Best castles around Brogliano are found in the surrounding Vicenza province, an area rich in historical fortifications. This region is characterized by rolling hills and strategic locations, which historically hosted numerous defensive structures. The landscape offers a blend of natural beauty and cultural significance, with medieval castles often perched on elevated positions. These sites provide insights into the area's past and offer panoramic views of the surrounding plains and mountains.
Last updated: June 30, 2026
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A fine and renowned restaurant has been created there, but the original structure suggests that here stood, as also attested by the toponym handed down by the population, the ever-mentioned Castello di Montemezzo, a refuge against repeated incursions of armies in search of territories and raids in the medieval period, even before 1000, property of the Bishop of Vicenza, in a period in which the care of the souls of the faithful was subordinated to the management of real estate assets. The complex, enclosed by walls, is located in the highest part of the hill so that in the past it also served as a lookout and guard. It presents modifications that have taken place over time, with architectural details worthy of note, such as the fine fireplaces dating back to the sixteenth and eighteenth centuries. Some dates carved on the façade and on the entrance portal to the courtyard, near the family coat of arms, document the Cavajon ownership in the mid-1600s. Interesting is the engraving, unfortunately incomplete but eloquent, on the jamb of a secondary entrance, referring to the passage of Charles V, fresh from his coronation as Emperor of the Holy Roman Empire, in transit in Montemezzo on 3 November 1532. On the same day he arrived in nearby Montecchio Maggiore, where he was hosted in the welcoming villa of the Gualdo family, as shown in the house diary, which shows in particular the assortment of gifts and provisions generously given to the sovereign and his hungry caravanserai. There is no evidence of his brief stay at the Castle but, considering how the sovereign was notoriously an unrepentant gourmet, it is easy to imagine that the stop was dedicated to a skewer of seasonal game, evidently prophetic and auspicious, given that the site is now a place of refreshment for gourmets. Source: https://subvicum.it/tappe/villa-cavajon-il-castello-di-montemezzo/
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uphill rural road passable only on foot or MTB. Leads to the castle of "Giulietta" and the hypogeum complex "Le Priare".
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Colle di San Vittore is a silent, secluded and suggestive place that dominates a strategic passage between the Alta Pianura Vicentina and the Valle dell'Agno, with a view of the piedmont: precisely because of its position, it hosted the castle of Pietramala (ancient name of Priabona), built in the 8th-9th century and destroyed in 1250. For many centuries the hill was the center of the village, in a protected position, with the construction of the first parish church and the cemetery. Until quieter times pushed the inhabitants to go down to a more comfortable position, along the pass and the current road: the new church and the new cemetery were built. Today the hill hosts an unusual gathering of eras and styles: the church (with an appearance distorted over the centuries), the characteristic and squat bell tower, the ancient oratory (what remains of the castle), the deconsecrated cemetery and the 'recent' abandoned convent. https://padovasorprendi.it/loratorio-di-san-vittore-di-priabona-e-il-colle-ponimo/
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Magnificent view on one side of Sovizzo and on the other of Montecchio Maggiore. Sometimes it hosts events (theatre, open-air cinema, medieval events).
