5 Best Castles In Rome: From Ancient Fortress To Modern Marvels

Are you wondering what are the best castles in Rome, Italy that you can visit? I got you covered. I’ve been to Rome a number of times and visited the castles within the city and the nearby areas. I will share with you here the beautiful castles that are worth visiting in Rome.

You’ve probably heard the old adage that one lifetime is not nearly enough time to see all Rome has to offer. Without a doubt, each one of us could go on a thousand “trips of a lifetime,” participate in one-of-a-kind artistic and cultural activities and still only scratch the surface of what Rome has to offer in terms of its architecture and artistic legacy.

It is for this reason that Rome is commonly referred to as the “Eternal City.” For example, throughout the centuries, numerous cities staked their claim to being the next Rome (Constantinople or modern Istanbul and Moscow are two examples). However, it should come as no surprise that Rome itself is the city that can lay claim to the greatest number of Roman legacies.

Our modern world owes a great deal not only to the legacies of ancient Rome but also to those of papal Rome and Renaissance Rome. In point of fact, the incredible art and architecture of Rome is one of the city’s enduring legacies to the rest of the world. In the following, you will see 5 well-known castles in Rome that are worth visiting. 

Read more: Best Things to Do in Rome (Italy) for First Time Visitors

Here are the Best Castles in Rome, Italy to Visit:

1. Castel Sant’Angelo 

📍Address: Lungotevere Castello, 50, 00193 Roma RM, Italy 
🎟️Find Tickets – Book in Advance: Castel Sant’Angelo Skip-the-Line Ticket & Audio Guide
🌟 Ratings: 4.4 / 5

When my husband and I went to Rome, this is one of the highlights of our trip. As we went to discover the history of this famous landmark, we also enjoyed the view of the sunset from the viewing deck at the top of the castle.

Rome’s Castel Sant’Angelo, a remarkable building that has witnessed the city’s historical changes for more than two millennia, is situated on the banks of the Tiber River. It was initially constructed in the second century AD as a mausoleum for Emperor Hadrian and has since served as a fortress, a prison, and a haven for popes in times of adversity. Pope Gregory the Great renamed it Castel Sant’Angelo in 590 after claiming to have witnessed the archangel Michael standing atop the castle, heralding the end of a deadly plague in the city.

The castle’s five levels can now be explored by guests who want to learn more about its fascinating past, which includes Renaissance frescoes, relics from antiquity, and private art collections. The Passetto di Borgo, a 2,625-foot hidden passageway that once connected the fortress to the Vatican City and allowed popes to escape to safety in dangerous situations, is another route that people can take.

However, the magnificent sculpture of Archangel Michael on the castle’s roof, which has since become its symbol, may be the highlight of any visit to Castel Sant’Angelo. The original marble statue by Raffaello da Montelupo was replaced by this magnificent bronze work by the Flemish sculptor Peter Anton von Verschaffelt in 1753. Visitors to the castle can take in panoramic views of the city, which are especially lovely at dusk.

Therefore, if you’re considering visiting Rome, don’t miss the opportunity to see one of the city’s most recognizable landmarks. A rare chance to travel back in time and learn about ancient emperors, popes, and even heretics is provided by Castel Sant’Angelo. It will undoubtedly be a memorable experience due to the breathtaking views and fascinating history.

Read more: Museums in Rome, Italy: Guide to the Best Art & History Collections

2.  Cecchignola Castle

📍Address: Vicolo della Cecchignoletta, 14, 00143 Roma RM, Italy

For those who enjoy history and architecture, Cecchignola Castle is a must-see. The castle has a lengthy, illustrious past that includes several centuries under the ownership of illustrious families. The complex’s centerpiece, the tower, is 45 meters tall and has retained two-thirds of its original height. Visitors can explore the castle’s various construction eras, from its Roman foundation to its obvious evidence of architectural styles from the 13th, 18th, and 19th centuries.

One of Cecchignola Castle’s highlights is its library, which has 5,000 volumes on the history of art and architecture, both ancient and modern, as well as periodicals and auction catalogues. The library has sections on sculpture, ancient marble, mosaics, glyptics, Rome, castles, Byzantine, Egyptian, and Federician art. It is a stone art library. Visitors can become fully immersed in Rome’s and Italy’s rich cultural heritage while also learning more about the history and architecture of the region.

