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We’d be remiss to not include Italian castles in our massive castle series. While there are many castles in Italy, the real gems are the villas. We include the big three: castles, palaces and villas.

I like the villas. Villas date back to Roman times where the wealthy patricians owned vast estates with massive homes they called villas. While not many dating that far back remain, there are many, many luxurious villas throughout Italy that are a few hundred years old.

You can’t really go anywhere in Italy without stumbling into extraordinary architecture with historical significance. That’s one of the reasons to visit (at least for me). Whether in an Italian city or in the country, the historic structures are truly outstanding.

1. Castello Aragonese in Ischia Porto, Italy

Aragonese Castle or Castello Aragonese is located at Ischia Porto, Italy and is the most impressive historical monument in Ischia. It was built by Hiero I of Syracuse in 474 BC along with two towers to control enemy fleets’ movements. Today, the castle is open to public all year round owned and maintained by the Mattera family.

About the Aragonese Castle

Where: Ischia Porto, Italy
When: 474 BC
Who built it: Hiero I of Syracuse
Style: Medieval architecture
What is it now? Currently open to public
Current owner: Mattera family

2. Villa La Tesoriera in Turin, Italy

The Villa La Tesoriera located in Turin, Italy is a Baroque style villa built for the councilor of state and general treasurer of the Savoy State, Aymo Ferrero di Cocconato. The construction started in 1713 and was finished in 1715. The villa went through many hands before ending up to the City of Turin in 1971.

About the Tesoriera villa

Where: Turin, Italy
When: 18th century
Who built it: Aymo Ferrero di Cocconato
Style: Baroque style
What is it now? Currently open to public
Current owner: Government of Turin, Italy

3. Castello del Boccale in Tuscany, Italy

Castello del Boccale is a large manor that rises up in Livorno, Tuscany, Italy. It was originally built to serve as a lookout tower constructed in the 16th century by the Medici family. The castle changed owners multiple times and was transformed into a neo-medieval style by Marchioness Eleonora Ugolini.

Today, the castle was just restored and divided into residential apartments by Livorno architect Ivano Falchini after it was abandoned for a long period of time.

About the Boccale Castle

Where: Livorno, Tuscany, Italy
When: 16th century
Who built it: Medici family / Marchioness Eleonora Ugolini / Ivano Falchini
Style: Medieval style / Neo-medieval style
What is it now? Residential apartments / Open to the public (Outdoor Areas Only)
Current owner: Private owner

4. Bologna Castle in Bologna, Italy

Bologna Castle is located in the mountan chain of the Apennines between Tuscany and Emilia Romagn, only 45 km away from Bologna. It was built by the Count Cesare Mattei during the early 19th century, mixing Medieval Gothic with the Moorish style architecture. It was restored in 2005 by the Foundation Carisbo and is now open to public.

About the Bologna castle

Where: Bologna, Italy
When: 19th century
Who built it: Count Cesare Mattei
Style: Medieval Gothic style / Moorish style
What is it now? Open to the public
Current owner: Foundation Carisbo

5. Maschio Angioino in Naples, Italy

Castel Nuovo (New Castle), also called Maschio Angioino

Castel Nuovo, commonly known as Maschio Angioino is located in front of Piazza Municipio and the city hall (Palazzo San Giacomo) in central Naples, Italy. It was built by Pierre de Chaulnes and Pierre d’Angincourt on behalf of Charles I of Anjou in the 13th century and changed ownership multiple times.

It was restored in the mid 20th century and is now the venue of cultural events and also houses the Municipal Museum.

About the Castel Nuovo (Maschio Angioino)

Where: Palermo, Naples, Italy
When: 13th century
Who built it: Pierre de Chaulnes and Pierre d’Angincourt for Charles I of Anjou
Style: Medieval architecture
What is it now? Venue of cultural events / Municipal Museum
Current owner: Comune di Napoli / Naples Comune

6. Castello del Buonconsiglio in Trento, Italy

Castello del Buonconsiglio originated from a fortified building that was built in the 13th century in Trento, northern Italy. The original castle served as the seat of the Bishopric of Trent and modified and extended the castle.