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A medieval fortress, destroyed and rebuilt several times over the centuries, built on the hills of Montecchio Maggiore for its strategic position along the Via Postumia, controlling the passage between Verona and Vicenza. A previous fortification likely existed in Roman times. It is known as "Romeo's Castle" by tradition and folklore: Luigi da Porto, a military leader and man of letters, retired from military life and wrote the first novel about Romeo and Juliet in 1531 in his residence in Montorso, overlooking the two castles. In the 19th century, at the height of Romanticism, legend arose that the two castles, so close yet so far away, inspired him to imagine them as belonging to the rival families of the Montecchi and the Cappelletti. Shakespeare later drew inspiration from his work to make the tragic love story famous. Today, the castle occasionally hosts cultural events (concerts, theater, open-air cinema); it is open on weekends (see link); Free access to both the walls and the tower, from the top of which you can enjoy a magnificent 360° panorama. https://www.prolocoaltemontecchio.it/cosa-vedere/castelli-di-giulietta-e-romeo/ https://it.wikipedia.org/wiki/Castelli_di_Romeo_e_Giulietta
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A medieval fortress, destroyed and rebuilt several times over the centuries, built on the hills of Montecchio Maggiore for its strategic position along the Via Postumia, controlling the passage between Verona and Vicenza. A previous fortification likely existed in Roman times. It is known as "Juliet's Castle" by tradition and folklore: Luigi da Porto, a military leader and man of letters, retired from military life and wrote the first story of Romeo and Juliet in 1531 in his residence in Montorso, overlooking the two castles. In the 19th century, at the height of Romanticism, legend arose that the two castles, so close yet so far away, inspired him to imagine them as belonging to the rival families of the Montecchi and the Cappelletti. Shakespeare later drew inspiration from his work to make the tragic love story famous. Today, the castle houses a bar/restaurant, and admission (free) is open during its opening days and hours (see link); From the panoramic terrace, you can enjoy a magnificent 360° view of the surrounding valleys and hills, covered in greenery and cultivated fields. https://www.prolocoaltemontecchio.it/cosa-vedere/castelli-di-giulietta-e-romeo/ https://it.wikipedia.org/wiki/Castelli_di_Romeo_e_Giulietta
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The castles in the Vicenza province, particularly the Villa Castle (Romeo's Castle) and Bellaguardia Castle (Juliet's Castle) in Montecchio Maggiore, are deeply rooted in local legend. They are believed to have inspired Luigi da Porto's 16th-century novella, which later influenced Shakespeare's 'Romeo and Juliet'. These medieval fortresses were strategically important, controlling passages and offering insights into centuries of regional history.
Both Villa Castle (Romeo's Castle) and Bellaguardia Castle (Juliet's Castle) provide magnificent 360° panoramic views. From Romeo's Castle, you can see Sovizzo and Montecchio Maggiore, while Juliet's Castle offers spectacular vistas of the surrounding plains and mountains from its panoramic terrace.
Yes, Villa Castle (Romeo's Castle) is considered family-friendly. Its historical significance and the opportunity to explore its walls and main tower make it an engaging visit for all ages. The connection to the Romeo and Juliet story also adds a captivating element for families.
Absolutely. Romeo's Castle occasionally hosts cultural events like concerts, theater, and open-air cinema. At Juliet's Castle, you can explore the 'priare,' an extensive complex of underground caves that were ancient quarries and air-raid shelters, now open for guided tours. An annual historical event themed around Romeo and Juliet is also held here.
Yes, Bellaguardia Castle (Juliet's Castle) houses a restaurant with a panoramic terrace, offering traditional Venetian cuisine. Additionally, Villa Cavajon – Montemezzo Castle has been repurposed to include a fine and renowned restaurant, providing a unique dining experience in a historical setting.
The area around Brogliano offers various outdoor activities. You can find numerous routes for mountain biking, gravel biking, and road cycling. For example, there are challenging MTB trails like the 'Passo Zovo trail junction – Col del Comunno Gravel Trail loop' or easier road cycling routes such as the 'Weirs and Rocks of the Agno River – Ruari di Novale loop'. You can explore more options on the MTB Trails around Brogliano, Gravel biking around Brogliano, and Road Cycling Routes around Brogliano guide pages.
The castles are generally pleasant to visit during spring and autumn when the weather is mild. Summer offers the chance to attend cultural events, particularly at Romeo's Castle, but can be warmer. Winter visits are possible, but some facilities or events might be limited.
Yes, the area around San Vittore Malo features the remains of the ancient castle of Pietramala, destroyed in 1250. The San Vittore Malo Descent highlight points to this silent and suggestive place, which also hosts an old church, bell tower, and oratory, offering a glimpse into the region's deeper past.
For the main castles like Romeo's Castle and Juliet's Castle, you could spend 1-2 hours at each, especially if you explore the walls, enjoy the views, or dine at the restaurant. If you plan to visit multiple sites or include activities like exploring the 'priare,' a full day might be more appropriate.
Comfortable walking shoes are recommended, as many castles involve walking on uneven terrain, stairs, or hills. Layers of clothing are advisable, especially if visiting during cooler months or if you plan to be outdoors for extended periods, to adapt to changing weather conditions.
While specific policies vary, many outdoor historical sites in Italy allow well-behaved dogs on leashes in open areas. It's always best to check the individual castle's official website or contact them directly before your visit, especially if you plan to enter indoor areas or restaurants.
The castles, particularly those in Montecchio Maggiore, are typically accessible by car. Parking is usually available near these sites, though it might be limited during peak times or special events. Public transport options might be available from larger towns, but a car offers the most flexibility for exploring the region's various castles.


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