The World’s 100 Best Castles & Fortresses · 2026
The Best Castles & Fortresses in Italy
6 of the 100 castles in The World’s 100 Best Castles & Fortresses 2026 are in Italy. The highest placed is Bardi Castle in Bardi, at number 17 in the world. Castel del Monte in Andria (number 36) and Orsini-Odescalchi Castle in Bracciano (number 60) follow.
Trentino and South Tyrol
Castel Beseno runs along a ridge above the Adige Valley and holds weapons and armour. Castel Thun in the Val di Non has furnished rooms on several floors. Reifenstein Castle near Campo di Trens stands on a rock spur and is seen on a guided tour.
Emilia, Lazio and Apulia
Bardi Castle was built on a spur of red jasper above the Ceno valley. The Orsini-Odescalchi Castle above Lake Bracciano is privately owned and has frescoed rooms. Castel del Monte near Andria, built by Frederick II, has eight sides and bare rooms on two floors.
