The manor is a real gem, the visit is very pleasant especially in the part of the walkways of the perimeter walls that can be done completely enjoying a fabulous scenery of the landscape. I recommend a stop at the restaurant where the staff is welcoming and kind.
Sandro De Florio
.
27 Giugno 2025
10,0
Once you understand the difference between a castle and a manor house... interesting visit that evokes ancient battles, to fully live the experience you need a guide who involves you and makes you dive into the life of the manor house of the past, the customs, the slits for throwing incandescent pitch, the stone spheres to knock down the door in treated Trentino wood... try and wear armor, helmets, swords? Priceless
Tullio Chistè
.
26 Giugno 2025
10,0
Beautiful manor in a green park.
There is a restaurant on the top floor and a very folkloristic tavern on the ground floor.
Entrance fee €10 including an excellent audio guide, really well done (not verbose and at times even funny).
Recommended
vanni velani
.
10 Giugno 2025
10,0
A place rich in history and art that dominates the spectacle of the Euganean Hills. Ideal for events and photo shoots.
Filippo Boscolo
.
08 Giugno 2025
10,0
Valbona Castle, located in Lozzo Atestino at the foot of the Euganean Hills in the province of Padua, is an imposing medieval fortress that has preserved its original 13th-century appearance almost intact.
Origins and Defensive Function
Although there is no precise date for its construction, the castle already existed in the first half of the 13th century and was closely linked to the larger Lozzo Castle (now Villa Lando Correr), of which it was a strategic dependency. Its position was crucial for the control of a once marshy area, which allowed the control and taxation of travellers.
The castle, almost rectangular in shape, is characterised by four hexagonal towers at the corners (a rare and expensive shape, but which significantly increased its defence) and two square towers near the two main gates. The main tower stands in the centre of the structure. It was equipped with drawbridges that crossed a deep wall (now buried) and had ingenious defensive solutions, such as gutters above the doors to pour boiling oil on attackers. Inside, two courtyards and a well ensured the water supply.
Conflicts and Changes of Ownership
The history of the Valbona Castle is full of sieges and destruction due to its strategic position in the conflicts between the regional powers of the time: Padua (Carraresi), Verona (Scaligeri), Este and the Vicentini.
* It was besieged and destroyed for the first time in 1231 and immediately rebuilt.
* In 1313, it was conquered again by the Veronese, sacked and devastated.
* In the fourteenth century it became an important garrison of the Carraresi, as evidenced by the coats of arms with the cart and the crest still visible on the entrance door.
Over the centuries, the castle has passed through the hands of numerous noble families, including the Barbarigo and, more recently, the Targa, who are responsible for the preservation of the monument, and finally the Albrizzi counts, the current owners.
From Fort to Accommodation Facility
In the 16th century, with the end of its military function, the castle was adapted to a residence. Today, Valbona Castle is one of the best preserved medieval fortresses in the Euganean area. A renowned restaurant has been set up inside and it is a popular location for events, such as weddings and large parties. It is also possible to visit it, exploring the internal rooms, the prisons, the guard walkways and admiring the surrounding panorama.
Legends and Mysteries
Like many ancient castles, Valbona is also shrouded in legends. The best known concerns the daughter of Germano Ghibelli, one of the owners. It is said that the young woman, in love with a man of lower rank, died tragically because she was unable to fulfill her dream of love. Legends vary about the circumstances of her death (beheaded or walled up alive), but all agree that her spirit still wanders within the castle walls, sometimes manifesting itself with moans or appearing between the battlements in tears.
Valbona Castle represents a tangible testimony to the medieval past of the Veneto, a place where history, architecture and legend blend together, offering a unique experience to visitors.
Alberto Angeli Gogo#
.
05 Giugno 2025
10,0
Valbona Castle is a perfectly preserved medieval wonder, immersed in the greenery of the Euganean Hills. With its towers, crenellated walls and the atmosphere of times gone by, it offers a fascinating and evocative experience.
Agostino Dainese
.
01 Giugno 2025
10,0
Castle, or rather enchanting manor, we were very impressed by the beauty of the place and the care with which it is kept! We did the visit independently with an audio guide and a very positive note, unlike what we had read in the reviews, they allowed us to bring our medium-sized dog with us. Very interesting and well-made description, not boring. Highly recommended!!!
Claudia Contena
.
01 Giugno 2025
10,0
Beautiful example of a perfectly preserved MANOR,
"also visitable independently", of our Euganean plain, it is a customs house from the years 1000/1500.
Left speechless, highly recommended.
Paolo Campanaro
.
31 Maggio 2025
10,0
A fascinating place, with a history
A detail that takes the mind to a very distant journey.
10€ for the visit with audio guide, very well done.
I recommend
Milos Obilic
.
25 Maggio 2025
10,0
Visited today on a self-guided audio tour, with a ticket purchased on a partner platform. A very beautiful, well-preserved and maintained medieval manor. The reception staff was very kind, even in explaining how to proceed with the visit. We did not use the internal restaurant. Souvenir magnets of the castle are available on site.
Pierluigi
.
25 Maggio 2025
10,0