Trans World Travel: Five Enchanting Castles in Italy You Can Stay In

For those who ever dreamed of staying in a real castle but have yet to find royal blood in your ancestry, your dream may be closer than you think. Of course, not everyone can afford to buy a castle, but that doesn't mean you can't rent one. At least for a night or two. In Italy, some of the most spectacular ancient castles in the world have been transformed into hotels.

Below is a list of five enchanting Italian castle hotels that will finally allow you to live your dream while at the same time living history!

Castello di Spaltenna

Set in Tuscany's countryside, Castello di Spaltenna Exclusive Resort & Spa is an ancient monastery from the 10th century. While retaining many of its medieval touches, it offers 2 swimming pools, one of which is heated, a restaurant and spacious rooms with Sky TV. Rooms have traditional Tuscan décor and panoramic views over the valley or the courtyard. They all include free Wi-Fi. The outdoor pool has a waterfall and a sun terrace for guests to sunbathe. In the winter months, there's the indoor pool with countryside views. Il Pievano restaurant is situated in the castle's historic hall and offers a large wine list including many wines from the local Chianti region. Candlelit dinners are served out on the courtyard. A sauna, Turkish bath and gym, tennis court and billiard room are also available. Staff can offer suggestions on the many hiking and mountain biking trails in the area.

Castello di Spaltenna Terrace Suite

Castello di Spaltenna
Via Spaltenna, 13 - Località Pieve di Spaltenna
53013 Gaiole in Chianti - SIENA
Tel. +39 0577 749483

Castello Bevilacqua

This romantic, 14th-century castle-hotel is worth considering if you've ever dreamed of spending a night in a real castle. The four star hotel offers 7 marvellous junior suites differing from one another in style and character, 7 magical sceneries for a real taste of a faraway times. In each junior suite, the Renaissance style of decorations perfectly blends with contemporary design and modern comforts including free in-room Wi-Fi. All the charm and the magic of the Relais Castello Bevilacqua make staying in the hotel a truly unique experience. Rooms are gorgeous, and the restaurant is excellent, not to mention atmospheric.

Relais Castello Bevilacqua's 7 rooms are air-conditioned and provide minibars, coffee makers, and free international calls. LCD TVs come with digital channels, and the free WiFi keeps guests connected. Bathrooms offer rainfall showers, hair dryers, and free toiletries. Other standard amenities include free long-distance calls, free local calls, and free bottled water.

Start your day off right with a free continental breakfast, served each morning from 8:30 AM to 10:30 AM. Sit down for a leisurely bite to eat at the onsite restaurant, or enjoy a drink at the bar/lounge. Savor a meal from the comfort of your room with room service, get a quick energy boost at the coffee shop/café, and chat with other guests at the free manager's reception.

Relais Castello Bevilacqua
Via Roma 50, Bevilacqua, Italy

Castello di Monterone

Set upon a hill overlooking the green valley between Assisi and Perugia, this 13th century castle was built to protect the strategically important Perugia to Rome road. This historic castle is now a comfortable hotel. Escape the city hustle and bustle and enjoy a tranquil and relaxing environment both inside and outside the castle walls. At Castello Di Monterone you can enjoy peace and quiet in the cosy library, or socialize in front of the fireplace in one of 2 lounges. The hotel's spa includes a sauna, Turkish bath and a swimming pool with jacuzzi. In the evenings, relax under the stars and enjoy the city lights of Perugia's ancient skyline.

Castello di Monterone
Str. di Montevile, 3, 06126 Perugia, Italy

Castello di Semivicoli

Castello di Semivicoli is a 17th century castle located in Abruzzo in the district of Chieti. At an elevation of 1,168 feet above the sea level, the beauty of Mount Majella only 20 km away and the sparkling blue of the Adriatic Sea, only 20 minutes away, can be clearly seen.

The building was the property of Baron Perticone and boasts a fully functional oil mill, built in 1836, and a cellar with huge chestnut casks dating back to the beginning of the nineteenth century AD.

Castello di Semivicoli is the ideal location for business meetings, conventions, wedding parties, wine tastings and gourmet events for any kind of ceremonies and events.

The rooms are all different in style, with antique or modern furnishings. Some rooms have a spa bath. WiFi is available in all areas and is free of charge.

Wine tasting can be requested at the property bar.

The castle is near the ski slopes in Passo Lanciano, about 18.6 miles away. The nearest beach on the Adriatic Coast is 20 minutes' drive from the property.

Castello di Semivicoli
Via S. Nicola, 24, 66010 Casacanditella CH, Italy

Castello delle Quattro Torra

Enjoy a majestic setting in the Tuscan countryside and relax within the walls of this ancient castle, just 1.2 miles outside the historic walls of Siena.

Castello delle Quattro Torra is a comfortable bed and breakfast. Admire the medieval courtyard. Furnishings include antique objects, exposed wood-beam ceilings, original stone walls and terracotta floors.

Quattro Torra’s main living area is located on the third floor. Here you can choose to stay in the Tower Room, with its 360-degree view of the surrounding countryside, or the very spacious Blue Room, with a view of Siena.

For more independence, book Quattro Torra’s charming apartment, located on the first floor. Here you will have a cosy kitchen, a comfortable living room with fireplace, and a large double room.

Start your day in the impressive breakfast room and enjoy the welcoming, family-run atmosphere and free breakfast. Friendly staff will assist you with booking tours and day trips to nearby sites.

There are cosy lounges, relaxing gardens and children’s play areas. Enjoy free Wi-Fi. Take advantage of the large, free car park.