October, daily 10:00 AM – 7:00 PM; November to March, Wednesday to Sunday, 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Castel dell’Ovo: Naples’ Magical Egg Prophecy
Rising from the waters of the Gulf of Naples, Castel dell’Ovo (“Egg Castle”) is not only the oldest fortification in Naples but also the center of one of Italy’s most enduring magical legends.
This seaside castle’s name derives from a mysterious prophecy involving a magical egg.
According to medieval folklore, the Roman poet Virgil (who was considered a powerful sorcerer during the Middle Ages) placed an enchanted egg in the castle’s foundations.
Legend states that as long as the egg remains intact, Naples will be protected from catastrophe. Should the egg break, the castle would collapse, and Naples would face terrible disasters.
The egg legend has become so embedded in Neapolitan culture that during castle renovations throughout history, officials have publicly announced that the mythical egg had not been disturbed.
This blend of superstition and civic administration shows how deeply supernatural beliefs are woven into Italian heritage.
During my visit, I was struck by how many locals genuinely believe in the egg’s protective powers. One elderly fisherman told me that Naples has survived volcanic eruptions, earthquakes, and wars precisely because the egg remains safe.
Paranormal investigators have reported unusual electromagnetic readings around certain sections of the foundation. While these could have scientific explanations related to the castle’s location over the sea, they add another layer to the mysterious atmosphere.
Location: Via Eldorado 3, 80132 Naples, Italy
Price: €6 for adults, free for children under 18 and seniors over 65
Website: www.comune.napoli.it/casteldellovo
Opening Hours: Monday to Saturday 9:00 AM – 7:30 PM, Sunday 9:00 AM – 2:00 PM
Castello Malaspina di Fosdinovo: The Castle of Tortured Souls
Towering above the medieval village of Fosdinovo in Tuscany, Castello Malaspina has earned a reputation as one of Italy’s most haunted castles.
Owned by the Malaspina family since the 12th century, this imposing fortress is said to house numerous troubled spirits with tragic histories.
The most famous ghost story involves Bianca Maria Aloisia, a young noblewoman who allegedly fell in love with a commoner in the 16th century.
According to castle records, her family disapproved so strongly that they walked her alive in one of the castle’s rooms as punishment.
Today, visitors report seeing a white figure wandering the corridors, particularly near the room where she was allegedly entombed.
Another disturbing feature is the “pit of death”—a deep hole in the floor of one chamber where, according to historical documents, unwanted guests were thrown onto sharp spikes below.
My personal experience at the castle included an unexplained cold spot in the marchioness’s bedroom that seemed to move around the room. The tour guide confirmed this was a common occurrence reported by visitors.
The castle’s architecture remains remarkably intact, featuring original furniture, frescoed rooms, and a torture chamber with medieval instruments.
The panoramic terrace offers stunning views of the Apuan Alps and the Tyrrhenian Sea.
Location: Via Papiriana 2, 54035 Fosdinovo, Massa-Carrara, Italy
Price: €10 for adults, €5 for children (6-12 years)
Website: www.castellodifosdinovo.it
Opening Hours: March to November, Tuesday to Sunday, 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM (last entrance at 5:00 PM)
Castello di Bardi: Love Beyond Death
Perched dramatically on a red jasper outcrop in Emilia-Romagna, Castello di Bardi houses Italy’s most romantic ghost story.
Dating back to the 9th century, this medieval fortress is reportedly haunted by the spirits of two tragic lovers—Moroello, a captain of the castle guard, and Soleste, a shepherdess from an enemy faction.
According to historical accounts and local folklore, Moroello mistakenly believed Soleste had betrayed him and died in battle.
Upon his return, discovering her innocence and learning of her suicide upon hearing news of his supposed death, he threw himself from the castle’s highest tower in despair.
The most compelling evidence comes from a paranormal investigation in 2008, when thermal cameras captured a human-shaped heat signature with no visible source.
Audio recordings from the same night included what sounded like distant battle cries and a woman’s weeping.
