Top 7 Castles around Follina

While Follina itself is renowned for the magnificent Cistercian Abbey of Santa Maria di Follina, the surrounding Prosecco Hills region features a variety of historical fortified structures and elegant stately homes. These include medieval castles, ancient towers, and historical palaces that reflect centuries of history.

Follina is primarily known for its historical Abbey of Santa Maria, rather than traditional medieval castles. The village does have historical buildings like Palazzo Barberis Rusca and Palazzo Bernardi, but for fortified castles, you'll need to explore the nearby towns in the Prosecco Hills.

Among the most notable are San Salvatore Castle, an impressive fortress dominating Susegana, and Castelbrando, a grand medieval castle in Cison di Valmarino with Roman origins. You can also visit the Torri di Credazzo, a fortified complex of three ancient towers.

The Abbey of Santa Maria di Follina is an unusually well-preserved architectural gem. It showcases a blend of Romanesque and Gothic styles, featuring a perfectly preserved 13th-century cloister with intricately carved columns. Inside, you can admire valuable artworks, including a 1527 fresco by Francesco da Milano and the ancient Madonna del Sacro Calice sculpture. It's a peaceful haven with a rich history.

Castelbrando has a rich history dating back to Roman times, originally built to protect the Via Claudia Augusta. It served as an important defensive position and was later expanded significantly in the 13th century. Today, it operates as a 4-star hotel, museum, and theater, and you can even reach it by cable car from the village of Cison di Valmarino.

Many of the castles and viewpoints offer breathtaking panoramas. For example, San Salvatore Castle provides stunning views of the plain below, while the Torri di Credazzo are situated amidst vineyards, offering a unique landscape to observe.

The picturesque village of Cison di Valmarino, dominated by Castelbrando, is considered family-friendly. While the castles themselves offer historical exploration, the surrounding areas provide opportunities for gentle walks and enjoying the natural beauty of the Prosecco Hills.

The region around Follina is excellent for various outdoor activities. You can find numerous routes for gravel biking, road cycling, and running. For example, there are challenging gravel biking loops like the 'Lakes of Revine – Lago di Lago loop from Follina' or scenic road cycling routes such as the 'Follina Fountain – Vineyards of Monte Cesen loop from Follina'. You can explore more options on the Gravel biking around Follina, Road Cycling Routes around Follina, and Running Trails around Follina guide pages.

The Prosecco Hills, where Follina is located, are beautiful year-round. Spring and autumn offer pleasant temperatures for exploring and enjoying the vineyards. Summer is also popular, though it can be warmer. Winter visits can be charming, especially if you're interested in the serene atmosphere of the Abbey and less crowded sites.

Visitors frequently praise the blend of historical significance with natural beauty. They appreciate the well-preserved architecture, the breathtaking views from elevated castles, and the serene atmosphere of sites like the Abbey. The rich history, from Roman origins to medieval fortresses and elegant residences, also captivates many.

Yes, the castles and fortified sites in the area have witnessed significant historical events. San Salvatore Castle was a key defensive fortress during the Middle Ages and later a noble residence. The Torri di Credazzo date back to the 9th-10th centuries and were involved in conflicts, including being destroyed by Hungarians in the 15th century. Castelbrando, with its Roman origins, played a role in protecting ancient trade routes and was later owned by prominent families.