In addition to being a historical site, Cecchignola Castle is also a center for culture. Numerous cultural organizations are housed in the castle, including the University of Marmorari, where guests can find out more about the craft of stonemasonry. With the farmhouse, tower, and 19th-century additions, the estate wraps around two sizable courtyards. A small church with baroque elements on its facade and neoclassical decorations inside is located in the exterior courtyard.

A unique chance to explore Rome’s hidden gems away from the craziness of the city’s tourist attractions is to go to Cecchignola Castle. The castle is a must-visit for anyone interested in learning more about Italy’s cultural heritage because of its rich history, stunning architecture, and cultural offerings.

Read more: Best Churches in Rome, Italy: Guide to Its Most Stunning Religious Sites

3. Castello Di Lunghezza (Length Castle)

📍Address: Via della Tenuta del Cavaliere, 230, 00132 Rome RM, Italy

Castello di Lunghezza is a remarkable castle that has withstood the passage of time and can be found in the province of Rome in Italy. The structure and layout of the building are both excellent examples of medieval architecture and design, as can be seen from the building. The history of the castle dates back to the 13th century when it was constructed as a military fortress to protect Rome from invasions during that time period. Over the course of several centuries, it has gone through a number of transitions, first serving as a noble residence, then as a prison during the time of Napoleon, and most recently as the cultural center that it is today.

The restoration work done by Malcolm Munthe has contributed to the castle’s allure, elevating it to the status of one of the most stunning castles in all of Italy. The castle was given a new lease on life as a result of the restoration project, which involved extensive work on the castle’s interior, exterior, and surrounding gardens. People come from all over the world to see the castle because it is now a national monument and is protected by the government.

The fact that Castello di Lunghezza hosts a number of events and exhibitions throughout the year, in addition to the significance it holds historically and culturally, makes it an ideal destination for those who are interested in art and music. The calendar of events at the castle is constantly packed with a variety of activities, such as concerts, theatrical performances, art exhibitions, and more. Because there is always something for everyone, it is an excellent location for a day trip with the family.

Castello di Lunghezza is definitely an undiscovered treasure that provides guests with an unforgettable adventure. The castle, with its breathtaking surroundings and architecture, as well as its rich history and cultural significance, offers visitors a look back in time to the medieval period. Castello di Lunghezza is a location that you absolutely have to go to, regardless of whether you are interested in history, adore culture, or are just looking for a fun day trip.

4. Castello di Torcrescenza

📍Address: Via del Casale della Crescenza, 1, 00189 Roma RM, Italy

In addition to being a stunning castle in the Italian countryside just outside of Rome, Castello di Torcrescenza makes a stunning wedding location. The castle, which was built in the eleventh century, has housed numerous notable families over the years. A moat surrounds the castle, which also has towers, imposing defensive walls, and a drawbridge.

On the outskirts of northern Rome, the castle of Torcrescenza is located in the middle of a sizable secular park. When the Crescenza was first built in the eleventh century to guard the Roman countryside against invaders, it was merely a tower on the Flaminia that had to communicate with other watchtowers. Alongside this tower, other structures with varying heights and connections to one another were constructed between the 13th and 14th centuries. The construction was finished in the 16th century, by which time the building resembled a Renaissance castle.

The Castello di Torcrescenza is a striking and theatrical building that is frequently used as the setting for significant Roman events. The castle has gained notoriety for serving as the location of many high-profile weddings. Due to its beautiful indoor and outdoor spaces, fine furnishings, frescoes, and statues that provide fairytale environments and dream scenarios for enchanted weddings in the Eternal City, the castle is a well-liked location for weddings.

The drawbridge of the castle provides access to the first courtyard, which is embellished with lovely water features by suggestive fountains. A stunning portico with a stone well in the middle can be found in the second courtyard. The castle provides a magical setting for the ideal wedding because it is surrounded by greenery.

Castello di Torcrescenza is a stunning wedding venue that offers the ideal setting for a dreamy fairytale wedding. It is not only a historical site. For anyone interested in art, history, or culture, it is a must-visit location because of its stunning architecture, illustrious past, and breathtaking natural beauty.

Read more: 12 Best Neighborhoods in Rome, Italy: A Guide to Its Best Local Spots

5. Castello di Giulio II 

📍Address: Piazza della Rocca, 13, 00119 Ostia Antica RM, Italy
🎟️Find Tickets – Book in Advance: Ostia Antica Tour from Rome – Semi Private
🌟 Ratings: 5 / 5

Italy’s Ostia is home to the historic fortress known as Castello di Giulio II, which has undergone numerous alterations over the years. The castle was started by Cardinal Giuliano della Rovere in 1483 and finished by Pope Innocent VIII in 1486. The fortress served as the papal customs’ headquarters and was used to control the payment of taxes on goods that arrived in Rome by sea.