It remained the seat of the Prince-Bishops until 1803 then returned to the Italian government to serve as a National Museum. It was then restored and became the house of the Provincial Gallery of Art.

About the Castello del Buonconsiglio

Where: Trento, Italy
When: 13th century
Who built it: Prince-Bishops of Trent
Style: Renaissance architecture
What is it now? House of the Provincial Gallery of Art
Current owner: Italian Government

7. Castello del Valentino in Turin, Italy

Located in Turin, Italy, Castello del Valentino is a historic building that was first mentioned in the 13th century and was purchased by Duke Emmanuel Philibert of Savoy in 1564. It was developed and renovated multiple times and now serves as the central building of the Architecture faculty of the Polytechnic University of Turin.

About the Castello del Valentino

Where: Turin, Italy
When: 13th century / Bought in 16th century
Who built it: Duke Emmanuel Philibert of Savoy
Style: Renaissance architecture
What is it now? UNESCO World Heritage Site / Central building of the Architecture faculty of the Polytechnic University of Turin
Current owner: University of Turin

8. Castello Estense in Ferrara, Italy

Built in the 14th century, The Castello Estense is a moated medieval castle located in the center of Ferrara, northern Italy. It was built by the orders of Marquis Niccolò II d’Este to serve as a defensive fortress against the revolution of Ferrarese people.

Later on, the castle was modified and restored, as well as reconstructed during the World War 2 when it was severely damaged by allied aerial bombings. Today, the castle is owned by the Province of Ferrara as the symbol of the city and is one of the most popular tourist site in Italy.

About the Castello Estense

Where: Ferrara, Italy
When: 14th century
Who built it: Marquis Niccolò II d’Este
Style: Renaissance architecture
What is it now? Symbol of the city / Popular tourist site
Current owner: Province of Ferrara

9. Castle of Barolo in Piedmont, Italy

The Castle of Barolo has a centuries-long history that started in the 10th century. When the Falletti family took over the castle, the property started to transform over the years and even reconstructed by Giacomo and Manfredo Falletti upon being severely damaged in the wars of the 16th century.

The castle was then abandoned following the death of the last heir to the Falletti family, and was purchased by the Township of Barolo, which today serves as a Winery and Wine museum.

About the Castle of Barolo

Where: Barolo, Piedmont, Italy
When: 10th century
Who built it: Unknown / Falletti family
Style: Medieval architecture
What is it now? Winery / Wine Museum
Current owner: Township of Barolo

10. Castello Ducale di Crecchio in Chieti, Italy

Castello ducale di Crecchio was built by the Lombards in the eighth century. It became the property of the Normans and later on restored by the Aragona family in the 15th century. The castle then went into the possession of the family De Riseis then became the home of King Vittorio Emanuele III in 1943.

The castle was rebuilt after it suffered critical damage from the allied bombs during the World War 2. Today, it is owned by the Municipality of Crecchio and houses the “Byzantine and High Medieval Museum”.

About the Castle of Crecchio

Where: Crecchio, Province of Chieti, Italy
When: 8th century
Who built it: Lombards
Style: Early medieval architecture
What is it now? Byzantine and High Medieval Museum
Current owner: Municipality of Crecchio

11. Castello di Govone in Govone, Italy

Castello di Govone is originally built as a fortress with bastions and corner towers in the 10th century. It was reconstructed by the Counts Solaro, Lords of Govone in the 13th century and changed owners multiple times.

It was purchased by Vittorio Amedeo III King of Sardinia for his sons Carlo Felice, Duca del Genevese and Giuseppe Benedetto Placido, Count of Moriana. The castle is currently listed in the UNESCO World Heritage Site.

