A 1,000-Year-Old Castle in Italy Is On the Market—and It’s Less Than 20 Miles From Milan

If you’ve ever dreamed of living in an Italian castle, now might be your chance.

A 1,000-year old castle just south of Milan is currently up for sale, boasting more than 102,000 square feet of space, fortified medieval architecture, a pointed arch portico, and even the remains of a moat, according to Sotheby’s International Realty, which listed the home. Set in the town of Landriano, the castle dates all the way back to the 11th century.

While Sotheby’s offers a price upon asking, Mansion Global reported the castle has an asking price of €3.6 million ($4.19 million).

Originally built to be a military fortress for the Landriani family, the structure was acquired in the 1500s and renovated in the Renaissance style of the time, according to the real estate publication. As part of that, some of its defensive features like towers and battlements were removed.

The castle was then abandoned by the 19th century before being scooped up and partially restored by a private buyer in the 1980s.

Today, the white stucco castle features a red-tiled roof, elaborate Renaissance-era frescoes, and a central courtyard, along with 10 bedrooms and 10 bathrooms. While the home needs quite a bit of work—or a “complete renovation”—Sotheby’s said it “lends itself to an ambitious restoration project.”

Sotheby’s added it was great “for those wishing to enhance a historic asset with residential, hospitality, or cultural potential.”

The home sits in the region of Lombardy, which was named one of the best places to retire in Italy last year. The area, which also includes Milan and Lake Como, is even trending with travelers this year thanks to its vibrant city life, charming lakefront resorts, and gorgeous villages.

“It’s ideal because you’re close to the city, but you’re already on the way down to the seaside [region of Liguria],” Diletta Giorgolo, a real estate professional with Sotheby’s, told Mansion Global. “It’s also an easy reach from the airport and Germany, Switzerland and Austria, so it’s centrally located.” 

If you’re dreaming of castle life, you’re not alone. Even Pope Leo XIV traveled to Castel Gandolfo just outside of Rome for an earned summer vacation last month, enjoying its marble floors, tapestries, and artifacts from across more than 500 years of history. There are also plenty of other castles travelers can visit, including Rome’s Castel Sant’Angelo, Castel del Monte in Andria, Castello Sforzesco in Milan, Gradara Castle, and the Castello di Potentino in Seggiano.