I have traveled most of the world and nothing comes close to the majestic castles in Tuscany. Castello di Brolio, Castello Banfi, and Castello del Boccale are some of my favorite Tuscany castles and I will show you even more in this post!
Whether you’re searching for Tuscany castles towering over the idyllic countryside for your fairytale wedding, castles that are hotels where you can live like royalty or a place to while away some time daydreaming, I’ve covered them all.
Planning your trip to Tuscany at the last minute?
Make sure to book your hotels and tours in Tuscany in advance to ensure availability. Things sell out as your dates get closer! Here are our top picks for Tuscany:
Top Tours And Tickets To Book In Advance:
- Uffizi Gallery Skip-The Line Ticket (Likely to sell out!)
- Chianti Wineries Tour (Includes food and wine tasting)
- Pisa/Siena/San Gimignano Tour (Includes lunch)
- Leaning Tower Of Pisa Ticket (Skip the line!)
Top Picks For Places to Stay In Tuscany:
- Hotel Palazzo San Lorenzo & Spa (Breakfast included!)
- Villa Nottola (Budget option in Italian villa)
- Relais Piazza Signoria (Sweeing Florence views)
- Hotel Art Atelier (Florence city center)
I’ve visited Tuscany many times and I love its history, landscapes, and influence on culture all of which I feel are reflected in Tuscan castles. The castles I have chosen are spread out throughout the region from Pisa to Arezzo so wherever you go I guarantee you won’t be far away from one of these gems.
So without further ado let me walk you through what I feel are the best castles in Tuscany.
12 Fairytale Castles In Tuscany To Visit Or Stay
Castello di Brolio, Gaiole
This impressive property seems to guard over its landscape proudly. Standing on the top of a hill it offers breathtaking views of the surrounding vineyards and is one of the best places to visit in Tuscany!
And is those vineyards that made this place famous. Castello di Brolio is the birthplace of Chianti wine, which was invented by Baron Bettino Ricasoli in 1872.
Castello di Brolio has been in the Ricasoli family since it was built in 1141 and has endured many wars, battles, and several sieges. Somehow it managed to hang on to its 3,000 acres where vineyards and olive groves prosper.
The castle is open from March to October with times being more sporadic outside these months. They offer some incredible tours here which I suggest you book if you can the sunset evening tour is one of my favorites.
This is one of the best historic Tuscan castles.
Stay: Castello di Valenzano, Arezzo
The first of our castles you can stay at in Tuscany is Castello di Verrazzano. Nestled in the lush and serene Chianti region it looks like a set from Game of Thrones.
It dates back to the 10th Century and consists of red brick towers and imposing turrets. It’s a dramatic building and is one of the best castles in Tuscany for weddings. I can only imagine how perfect the wedding pictures here would be.
This is also one of the castle hotels in Tuscany with the property offering bedrooms in the castles and family rooms in farm stay units. The property has everything you could need including a swimming pool, some quirky interiors, and a view that will take your breath away.
Castello di Sammezzano, Leccio
The interior of the castle blew me away. It’s hard to put into words how beautiful it is so I’m just going to say just look at the pictures. To me this is more of a palace than a castle it’s that impressive.
The exterior while impressive belies the Morrish architectural features inside which make it unique. We have Italian politician Panciatichi Ximenes D’Aragona to thank for its current interior which was redesigned in the “Oriental” style that had taken over Europe at that time.
Oh and an interesting fact this castle was once owned by the Medici family.
Now here for the sad bit, it’s currently closed and you can’t go inside and its future is unknown. There is a 450-acre park around the castle so you can go for a hike and see it from the outside.
This is one of the unique castles near Florence that you simply cannot miss on your Tuscan adventure even if you can only see it from afar.
Stay Castello di Banfi, Montalcino
When I think of a Tuscan Castle I think of Castello Banfi. It’s the type of property we try to recreate in America, you know those turreted sprawling places on a hillside, well this is the real deal.
Castello di Banfi is a luxury hotel and winery and when I say it’s picture-perfect I’m not kidding. One of the best castles in Tuscany for weddings.
It’s just stunning and perfect for a relaxing or romantic getaway. This region is also one of the best places to see castles in Tuscany.
Click here to see more pictures.
Poppi Castle, Poppi
One of the smaller historic Tuscan castles it sits aloft on a hill looking over a medieval village. It is one of the best-preserved Tuscan castles, and I can tell you the views from the top are incredible.
Poppi Castle is considered one of the most important medieval monuments of the Casentino area. It has always been the residence of the local political or administrative power; in fact, it is still today the seat of the Commune of Poppi.
If you’re a literature lover, you’ll be thrilled to know that Poppi Castle also boasts a rich library, home to over 25,000 volumes! Including the precious “Commentaries” by Lorenzo the Magnificent’s scribes.