About the Castello di Govone

Where: Piazza Vittorio Emanuele, Govone, Italy
When: 10th century
Who built it: Unknown / Counts Solaro, Lords of Govone
Style: Medieval architecture / Gothic style
What is it now? UNESCO World Heritage Site
Current owner: Italian Government

12. The Castle of Panoccia in Panoccia, Italy

The Castle of Panoccia is a medieval castle in the small town of Panoccia, Italy.

About the The Castle of Panoccia

Where: Panoccia, Italy
When: Unknown
Who built it: Unknown
Style: Medieval architecture
What is it now? Unknown
Current owner: Unknown

13. Castle of San Marino in San Marino, Italy

The Castle of San Marino is much popular as The Three Towers of San Marino. Located on the three peaks of Monte Titano in the capital, they are depicted on both the national flag and coat of arms. The first tower named Guaita is most famous and is the oldest among the three towers. It was constructed during the 11th century originally as a prison.

The second tower called the Cesta is located on the highest of Monte Titano’s summits and was created in the 13th century on the remains of an older Roman fort while the third tower called the Montale is located on the smallest of Monte Titano’s summits. It was constructed in the 14th century to serve as protection against the increasing power of the Malatesta family in that region.

About the Castle of San Marino

Where: San Marino, Italy
When: 11th century (Guaita) / 13th century (Cesta) / 14th century (Montale)
Who built it: Unknown
Style: Neo-classical architecture / Neo-gothic style
What is it now? UNESCO World Heritage Site / Open to the public
Current owner: Italian Government

14. Chianti Vineyard in Tuscany, Italy

You can’t visit Chianti without checking out its wines and other flavors. The history of Chianti dates back to at least 13th century and is popular today for one of the best wines in Italy.

About the Chianti vineyard

Where: Tuscany, Italy
When: 13th century
Who built it: Unknown
Style: N/A
What is it now? Popular vineyard
Current owner: Italian Government

15. Villa Ducale in Stresa, Italy

Villa Ducale is the oldest exclusive dwelling in Stresa and is believed to be on existence as early as 1771. It was constructed on the lakeshore by the Bolongaro family from Stresa and was transferred to Rosminians afterwards.

Villa Ducale hosted honoured guests such as Ruggero Bonghi, Niccolò Tommaseo and Alessandro Manzoni and became the preferred holiday place of Duchess of Genoa, Princess Elisabeth of Saxony, wife of Ferdinand Duke of Genoa and second child of King Charles Albert.

Now it serves as the headquarters of the International Centre for Rosminian Studies, a museum devoted to philosophy and an important library containing authoritative biomedical texts.

About the Villa Ducale

Where: Stresa, Italy
When: 18th century
Who built it: Bolongaro family
Style: Rococo style
What is it now? Headquarters of the International Centre for Rosminian Studies / Hotel and Restaurant
Current owner: Private owner

16. Doge’s Palace in Venice, Italy

The Doge’s Palace, also known as Pałaso Dogal or Palazzo Ducale is a Venetian Gothic style palace that was built in 9th century but totally demolished in the 10th century due to a fire. However it was rebuilt in the orders of Doge Sebastiano Ziani and was reconstructed multiple times, adding Renaissance style to the palace’s architecture.

Today, the Doge’s Palace has been part of the Venetian museums network under the management of the Fondazione Musei Civici di Venezia.

About the The Doge’s Palace

Where: Venice, Italy
When: 9th century / 13th century
Who built it: Unknown / Doge Sebastiano Ziani
Style: Venetian Gothic style
What is it now? Part of the Venetian museums network
Current owner: Italian Government

17. The Castle of Agliè in Agliè, Italy

The Castle of Agliè is an ancient and noble medieval fort and gardens built in the 12th century and formerly owned by the marquises of San Martino. It was developed and renovated over the years and is currently serving as a museum that is open to the public owned by the Italian Government.

