Now it has become an annual event not to be missed: the XXV edition of the National Days of the Castle, on stage on Saturday 11 and Sunday 12 May 2024. It is a special event, since the Italian Castelli Institute – which organizes the guided tours and all the other experiences to be done on site – turns 60 years old. There will be up to 25 sites which, including castles, fortified villages and towers, will be open to the public over the weekend. Let’s find out some of the most suggestive places to visit
The most beautiful castles to visit
Let’s start with the fascinating Tramontano Castle, located on the hill of Lapillo that overlooks the historic center of the city of Matera. Built in the 16th century as a defensive fortress, it has been undergoing restoration work for years to restore it to its original splendor. On May 11 and 12 it will be open to the public free of charge, to be admired in all its special beauty. Instead it is in the Cilento that you can visit Castle of Camerota, which is in the heart of the city: all that remains of the fortress are the walls and the surrounding moat, the towers and some remains of the chapel. Guided tours will take place on Sunday, May 12 to discover its history.
Everyone knows Sforzesco Castle in Milan, one of the most important historical buildings of the Lombardy capital. On Sunday, May 12, it will be possible to dive into its long history, to discover the secrets that its walls keep: the free visits will give the perfect opportunity to admire this masterpiece of the Renaissance. On Saturday 11 May you can visit for free Fortress of Sassocorvaroa suggestive fortification located in the historic center of the Marche village from which it takes its name.
In Molise there are different sites to visit: this is the case, for example, of Alexander Castle is located in Pescolanciano, in the province of Isernia. Built in medieval times on a rocky spur that enjoys a splendid view of the village, it is temporarily closed to the public (with the exception of events and guided tours). It is therefore the perfect opportunity to discover its internal rooms, both Saturday 11 and Sunday 12 May. Finally, during the weekend you can visit Castle of Volpianoor rather the ruins that still stand, and the nearby Abbey of Fruttuaria.
Towns and cities waiting to be discovered
The National Days of the Castle will then offer some guided tours in the participating towns and cities. Let’s start from vast, in the province of Chieti: on Sunday 12 May we will meet in Piazza Rossetti, then discover the historic center and the beautiful Gardens of the Avalos Palace, before visiting the archaeological site of the Roman Baths and the Church of Santa Maria Maggiore . In Umbria, on the afternoon of Saturday 11 May, it will be possible to take a guided tour of the historic fortified center of Antriadominated by its ancient castle (also open to the public for the occasion).
Let’s now go to Liguria, where on the weekend of May 11 and 12 guided walks are planned to discover two suggestive towns: that of Ligurian ending (and in particular its oldest nucleus, Finalborgu) and that of Noli, a charming seaside village with an authentic atmosphere. Finally, Sunday May 12 you can visit the city of Verona and, above all, its ancient city walls, as well as the forts and towers that will form the defensive structure of the historic center.