Castel d'Ario Castle

Castel D'ario, Italy

Castel d'Ario Castle was a strategic element of a defensive system into the Mantuan territory, together with Castelbelforte and Villimpenta Castles, placed on the borderline with Veneto.

Castel D'Ario Castle represents one of the main medieval fenced-in castles with a pentagonal shape. Five towers are visible, included that one at the entrance, where people can still see the location where there was a portcullis and the ruins of the opposite ravelin. A significant restoration of the praetorian Palace at the end of the 20th century has brought to life frescos at the walls of the first floor, with the escutcheons of the Scaligeris, the lords from Verona, owners of the Castle for twenty years in the second half of the 14th century.

One of the towers inside the castle is called Torre della Fame; the tower was called like this because in the middle of the 19th century some skeletons were found out in this place; probably they belonged to members of Pico della Mirandola and Bonacolsi families, locked up and starved here. A headstone on the castle door reminds to this event.

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Founded: 10th century AD
Category: Castles and fortifications in Italy

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4.1/5 (based on Google user reviews)

User Reviews

Paolo Fabbri (12 months ago)
The volunteers of the local Pro Loco have prepared a very nice, pleasant tour that traces the evolution of what are apparently just dilapidated leftovers of little significance. Their story is really well prepared and crafted,
Federica Bonadiman (15 months ago)
It is possible to take a short walk around the walls of the castle dating back to the Late Middle Ages. Nearby there is a bar with views of the castle and a playground
Stefano Pastori (Blulight) (2 years ago)
Remains of a castle typical of the area.
ing. GIAN PAOLO GHIRINGHELLI (2 years ago)
Befana day. Scout Group Mn9. Cubs of the pack in advance for the traditional evening with the Buriel (Bonfire of the old woman who is burned)
roberta s (3 years ago)
We happened upon the avis party in the area adjacent to the castle ruins. Having found the access open and free, we went in to visit it. Our surprise and indignation were greatest when we discovered that behind the walls there is a tennis court. The question arose spontaneously: WHY? Which administration in the past thought that a medieval castle could be defaced and used as a tennis court. I understand that the recovery of architectural assets is not simple, but using it as a tennis court seems absurd to me. As if Castel d'Ario was famous for tennis players, and even in this case such a choice would not have been understandable. Unfortunately the structure is left to decay. Next to it, a metal staircase with a lift inserted in the center leads to the upper floor used as a library, a shame that both the staircase and the lift are an example of carelessness. It is sad to see places of our cultural heritage defaced and deprived of their history.
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