Castles of Italy: the most famous (and visited) in the Belpaese

Italy, as we know, was the center of medieval castle-building. The Belpaese, home of art, history and architecture, is also rich in fascinating castles which attract millions of tourists every year. It is precisely in this period, in spring, that there is a significant increase in tourists in the castles.

The most famous castles in Italy

Among the most important and visited are: Castel del Monte, Castel Sant'Angelo and Castello Sforzesco. These monuments not only bear witness to the glorious past of the country, but also represent true tourist attractions.

• 1. Castel del Monte (Puglia), is located in Andria and has hundreds of thousands of annual visitors. Built in the 1996th century by order of Emperor Frederick II of Swabia, Castel del Monte is one of the most enigmatic castles in Europe. Its perfect octagonal plan and architectural symmetries make it a unique masterpiece, so much so that it was included in the UNESCO World Heritage list in XNUMX. The original function of the castle remains uncertain: it does not have traditional defensive elements, suggesting that it was intended more for symbolic or cultural purposes.
• 2. Sant'Angelo castel (Lazio), is located in Rome. There are over 1.200.000 annual visitors. Born as a mausoleum for Emperor Hadrian in the XNUMXnd century AD, Castel Sant'Angelo has undergone centuries of transformations, becoming a fortress, a papal residence and a prison. Its strategic position on the banks of the Tiber and the direct connection to the Vatican via the Passetto di Borgo have made it a focal point of Roman history. Today it houses a museum that tells the story of its evolution and offers one of the most evocative panoramic views of Rome.
• 3. Castello Sforzesco (Lombardy), is located in Milan and also has over a million annual visitors. Built in the 15th century by Francesco Sforza, Duke of Milan, the Sforza Castle was expanded and transformed by famous architects such as Leonardo da Vinci and Bramante. During the Renaissance it became a refined cultural center and today it houses some of the most important civic museums in the city. Among the works preserved, the Pietà Rondanini, Michelangelo's last unfinished sculpture, stands out.

The impact on tourism

These castles are not only essential stops for those visiting Italy, but also play a key role in the local tourism economy. According to data from the Ministry of Culture, the total number of visitors to these three castles exceeds 2,5 million per year. Revenue from tickets, guided tours and cultural activities contribute significantly to the enhancement and conservation of the historical heritage.

Visiting Castel del Monte, Castel Sant'Angelo and Castello Sforzesco means taking a journey through the centuries, among medieval symbolism, imperial splendor and Renaissance wonders. These castles are much more than simple tourist attractions: they are living guardians of Italian history.