With restless ghosts, tragic love stories and damp dungeon cells, some of the best castles to visit for Halloween in Italy include the Castles of the Duchy between Parma and Piacenza, Montebello Castle and the legend of Azzurrina. Some work well for children, while others are aimed at those after a properly spooky experience.
Castles of the Duchy
The Castles of the Duchy of Parma, Piacenza and Pontremoli network brings together dozens of fortresses, strongholds and manor houses. Towards the end of October, many of them become spooky settings for night-time visits, treasure hunts and themed shows.
Among the network’s best-known legends are the following:
- Bardi Castle (Parma): linked to Moroello, a commander in love with a young woman called Soleste. Seeing enemy banners returning, she believed he had died in battle and threw herself from the walls. When he discovered what had happened, he took his own life. His spirit is said to still roam the rooms, and the castle has become popular with ghost hunters.
- Gropparello Castle (Piacenza): the story here tells of Rosania Fulgosio, who was bricked up alive by her jealous husband. The castle also has a children’s theme park, making it a suitable setting for a family Halloween.
- Soragna Fortress (Parma): home to Donna Cenerina, the ghost of a noblewoman murdered in the 16th century. According to tradition, she appears when the family is about to experience an important event.
Montebello Castle
In the hills of the Valmarecchia, a few kilometres from Rimini, stands what many consider to be Italy’s most haunted castle. Montebello Castle owes its reputation to a little girl named Azzurrina.
The story is linked to Guendalina Malatesta, the daughter of the castle’s lord. As she had albinism, she was viewed with suspicion. To protect her, her hair was dyed with plant-based pigments, which took on blue reflections against her very pale hair. During a storm on the day of the summer solstice in 1375, the girl went down to the castle’s ice house to retrieve a ball and was never seen again.
The castle organises night-time guided tours following the legend, descending into the underground rooms where the girl is said to have disappeared.
Gradara Fortress
On the border between the Marche and Romagna regions, Gradara Fortress is one of Italy’s best-preserved medieval castles. It is also tied to one of literature’s most tragic love stories.
According to tradition, this was where the story of Paolo and Francesca unfolded. The two lovers were killed by Gianciotto Malatesta, Francesca’s husband and Paolo’s brother. Dante made them immortal in Canto V of the Inferno.
What makes Gradara particularly fitting for Halloween is not only the fortress, but the whole fortified village around it. Its double defensive walls, patrol walkways and cobbled lanes create a naturally theatrical backdrop for themed events.
Lonato del Garda Fortress
The Visconti-Venetian fortress in Lonato del Garda, in the province of Brescia, has been a National Monument since 1912 and has sweeping views across the southern part of Lake Garda.
In recent years, the fortress has run its Halloween in Rocca event for families with children aged five to 12. It lasts around two hours, with entry slots staggered throughout the day.
San Giorgio Canavese Castle
In Piedmont, less than half an hour from Turin, San Giorgio Canavese Castle is recognised across Italy as a filming location for parts of the television drama Elisa di Rivombrosa. On the night of 31 October, it hosts the Incubo al Castello event, which turns the castle rooms into a fancy-dress party with several dance floors and bar areas.
Which castles are suitable for Halloween visits
On Halloween night, many sites arrange candlelit guided tours, while others run treasure hunts, theatre shows, themed dinners or full fancy-dress parties. A castle set within a medieval borgo (historic village) also makes it easy to extend the visit with an evening walk, autumn markets and dinners based on local produce.
Stay inspired for your adventures in Italy —get our weekly newsletter for the latest travel, legal, and lifestyle news.
Source: https://www.idealista.it/