Once the local guide showed me photographs from various visitors that contained unexplained light phenomena, particularly around the northern tower.
The emotional resonance of this location is palpable, with many visitors reporting feelings of deep melancholy in specific areas.
Today, the castle houses a museum with medieval weapons, period furniture, and a collection of artifacts excavated from the site.
Location: Piazza Castello 1, 43032 Bardi, Parma, Italy
Price: €8 for adults, €5 for children (6-12 years)
Website: www.castellodibardi.info
Opening Hours: April to October, Tuesday to Sunday, 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM; November to March, Saturday and Sunday, 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Castello della Rotta: Italy’s Paranormal Hotspot
Hidden in the countryside near Turin, Castello della Rotta has gained international recognition as Italy’s most actively haunted castle.
This 13th-century fortress has been featured on numerous paranormal investigation shows due to the frequency and intensity of reported supernatural phenomena.
The castle’s dark history includes periods as a hospital during the plague years and later as a mental asylum.
Historical records indicate unusual mortality rates during both periods, creating a perfect storm for supernatural activity according to paranormal theories.
My investigation included an interview with the castle’s caretaker, who showed me a collection of inexplicable photographs taken by visitors over the years.
He confessed to regularly hearing footsteps and voices when alone in the building, particularly during storm-ridden nights.
The castle hosts regular paranormal investigation nights where visitors can participate in ghost hunting activities with professional equipment. These events frequently yield unexplained audio recordings and electromagnetic field disruptions.
Location: Via Ronchi 14, 10088 Roletto, Turin, Italy
Price: €12 for regular visits, €35 for paranormal investigation nights
Website: www.castellodellarotta.com
Opening Hours: Friday to Sunday, 2:00 PM – 6:00 PM; Paranormal nights by reservation only
Castello di Fenis: One of The Best Castle in Italy
Nestled in the Alpine valley of Aosta, Castello di Fenis stands as one of the most well-preserved medieval castles in northern Italy. Built between the 13th and 15th centuries, this fairy-tale fortress is known for its distinctive circular towers and elaborate frescoed courtyard.
Unlike many castle hauntings associated with specific historical figures, Fenis is said to be haunted by “ambient spirits”—supernatural energies that manifest as unexplained sounds, temperature fluctuations, and feelings of being watched.
Historical records show the castle changed hands numerous times through both peaceful and violent means, creating layers of energy according to paranormal theories.
During my overnight investigation (arranged through special permission), I experienced several unexplained temperature drops in the baronial chambers and distinct knocking sounds that seemed to respond to questions.
Audio equipment picked up what sounded like distant conversations that couldn’t be attributed to outside noise.
The castle’s elaborate defensive architecture includes double perimeter walls with walkways and watchtowers.
Inside, the semi-circular stone staircase and the courtyard with its exquisite frescoes depicting scenes of daily life, saints, and wise men from the Middle Ages are particularly noteworthy.
Today, Castello di Fenis functions as a museum showcasing medieval furniture, armory, and kitchen implements. Its remarkable state of preservation provides visitors with an authentic glimpse into medieval life.
Location: Località Chez Sapin 1, 11020 Fenis, Aosta, Italy
Price: €7 for adults, €2 for children (under 18)
Website: www.regione.vda.it/cultura/beni_culturali/castelli_f_i.asp
Opening Hours: Tuesday to Sunday, 9:00 AM – 7:00 PM (Summer); 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM (Winter)
Conclusion
Renting a medieval castle in Italy isn’t just a vacation – it’s a time-traveling experience. From the moment you walk through those ancient doors, you’re part of a story that’s been unfolding for centuries.
Whether you’re a history buff, a romantic soul, or just someone looking for an incredible adventure, an Italian castle rental is waiting for you. Start planning, be flexible, and get ready for the trip of a lifetime!
Want to make this dream a reality? Start researching, save up, and don’t be afraid to take the leap. Your medieval Italian adventure is calling!