Castello, Medieval castle in Desenzano del Garda, Italy.
Castello is a medieval fortress located on a hilltop overlooking Lake Garda, surrounded by circular walls with four defensive towers. The compound contains remnants of residential buildings, a church, and fortification elements arranged to form a complete defensive community within its perimeter.
Built around 1000 on the remains of a Roman fort, the fortress served as protection for local residents against Hungarian raids during medieval times. The settlement remained occupied for several centuries before being gradually abandoned in later periods.
The name refers to the fortified structure's role as a protective stronghold for the community below. Visitors can observe how medieval residents organized their daily lives within these defensive walls, creating a self-contained settlement.
Following major restoration work completed in 2007, visitors can explore various sections of the fortress and climb to elevated viewpoints. The walk to the highest tower provides rewarding views over Lake Garda and the surrounding terrain below.
The fortress once functioned as a fully self-contained community housing approximately 120 residences and its own church within the fortified walls. This remarkable concentration of living spaces and religious facilities demonstrates how medieval defensive settlements operated as independent units during times of threat.
The community of curious travelers
AroundUs brings together thousands of curated places, local tips, and hidden gems, enriched daily by 60,000 contributors worldwide.