Later, Pope Julius II commissioned extensive repairs to the fortress, including the construction of a papal apartment on the western side of the courtyard and a grand staircase that connected the three floors. Recent research suggests that the famous artist of the time, Baldassare Peruzzi, and his associates, including Cesare da Sesto, painted the staircase.

Following the conflict between France and Spain in 1556, the fortress was famously sieged by the Spaniards, who inflicted significant damage. The damage was made worse by the Tiber River’s altered course in 1557, which led to the spread of papal traditions to new areas.

The castle has served a variety of functions over the years, including a barn in the eighteenth century and a prison for forced laborers during the Ostia excavations in the nineteenth. The castle underwent a number of restorations in the 20th century, and in 2003 a new museum was inaugurated, displaying a sizeable collection of ceramics from the late Middle Ages and Renaissance that had been unearthed from the castle and the village.

Castello di Giulio II has definitely undergone significant changes over the course of its history and served a variety of functions. Despite the destruction brought on by war and natural disasters, the castle has been preserved and restored, allowing visitors to learn about its fascinating history and take in the museum’s artwork.

Read more: Best Piazza in Rome, Italy: A Guide to Its Most Iconic Squares & Plazas

6. Apostolic Palace of Castel Gandolfo

📍Address: Piazza della Libertà, 00073 Castel Gandolfo RM, Italy
🎟️Find Tickets – Book in Advance: Palace Ticket and Gardens Minibus Tour
🌟 Ratings: 4 / 5

The Apostolic Palace of Castel Gandolfo is a stunning retreat located in the charming town of Castel Gandolfo, just a short distance from Rome. This historic palace has been a favorite summer residence of the popes for centuries.

It has a long and fascinating history that dates back to the Roman Empire. The site was originally a country estate owned by the Roman Emperor Domitian. After the fall of the Roman Empire, the property passed into the hands of various noble families before being purchased by the papacy in the 16th century.  

Pope Urban VIII then commissioned the construction of the current palace in the 17th century, which was designed by the renowned architect Carlo Maderno. Since then, the palace has served as a summer residence for many popes, including Pope Pius XI, who used the palace to escape the pressures of Vatican City and focus on his writing. During World War II, the palace served as a safe haven for refugees, and after the war, it was used as a summer residence for Pope Pius XII.

The Apostolic Palace boasts beautiful architecture, with grand halls and luxurious rooms that are filled with priceless artwork and furnishings. It also features immaculate gardens that are meticulously maintained and provide a serene and peaceful atmosphere for visitors.

One of the highlights of the palace is the Papal Apartments, which are typically off-limits to the public. However, visitors can admire the stunning frescoes and intricate details from outside the windows. In addition to its historical significance, the Apostolic Palace is also an important site for science. It is home to the Vatican Observatory, which conducts important astronomical research.

In 2016, Pope Francis opened the palace and its gardens to the public, allowing visitors to explore this historic site and learn more about the papacy’s rich history. Today, the palace and gardens are open for guided tours, which offer a unique glimpse into the life of the pope and the rich history of the Vatican.

If you’re planning a trip to Rome, a visit to the Apostolic Palace of Castel Gandolfo is a must-see.

Read more: 4 Papal Basilicas in Rome, Italy: Spiritual Heart of Christian Faith

I hope that enticed you to visit these best castles in Rome. Feel free to include them on your Rome itinerary, it’s a great addition to the attractions that you must see in the Eternal City.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Everything Zany

Travel Blog

Everything Zany Travel Blog exploring the UK and beyond. Sharing travel guides, tips, history, and culture. Our travel media brand is founded by travel and hotel industry expert – Ryazan Tristram, a Dual Citizen (British – Filipina) based in Birmingham, UK. Everything Zany is a reputable and award-winning travel blog. Our work and contributions have been featured in Huffington Post, CNBC, Discovery Channel, GMA, Readers Digest, and Lonely Planet. Our missions are to build a great travel community and resource of travel tips, visas, and travel guides for travelers. Join us as we travel around the UK and beyond with a mission to share the best of the world.