Bevilacqua Castle

Bevilacqua, Italy

Bevilacqua Castle is considered one of the finest examples of its kind on Veronese territory. It was erected in 1336. Guglielmo Bevilacqua and his son, Francesco, were both commissioned by the Della Scala (Lords of Verona) to erect it. Originally erected for purely military purposes, the castle was damaged during the period of League of Cambrai and lost its strategic importance during the reign of the Venetian Republic.

In 1532 the famous architect Michele Sanmicheli transformed it into a country-house. The castle was burnt by the Austrians in 1848, and its subsequent restoration added the neo-gothic elements to the structure visible today, including the battlements.

During the Second World War it became a German Military outpost, before being handed over to the salesian Fathers up to 1966, the year in which it caught fire once more, before being sold to private investors. Thanks to careful restoration the castle has regained its former splendour and can be visited throughout the year.

Bevilacqua castle is now the backdrop for plays, concerts and suggestive Medieval Pageants such as the Medieval Spring and New Year Festival. It also houses a restaurant and a renowned banqueting hall and conference centre which offers every modern facility in a setting steeped in tradition and history.

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Details

Founded: 1336
Category: Castles and fortifications in Italy

More Information

www.tourism.verona.it

Rating

4.6/5 (based on Google user reviews)

User Reviews

rachel montebello (36 days ago)
This was a beautiful experience: the castle is a lovely place, a real noble residence, very well maintained, while the rooms are noble but also very clean, cosy and comfortable, and lacking in absolutely nothing. I would recommend this place to anyone looking for a romantic getaway in the heart of Veneto as it is also within reasonable distance of major cities like Vicenza, Ferrara, Mantova and also Lago di Garda and is also a six0minute drive to the beautiful fortress-town of Montagnana.
Ema Dogaru (4 months ago)
What an amazing place! we just had a wedding at the castle and everything was wonderful. The staff were incredible, they went out of their way to help us. Many thanks to Andrea, Marco (who kept the drinks coming) and the gentlemen on reception, who made our stay very personal. We were very pleased with our stay, strongly recommend!
MalibuFilmSociety (4 months ago)
Terrific experience, like staying overnight in a museum filled with thousands of priceless antiques. Dinner was terrific; altogether, well worth driving so far out of the way to Bevilaqua. Our only (minor) complaint was the birthday party for a 19 year-old with loud music that went on well past midnight -- which we were able to drown out with the white-noise machine we always take on our trips.
Ruggero Morselli (6 months ago)
I have been wanting to stay in a castle for a while and this was a great experience. This feels like a real castle, both from outside and inside, especially the rooms. I stayed in the Cardinale Bonifazio tower room and it was absolutely wow, decorated with lots of antiques in a baroque style. The service at the family run hotel was really friendly and professional. I travel a lot through Europe, and this was one of my most unique stay experiences.
Mag Yip (6 months ago)
Staying here is like stepping back in time and experiencing aristocratic life, but at the same time enjoying modern facilities for a comfortable and enjoyable holiday. All the staff were friendly and we enjoyed our meal in peace in the restaurant.
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Sigmaringen Castle

Sigmaringen Castle was first mentioned in the year 1077 in the chronicles of Petershausen monastery. The oldest parts of the castle are concealed beneath the alterations made during the 17th and the 19th centuries. The secret of the earliest settlement built on this defendable rock will never be fully revealed: large-scale excavation work would be necessary, which the extensive land development renders impossible. Judging from the many Roman remains unearthed in the area around Sigmaringen, the 12th century keep known as the 'Roman Tower' could be traced back to a Roman predecessor.

The castle remains that have been preserved (gate, great hall and keep) date back to the Staufer period around 1200. The castle remains were integrated into subsequent buildings. The foundations of the castle buildings are to a large extent identical to the surrounding castle wall.

These remains give us a good idea of how the castle might have looked during the 12th century.