About the Ducal Castle of Agliè

Where: Piazza del Castello, Agliè, Italy
When: 12th century
Who built it: Marquises of San Martino
Style: Medieval architecture
What is it now? UNESCO World Heritage Site / Museum / Open to the public
Current owner: Italian Government

18. Gonzaga Saint George Castle in Lombardy, Italy

The Castle of St. George is one of the famous group of buildings in Mantua, Lombardy, northern Italy constructed in late 14th century and was completed in the early 15th century. It was built for the noble family of Gonzaga commissioned by Francesco I Gonzaga and designed by Bartolino da Novara, who is one of the most renowned military architects in his their time.

Today, The Palazzo Ducale di Mantova, along with the Castle of St. George operates as a museum and is some of the areas are open to the public.

About the Gonzaga Saint George castle

Where: Mantua, Lombardy, northern Italy
When: 14th century
Who built it: Francesco I Gonzaga
Style: Medieval architecture
What is it now? UNESCO World Heritage Site / Museum / Open to the public
Current owner: Noble family of Gonzaga / Italian Government

19. Castello di Miramare in Trieste, Italy

Miramare Castle

Castello di Miramare or Miramare Castle is located in Trieste, northeastern Italy. It was built in the 19th century by Emperor Maximilian I and Empress Carlota of Mexico with the help of engineer Carl Junker.

The castle now is a popular tourist site and is open to the public under the Sopraintendenza per i Beni Architettonici ed il Paesaggio e per il Patrimonio Storico, Artistico ed Etnoantropologico of the Friuli-Venezia Giulia region while Maximilian’s residence was named the Historical Museum of Miramare Castle.

About the Miramare Castle

Where: Trieste, northeastern Italy
When: 19th century
Who built it: Emperor Maximilian I / Empress Carlota of Mexico
Style: Medieval architecture / Gothic style / Renaissance style
What is it now? Museum / Open to the public
Current owner: Italian Government

20. Montalto Dora Castle in Turin, Italy

The Montalto Dora Castle from the City of Turin, Italy was built in the 12th century belonging to the jurisdiction of Ivrea City’s Bishop. It was once belonged to Savoy and in the 17th century, it survived the war between the Duchy of Savoy and the French troops of the Marquis d’ Harcourt. The castle then became property of the Allioni of Brondello family and was restored back to its former form.

About the Montalto Dora castle

Where: Turin, Italy
When: 12th century
Who built it: Bishopric of Ivrea
Style: Medieval architecture
What is it now? Open to the public
Current owner: Brondello family

21. The Palace of Justice in Rome, Italy

The Palace of Justice located in Rome, Italy is the seat of the Supreme Court of Cassation and the Judicial Public Library. It was built in the late 19th century designed by the Perugia architect Guglielmo Calderini in Renaissance and Baroque style architecture. The palace was opened to the public in 1911 in the presence of the King of Italy, Victor Emmanuel III.

About the Palace of Justice

Where: Rome, Italy
When: 19th century
Who built it: Architect Guglielmo Calderini
Style: Renaissance style / Baroque architecture
What is it now? Open to the public
Current owner: Italian Government

22. Palazzo Carignano in Turin, Italy

Serving as a historical building in the centre of Turin, Italy, Palazzo Carignano houses the Museum of the Risorgimento and was a private residence of the Princes of Carignano. It was built in the 17th century ordered by Prince Emmanuel Philibert, son of Thomas Francis, Prince of Carignano and his French wife Marie de Bourbon.

The architect was Guarino Guarini, who designed the palace in Baroque style architecture. Today, the palace is listed as part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site.

About the Palazzo Carignano

Where: Turin, Italy
When: 17th century
Who built it: Prince Emmanuel Philibert / Architect Guarino Guarini
Style: Baroque architecture
What is it now? Museum of the Risorgimento / UNESCO World Heritage Site
Current owner: Italian Government

23. Rocca Maggiore in Assisi, Italy

Rocca Maggiore is a Fortress in Assisi, Italy that dominated for more than eight hundred years. Its history dated back in the 12th century when the German diplomat and Catholic Archbishop Christian of Mainz occupied Assisi. However, the fortress was reconstructed in Medieval architecture by Innocent VI by Avignon, to strengthen the fortifications of the Papal.

