Castello Grimani-Sorlini, Montegalda, Italy

The undisputed symbol of Montegalda is the ancient castle which dominates the entire plain, one lucky survivor of the three manors, two of which stood in Montegaldella and Cervarese S. Croce. The building changed over the years and in the 18th century it was transformed from a military facility into a Venetian villa. Its foundation dates back probably to 1176 but in the courtyard a foundation of the Roman period was found, which anticipates that construction. The castle is undoubtedly impressive, marked by three towers, a keep and the crenellated ring-shaped walls of the Guelph form, which would host the famous 'trabocchetto' (trap door) to thwart the invaders. After the tyrant Ezzelino da Romano in 1300, the domain of the castle passed to the dominion of the Scala family of Verona and later, in 18th century it was transformed into a Venetian villa. The castle of Montegalda now seems to have regained its former glory thanks to a meticulous restoration, reflecting the still incredible charm and mystery.

Castles and fortifications in Italy

User Reviews

roberta merola (2 years ago)
I came to visit the castle and on their website it was written that today they would be open from 10 to 12, bitter surprise, after a long journey we found it closed. It didn't take much to update the site.

Tiberiu T (2 years ago)
It is open in the second and last Sunday of the month, in the morning, only for at least 10 people, 20 EUR/person. I wasn't lucky to know and I missed the second Sunday.

Claudio Tonello (3 years ago)
It is a marvel, it must be valued and made known for its beauty and history.

Beppe Ceccon (4 years ago)
Beautiful structure which in fact is an example of stratification of interventions from the third century (it seems) to the Renaissance. Congratulations to the owner who takes care of such a place.

mirella Falchi (4 years ago)
A lovely place!

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Photo from Flickr, copyright Klearchos Kapoutsis

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Beckov Castle

The Beckov castle stands on a steep 50 m tall rock in the village Beckov. The dominance of the rock and impression of invincibility it gaves, challenged our ancestors to make use of these assets. The result is a remarkable harmony between the natural setting and architecture.

The castle first mentioned in 1200 was originally owned by the King and later, at the end of the 13th century it fell in hands of Matúš Èák. Its owners alternated - at the end of the 14th century the family of Stibor of Stiborice bought it.

The next owners, the Bánffys who adapted the Gothic castle to the Renaissance residence, improved its fortifications preventing the Turks from conquering it at the end of the 16th century. When Bánffys died out, the castle was owned by several noble families. It fell in decay after fire in 1729.

The history of the castle is the subject of different legends.

Castello Grimani-Sorlini

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