Castello di Monasterolo, Medieval castle in Monasterolo del Castello, Italy

Castello di Monasterolo is a medieval castle set on a hilltop overlooking Lake Endine, with thick stone walls and Gothic architectural details. Inside, a small oratory dedicated to Saint Anne provides insight into the spiritual life of those who lived there.

The castle's origins are debated: it may stand on a Benedictine monastery destroyed at the end of the 8th century by the Franks, though some attribute that destruction to Frederick Barbarossa. The first certain document dates to 1130, when the manor served defensive and residential purposes. Owners included the Mozzo, Suardi and Terzi families; in the first half of the 15th century the Suardi converted it into a noble residence to avoid demolition ordered by the Republic of Venice.

The Suardi family avoided demolition ordered by the Republic of Venice in the first half of the 15th century by turning the fortress into a lordly residence. The Gothic ogival portal on the south side leads into the Corte bassa, a square courtyard whose battlements were added later as ornament.

The site is best explored on foot, with paths leading up the hillside to the castle entrance and views extending across the lake and countryside. Comfortable footwear is advisable since the climb is steep and walkways can be uneven.

The castle served as a film set for Tutti gli uomini del deficiente by Gialappa's Band, standing in for the headquarters of Totem Arts. The building was sold in the 1930s by the Terzi family to the British countess Winifred Terni De Gregory; restoration ran from 1937 to 1945 and covered both the interiors and the gardens.