A Dreamy Medieval Castle and Village
Castello di Soave is a stately example of a military castle in the Veneto that was originally built in the 10th century during the time of Hungarian invasions at the direction of the King of Italy. Over the next 700 years the castle changed hands many times between feudal families, doges, local royals and foreign invaders and due to its strategic position, in 1375 the fortress was reinforced, and the immense walls around the castle and village were built.
Castello on the Mend
It fell into ruin in the 1700’s, but was loving brought back to life. You can drive up and park at the drawbridge or hike up a path from the village center, . For a look at the town of Soave, check out my tour of Soave, Italy here. An absolutely charming town of historical wineries, restaurants and sites awaits you!
Table of Contents
Welcome to Castello di Soave!
Standing at the main road where it meets the village path, you will first encounter the drawbridge and stone doorway to the entrance. The drawbridge is in the mighty tower called “Saint Giorgio” thanks to the plaque of him over the entrance, through the drawbridge is the first courtyard (of three) that shows evidence of a 10th century church originally built with the castle.
Three Courtyards to the Castle
From the first courtyard you enter another tower door (portcullis) called “the Madonna” for the 1321 fresco on the tower, the other side of the drawbridge is in view and you cross the courtyard to the final stairs to the “Captains House” courtyard.
A Military Castle, Masculine in Every Way
You enter into the main living area with the commanding fireplace, then to the left is a manly bedroom that includes a beautifully carved 15th century walnut bed, chair and prayer stand below a fresco of Christ. Weapons and a suit of armor adorn the room, ready for battle.
Men of Faith
In the bedroom is a kneeling stool for prayer. The brutal fighting of Medieval times would definitely have needed blessings. The fresco is a 13th century Crucifix of Christ between the Madonna and Mary Magdalene. The windows and views are amazing.
Dinner and Business - Then on to the Ramparts
On the right of the main entrance is the stately dining room where you can envision mediaeval nights dining on drumsticks, tearing into loaves of bread while grasping a challis of vino. After a roundtable meeting of military minds discussing battle strategy, you can imagine official letters being drawn up in the adjacent small study where frescos of nobility adorn the walls. Here you will find the door that leads up to the ramparts.
All Men to Your Stations!
Departing out the door from the small study, you climb the stone steps to reach the ramparts of the castle with arguably the most spectacular views of the Veneto.
Gorgeous Views Surround You in Every Direction!
Next Stop - the Tower & Dungeon!
After you wander the ramparts you climb the stairs to the tower. The “mastio” is the main tower built on a granite base. As you explore the tower, trap doors and grates let you look down into the depths of the rooms and dungeon. If you look closely at the base of the tower outside, you can see a small tunnel into the bottom that has been excavated so that you can enter the bottom of dungeon – or hell as it would seem to those thrown in! It’s fun and a bit creepy to stand in there and think about how horrific it would have been and to know many sets of bones were brought out.
I Bid Farewell to My Favorite Castle - Until we meet again!
The village path to the Costello
If you want to add a special touch to the Costello experience then I suggest the village path to the castle. From the center of main street at the flag pole you’ll see a historic building – the Palazzo di Giustizia from the Scala era built in 1375. In the arches is the patio of Enoteca Il Drago, a restaurant with a perfect view! To the right is the beginning of the hike.
I made my way back down the stone path towards Porto Verona. The main road through the village is lined with charming wine bars, restaurants and gelato shops. You can stop for a cool glass of delicious Soave Bianco at Sauvis Nobis just inside the village walls.
Enjoy the stroll through Porto Verona and look up at the wine bottles hanging from the ceiling and admire the antique wine press. Just outside the walls look to the left over your shoulder at the picturesque walls of the village on the hill. I’m sure the locals might take the view for granted, but to me they are stunning. A Thirsty Explorers perfect ending!
I found Soave by accident when I was driving on E70 from Venice to Verona with my kids, I pointed out the castle up on the hill, with the beautiful walls coming down around a village. After touring Verona for a little while my kids were in need of something a little different because they were so small. So, I asked them if they would like to go see a castle and they agreed with glee. Off we drove through the vineyards up to Costello Scaligero di Soave.
The Costello di Soave and it’s charming town of the same name have since become one of my favorites. After touring the Castle, we drove through the little village and I knew I had to come back to explore the wines of the region and town itself! Read my post about the town of Soave Italy. You’ll love the trip! ~
The Nitty Gritty
Costello di Soave – A 10th Century
Cantina Del Castello – Winery and wine tasting – my blog post Cantina del Castello
Cathedral of San Lorenzo the Martyr– Pieve di San Lorenzo Martier -Baroque church of Soave
By Car – Costello di Soave is perched over the village of Soave and both are encompassed in the castle’s walls. It is just north off A4 the the Soave/ San Bonifacio exit. Head north on Viale della Vittoria (SP37) through the wall entrance at Porto Verona. To the right is SP39 – the main road from Porto Verona. Drive until you again go through the walls at Porto Aquila (one way street) to Via Mondello, turn right. Follow the road to the castle.
By train – Trains arrive to Soave at the train station in San Bonifacio. Bus 130 takes you to Porto Verona.
By Bus – Bus from the San Bonifacio train station AND from Verona is number 130. Bus from Verona can be caught at the main train station and along Corso Porta Nuova.
Sauvis Nobis– a wine bar just inside Porto Verona
El Bacaro– wine bar
Bar Tre Garofani -coffee, wine, beer and spirits bar across from Sauvis – a place to buy bus tickets !
Mattielli Caffetteria & Gelateria– Espresso bar serving refreshments and treats!
Enoteca Il Drago – in the historic Palazzo di Giustizia. Beautiful patio setting, food and vino.
Pizzeria Acquario Soave– A pizza place with nice patio overlooking the village walls.
Trattoria da Amedeo – Restaurant in a former 13th Century Monastary, featuring seafood with extensive list of wines.
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