The castle is open nearly every day and is worth a visit for the pictures alone. Take a tour if you can where you will learn all about the skeleton they found in the dungeon and the important role the castle played in WW11.
Stay: Castello di Montalto, Castelnuovo Berardenga
This is one of the castle hotels in Tuscany and is yet again another sprawling specimen aloft a hill and it is very impressive. It has over a millennium of history and was a key location in the war between Sienna and Florence.
If like me you love seclusion then this is the castle in Tuscany for you. There are several houses of various sizes to rent on the grounds all very secluded.
The tower, chapel, and gardens can also be used for weddings and I can’t think of a more perfect location. It’s also perfect for a Tuscan honeymoon.
Castello di Montalto currently operates as a fully certified organic farm, with products such as extra virgin olive oil, eggs, and fresh veggies. What I love most about this place is how they have stuck to its authentic routes everything is restored with the spirits of the place in mind. A stay here really is like going back in time.
This is one of the castles near Siena.
Click here to see more pictures.
Castello del Boccale,Livorno
If I was to build myself a castle it would be this. This epic castle sits right on a rugged cliff on the ocean and was constructed by the Medici family in the 16th century. It’s simply stunning.
It’s dramatic not only in its architecture but also in the part it once played in Italian history. The castle makes a statement.
Unfortunately, you can’t go inside. The castle was converted into apartments so other than making friends with a tenant you are stuck, like me admiring it from afar.
For me, the trip here was worth it for the photos alone. To get there take the coastal road to Quercianella and the coastal stretch to the south of the castle has the best views in my opinion.
This area is one of the best places to see castles in Tuscany.
Stay Castello di Montegufoni, Montespertoli
If I could wish for one thing in my life it is stay at the La Grotta apartment at the Castello di Montegufoni. I can’t even explain how beautiful this room is I mean who doesn’t want to stay in a room with a Frescoed ceiling?
When I tell you the rooms here will make you feel like a princess I am not kidding. Staying here would be a dream come true for me and anyone for that matter. They also do weddings, be still my beating heart.
If you are looking for the ultimate romantic castle in Tuscany this is it. The castle dates from the 12th century and is surrounded by Tuscan countryside and also has a swimming pool. It’s also just 20 km from Florence.
Click here to see more pictures.
Stay Castello Malaspina di Fosdinovo, Fosdinovo
I would describe Castello Malaspina di Fosdinovo as rustic with elements of grandeur but the real pull here is the views. This medieval 12th-century castle overlooks the Apuan Alps and the Ligurian Sea in the distance.
It’s furnished with antiques, has a roof garden to make the most of the views, and a panoramic tower with views over the medieval village.
It is now a musuem, cultural center, and hotel. If you are looking for a Tuscan castle stay that’s a little more unusual then this may be for you.
Stay Castello Malaspina di Fosdinovo, Gaiole
This castle has a suit of armor on display which in my eyes makes me instantly want to visit. Once a residence it dates from the 11th century. It was renovated in 2002 and is now used as a hotel.
As with most castles, Castello Di Tornano offers a view of the hillside it stands on which are spectacular from the top. The hotel is set in gardens surrounded by trees and the swimming pool is secluded.
There are various accommodation options set within the castle and the grounds but my personal favourite is the tower suite.
Stay Castello Malaspina di Fosdinovo, Monte Benichi
Located halfway between Siena and Arezzo this 12 th century is surrounded by medieval villages and wineries. Castelletto Di Montebenichi is a sprawling estate that offers guests panoramic views across the Chianti hills and vineyards.
If I could make rustic castle chic a word I would and it describes this place perfectly. I think we often associated castles with opulence but many of them were just sparse and austere.
You will find frescoed walls, a garden a swimming pool and a gym and the hotel is super private surrounded by a private park.
The rooms are apartments some of them are split level and there aren’t that many so if you are after a place to relax this is it.
Stay: Castello Di Gabbiano, Mercatale Val Di Pesa
Castello Di Gabbiano has a dramatic entrance and almost feels like you are in the clouds. It is set among 250 acres of olive and wine groves and dates from the 14th century.
It’s a working farm with that rustic castle chic feel. Think terracotta floors and wood furniture.
There is also a large garden, a swimming pool, and numerous hiking paths to enjoy. The breakfast is also pretty special and served outside or in the drawing room.
They have bedrooms and suites in the castle and apartments on the grounds. I love the split-level suite which is over three floors, it’s quirky and cozy all mixed together.
While this isn’t a complete list of all of the castles in Tuscany, I hope you found somewhere that sparked the wanderlust in you.
Tuscany is one of my favorite locations it’s a beautiful region, known for its scenery and history as well as its wine. There’s something for everyone in this part of Italy it’s perfect for day tours, golf, shopping, wining and dining. It’s also a perfect place for an Italian road trip.
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