During the 15th century, the captain Perugia and Lord of Assisi Jacopo Piccinino started building the polygonal tower north -occidentale, which was finished by Pope Pius II. Today, the Fortress is open to the public maintained by the Assisi Government.

About the Rocca Maggiore

Where: Assisi, Italy
When: 12th century
Who built it: German diplomat and Catholic Archbishop Christian of Mainz
Style: Medieval architecture
What is it now? Open to the public
Current owner: Government of Assisi, Italy

24. Rocca Scaligera Castle in Sirmione, Italy

Rocca Scaligera Castle located in Sirmione, Italy is a fortress of the Scaligeri era, which is the access point to the historic center of Sirmione. It was built in the 13th century in the orders of the mayor of Verona Leonardo Della Scala, better known as Mastino Della Scala. Today, it is the one of the most complete and best-preserved castles in Italy and is open to the public.

About the Rocca Scaligera Castle

Where: Sirmione, Italy
When: 13th century
Who built it: Mastino Della Scala
Style: Medieval architecture
What is it now? Open to the public
Current owner: Government of Sirmione, Italy

25. Rocca Scaligera Castle in Sirmione, Italy

About the Rocca Scaligera Castle

Where: Sirmione, Italy
When: 13th century
Who built it: Mastino Della Scala
Style: Medieval architecture
What is it now? Open to the public
Current owner: Government of Sirmione, Italy

26. The Royal Palace of Caserta in Caserta, Italy

The Royal Palace of Caserta is a Neo-classical royal residence in Caserta, Italy. It was built by architect Luigi Vanvitelli for Charles VII of Naples and is one of the largest palaces erected in Europe during the 18th century. Later on, Vanvitelli add Baroque architecture to the property and is now listed as part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site.

About the Royal Palace of Caserta

Where: Caserta, Italy
When: 18th century
Who built it: Charles VII of Naples / Architect Luigi Vanvitelli
Style: Neo-classical style / Baroque architecture
What is it now? UNESCO World Heritage Site / Open to the public
Current owner: Government of Caserta, Italy

27. The Royal Palace in Milan, Italy

The Royal Palace of Milan was a long time seat of the City of Milan Government that originated during the period of medieval communes in the Middle Ages. It was heavily renovated under the government of Francesco Sforza and later became the official residence of the Dukes of Milan.

During the 18th century, the palace was reconstructed under architect Giuseppe Piermarini in a neo-classical style. Now the palace serves as home to expositions and exhibitions and as a cultural centre.

About the Royal Palace of Milan

Where: Milan, Italy
When: Middle Age / 18th century
Who built it: Reconstructed by architect Giuseppe Piermarini
Style: Neo-classical style
What is it now? Museum
Current owner: Government of Milan, Italy

28. Sarre Castle in Lalex, Italy

The Sarre castle’s history dates back to the 13th century when the Count of Savoy, Amadeus IV assigned the castle to nephews of Ugo because of a rebellion made by Hugh of Bard, lord of the place. During the 18th century, the manor was bought by Jean-François Ferrod, who reconstructed the castle into becoming the museum for the presence of the House of Savoy today.

About the Sarre castle

Where: Lalex, Italy
When: 12th century / 18th century
Who built it: Reconstructed by Jean-François Ferrod
Style: Rococo style
What is it now? Museum
Current owner: Italian Government

29. The Palazzina di Caccia in Stupinigi, Italy

The Palazzina di caccia of Stupinigi located in Stupinigi, Italy was probably built in the 14th century by the house of Savoy. It was then sold to marquis Rolando Pallavicino in the late 15th century then acquired by Duke Emmanuel Philibert in the 16th century.

