#MEDIEVAL EUROPEAN CASTLES PLUS#

Over on the Umbrian border, Reschio Estate dates to the year 1050 and after an extensive restoration process, now offers 36 suites plus a scenic outdoor pool and an ambient subterranean spa located in what used to be the castle’s old wine cellars. Great for large groups, this castle accommodates 18 people with nine bedrooms and is just a short drive from the Adriatic coast of Salento. Head south and you’ll find the early 16th-century Castello di Caprarica complete with decorative fireplaces, storied corridors, and an internal courtyard designed with a tranquil garden. On the 740-acre property, guests can enjoy a mix of contemporary design by Paola Navone with original Renaissance frescoes, the Del Nero coat of arms, and front row views of the rolling Tuscan countryside - plus, estate-to-table Tuscan produce and treatments at COMO Shambhala Retreat. The origins of the castle and its estate can be traced back to the 12th century when it was the country residence of the noble Florentine Del Nero family.

If you’re looking for a unique stay in Italy, castle hotels abound beginning with COMO Castello del Nero in Tuscany. Italy’s diverse beauty can’t be overstated, with majestic mountain ranges like the Dolomites in the north to ancient olive groves and white-washed fortresses in the south of Puglia. Ahead, dive into TZR’s favorite European castle hotels from budget-friendly finds to bucket list stays, so you can live out your royal living fantasy (if only just for a few nights). Or in Italy, stately castles are accentuated by sprawling landscapes. In Germany, fairytales come to life with Gothic, Romanesque, and Byzantine architectural styles situated atop dramatic mountains. In the United Kingdom, you’ll find corner-towered castles that feel plucked from a medieval period drama. If you’re planning a European getaway - or need an excuse to - consider leaning into the historic theme and reserve a room in one of the castles below. And although many of these properties have changed ownership over hundreds of years, many of them still feel frozen in time (just with the added conveniences of things like electricity and running water, of course). Booking a room in one of the best European castles is like stepping back in time, when candlelit corridors and unspoiled landscapes reigned supreme. The latter category hits its stride in Europe, where centuries-old castles have been reimagined into regal accommodations. Immersive hotel stays are fodder for travelers who seek out novelty - with clever options ranging from house boats, treehouses or even historic estates.

Medieval european castles