Worth a Journey

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The World’s 100 Best Castles & Fortresses

Bardi Castle

Bardi, Italy

  1. THE WORLD’S BEST CASTLES WORTH A JOURNEY · 2026 ✦ ✦ N° 17 2026

No. 1 in Italy

Bardi Castle

Hilltop fortress on a red jasper spur above the Ceno valley, built by the Landi family around 1200. Visitors walk courtyards, towers, walkways along the walls, a torture chamber and furnished, frescoed rooms.

Highlights

  • Tower with valley views
  • Walkways along the walls
  • Frescoed state rooms

Good to know

  • Tickets €10, reduced €6
  • Allow two to three hours
  • Steep, narrow steps, comfortable shoes

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