The palace was reconstructed by architect Filippo Juvarra for Victor Amadeus II, King of Sardinia. The Palazzina di caccia of Stupinigi is one of the Residences of the Royal House of Savoy in northern Italy for a long time, and is now part of the UNESCO World Heritage Sites.

About the Palazzina di caccia of Stupinigi

Where: Stupinigi, Italy
When: 14th century / 18th century
Who built it: House of Savoy / Reconstructed by Filippo Juvarra for Victor Amadeus II, King of Sardinia
Style: Baroque architecture
What is it now? Part of the UNESCO World Heritage Sites
Current owner: Italian Government

30. Villa La Tesoriera in Turin, Italy

The Villa La Tesoriera located in Turin, Italy was built for the councilor of state and general treasurer of the State of Savoy from the mountains, Aymo Ferrero di Cocconato in the 18th century. The villa changed owners multiple times after Aymo Ferrero di Cocconato died without any heir and finally, the Society of Jesus, the last owner the villa left the property to the municipality of Turin in 1975.

About the Tesoriera villa

Where: Turin, Italy
When: 18th century
Who built it: Aymo Ferrero di Cocconato
Style: Baroque architecture
What is it now? Musical library
Current owner: Municipality of Turin, Italy

31. Villa Almerico Capra in Vicenza, Italy

The Villa Almerico Capra, also known as Villa La Rotonda is known world-wide for being part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site. It was designed by architect Andrea Palladio for Paolo Almerico, a count and priest from Vicenza who lived in Rome.

The villa’s last owner, Mario di Valmarana, a former professor of architecture at the University of Virginia said to preserve the beautiful architecture and open it to the public so it may be appreciated by future generations.

About the Villa Almerico Capra

Where: Vicenza, Italy
When: 16th century
Who built it: Andrea Palladio
Style: Renaissance architecture
What is it now? UNESCO World Heritage Site / Open to the public
Current owner: Italian Government

32. Villa Borghese in Rome, Italy

The Villa Borghese of Rome is one of the largest urban parks in Europe built by architect Flaminio Ponzio. When the original architect died, it was finished by his assistant Giovanni Vasanzio. Its popular garden was originally a vineyard, but was turned into the known garden today by Cardinal Scipione Borghese.

It was acquired later on by the city of Rome from the Borghese family and was given to the public in the early 20th century.

About the Villa Borghese

Where: Rome, Italy
When: 17th century
Who built it: Flaminio Ponzio / Giovanni Vasanzio
Style: Renaissance architecture / Mannerist style
What is it now? Open to the public
Current owner: City of Rome, Italy

33. Villa Carlotta located in Tremezzo, Italy

The Villa Carlotta located in Tremezzo, Italy was built in the late 17th century in the orders of the Marquis Giorgio II Clerici. The villa was passed onto different families such as the Sommariva family, who transformed the villa into a real museum with ancient and modern works of art, painting and sculpture that attracted illustrious visitors from all over Europe.

It became property of the princess Marianna di Nassau, wife of Prince Albert of Prussia and was donated by the couple to their daughter Carlotta on the occasion of the wedding with the crown prince of Saxony Meiningen, Duke George II. After the World War 1, the Italian state owned the villa and was entrusted to the Ente Villa Carlotta, which is still responsible for the property.

About the Villa Carlotta

Where: Tremezzo, Italy
When: 17th century
Who built it: Marquis Giorgio II Clerici
Style: Italian Neoclassical architecture
What is it now? Open to the public
Current owner: Ente Villa Carlotta / Italian state government

34. Villa Cordellina in Montecchio Maggiore, Italy

Located in Montecchio Maggiore, Italy, the Villa Cordellina was constructed in the 18th century by the Venetian jurisconsult Carlo Cordellina Molin originally as Palazzo Cordellina.

The Cordellina family’s hold to the villa lasted until the early years of the 19th century and then it was passed to Count Gaetano Marzotto and in 1954 to Vittorio Lombardi who sold the ownership of the complex to the Province of Vicenza, the current property owner.

About the Villa Cordellina

Where: Montecchio Maggiore, Italy
When: 18th century
Who built it: Venetian jurisconsult Carlo Cordellina Molin
Style: Palladian architecture
What is it now? Representative office
Current owner: Province of Vicenza, Italy

35. Villa del Balbianello in Lenno, Italy

The Villa del Balbianello in the comune of Lenno, Italy overlooking the Lake Como was originally built as a monastery in the 13th century and was transformed into a villa in the 18th century. It was reconstructed by Cardinal Angelo Maria Durini upon purchasing the property and in the end of the 18th century, the cardinal passed away and the property was inherited by Count Luigi Porro Lambertenghi.

The villa became the seat of republican activity and later on, it was sold to Giuseppe Arconati Visconti, grandfather of Luchino Visconti. After the World War 1, Butler Ames purchased the property from Visconti and upon renovating it, the villa was sold to Count Guido Monzino and when he died in 1988, he left the villa to the Fondo per l’Ambiente Italiano, the National Trust of Italy. Today, it is open to the public.

About the Villa Del Balbianello

Where: Lenno, Italy
When: 18th century
Who built it: Cardinal Angelo Maria Durini
Style: Classical architecture
What is it now? Open to the public / Tourist Site
Current owner: Fondo per l’Ambiente Italiano

36. Villa Foscari in Venice, Italy

Villa Foscari, also known as La Malcontenta was commissioned by the brothers Nicolo and Luigi Foscari, members of a patrician Venetian family. It was built in the 16th century designed by Andrea Palladio after his return from his last trip in Rome.

It was used for official receptions, such as that given for Henry III of France in 1574 and today, it is open to the public and is part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site.

About the Villa Foscari, also known as La Malcontenta

Where: Venice, Italy
When: 16th century
Who built it: Nicolo and Luigi Foscari
Style: Palladian architecture
What is it now? Open to the public / UNESCO World Heritage Site
Current owner: City of Vicenza, Italy

37. Villa Giulia in Rome, Italy

The Villa Giulia is a villa in Rome, Italy built in the 16th century by Pope Julius III. It features both renaissance and mannerist style architecture. Today, it is open to the public and houses the Museo Nazionale Etrusco, a collection of Etruscan art and artifacts.

About the Villa Giulia

Where: Rome, Italy
When: 16th century
Who built it: Pope Julius III
Style: Renaissance style / Mannerist style
What is it now? Open to the public / Museum
Current owner: City of Rome, Italy

38. Villa Medicea di Cafaggiolo in Florence, Italy

The Villa Medicea di Cafaggiolo is located in north of Florence, central Italy and was one of the oldest and most favoured of the Medici family estates. It was built in the 15th century following the designs of the eminent Renaissance architect Michelozzo.

Although much of the Medici family villas are in Renaissance style, the Villa Medicea di Cafaggiolo’s architecture was a deliberate retrospective quattrocento – a style and period which combined both the Gothic and classical styles.

The villa has a long history with the Medici family but it was then acquired by the Italian Government, who later sold the property to Prince Marcantonio Borghese. The villa is now privately owned by a company called Società Cafaggiolo srl.

About the Villa Medicea / Villa Medici at Cafaggiolo

Where: Florence, Italy
When: 15th century
Who built it: Medici family / Designed by architect Michelozzo
Style: Quattrocento – combination of gothic and classical styles
What is it now? Wedding venue
Current owner: Società Cafaggiolo srl

39. Villa Melzi in Bellagio, Italy

The Villa Melzi is a Neoclassical palace built in the 19th century by the famous architect Giocondo Albertolli for Francesco Melzi d’Eril, Duke of Lodi. The property was later on sold to the aristocratic Gallarati Scotti family and today, it is famous for its surrounding gardens while operating as a hotel, who have accomodated numbers of hollywood stars including George Clooney and Brad Pitt.

About the Villa Melzi

Where: Bellagio, Italy
When: 19th century
Who built it: Architect Giocondo Albertolli for Francesco Melzi d’Eril, Duke of Lodi
Style: Neoclassical style
What is it now? Chapel, museum and park
Current owner: Count Gallarati Scotti

40. Villa Melzi in Bellagio, Italy

Designed by Architect Giocondo Albertonelli for Francesco Melzi d’Eril in the 19th century, Villa Melzi in Bellagio is a neoclassical architecture with a picturesque botanical garden with statues, lakeside paths & a villa on the grounds. The park was commissioned to Luigi Canonica and is partially open to the public owned by Count Gallarati Scotti.

About the Villa Melzi in Bellagio

Where: Bellagio, Italy
When: 19th century
Who built it: Architect Giocondo Albertolli for Francesco Melzi d’Eril, Duke of Lodi
Style: Neoclassical style
What is it now? Chapel, museum and park
Current owner: Count Gallarati Scotti

41. Ancient Villa in Pistoia, Italy

This luxurious villa is a typical country home from the late 1700s located near the province of Pistoia in Tuscany, Italy. It has a beautiful garden surrounded by stunning mature trees.

About the Ancient villa near Pistoia

Where: Pistoia, Italy
When: 18th century
Who built it: Unknown
Style: Unknown
What is it now? Unknown
Current owner: Unknown

42. Villa Olmo in Como, Italy

The Villa Olmo located in Como, Italy is a neoclassical style designed by Swiss architect Simone Cantoni in the late 18th century. It was built for marquis Innocenzo Odescalchi as a summer retreat for the aristocracy. Today, the villa is open to the public after it was purchased by the City of Como in 1924.

About the Villa Olmo

Where: Como, Italy
When: 18th century
Who built it: architect Simone Cantoni for marquis Innocenzo Odescalchi
Style: Neoclassical
What is it now? Open to the public
Current owner: City of Como, Italy

43. Villa Reale in Monza, Italy

The Royal Villa or Villa Reale is a historical building in Monza, northern Italy built in the 18th century by Giuseppe Piermarini for the Archduke Ferdinand of Austria. It was built when Lombardy was still part of the Austrian Empire but when the new Kingdom of Italy was established, it was then became a palace of the Italian Royal House of Savoy.

It is now open to the public under the Italian government after the royal family abandoned the property.

About the Villa Reale of Monza

Where: Monza, Italy
When: 18th century
Who built it: Giuseppe Piermarini for the Archduke Ferdinand of Austria
Style: Neoclassical style
What is it now? Open to the public
Current owner: City of Monza, Italy

44. Villa Barbini-Rinaldi in Monza, Italy

Villa Rinaldi Barbini — Villa Barbini-Rinaldi

The Villa Barbini-Rinaldi is a Baroque style Venetian villa located in the Asolo, Italy. It bears the name of Francesco Rinaldi, who built the property and has a small private church inside. During the World War 2, the Nazis killed some partisans of the Italian Resistance near the villa. Today, it is a popular tourist attraction in Asolo.

About the Villa Barbini-Rinaldi

Where: Monza, Italy
When: 16th century
Who built it: Francesco Rinaldi
Style: Baroque style
What is it now? Tourist attraction
Current owner: Government of Asolo, Italy

45. Villa Valmarana in Vicenza, Italy

The Venetian villa “Ai Nani” Villa Valmarana located in the city of Vicenza was built in the 17th century in the orders of Giovanni Maria Bertolo. It was then sold to the Valmarana family in the 18th century and had the property restored and improved. Currently the villa is still owned by the Valmarana family and is open to the public six days a week.

About the Villa Valmarana “Ai Nani”

Where: Vicenza, Italy
When: 17th century
Who built it: Giovanni Maria Bertolo / Restored and developed by the Valmarana family
Style: Renaissance style
What is it now? Residence of Valmarana family / Open to the public
Current owner: Valmarana family