Official Information
Official website: https://www.castellodimonselice.it/
Official tickets: https://www.castellodimonselice.it/prenota-una-visita/
Address: Via del Santuario 11, 35043 Monselice PD, Italy
View on Google Maps: Castello di Monselice
Opening Hours
The Castle of Monselice is open to the public most of the year, accessible only through guided visits scheduled at set times rather than continuous entry. Guided tours usually depart several times in the morning and afternoon. Hours are slightly reduced in winter, and the castle is usually closed on Tuesdays and certain holidays. For current timetables, special openings or holiday schedules, refer to the online booking page.
The Castle of Monselice is a remarkable complex of fortified structures rising up the slopes of the Rocca hill, overlooking the historic town of Monselice in the Euganean Hills of the Veneto region. Developed between the 11th and 16th centuries, the castle was first a key defensive site controlling access between Padua and the Po Valley, and was gradually transformed into a prestigious noble residence. Visitors follow a guided route through the distinct architectural periods of the complex, including the original medieval keep and Romanesque main house, the stately Marcello palace, the evocative armoury, and the castle library. Each area of the tour offers insight into different historic eras—from robust medieval military defenses to the elegance of later Venetian domestic spaces.
The interiors are furnished with period pieces, tapestries, decorated fireplaces and everyday objects, all curated to evoke the daily life of the castle’s past inhabitants, especially the Cini family who restored the site in the last century. The striking armoury stands out for its impressive collection of arms and armor displayed in atmospheric halls. Throughout the tour, windows and terraces offer sweeping views over Monselice, the Euganean Hills and the plains beyond, highlighting the castle’s strategic location.
The castle is also an entrance point to the broader monumental area of the Rocca, which includes archaeological remains, historic religious buildings and scenic walking paths. Because the visit is by guided tour only and group sizes are limited, advance online booking is highly recommended, especially for weekends and holidays. The official website provides detailed ticketing information, including family discounts, combination passes with the archaeological park, and partner offers for regional villas and gardens. Please note that due to the hilly setting and the historic structure, parts of the tour may not be fully accessible for those with mobility challenges, so it is useful to check visitor guidance in advance.
For many, combining a castle visit with a walk up the Rocca or an itinerary that includes nearby thermal towns such as Abano and Montegrotto creates an ideal introduction to the less-explored charms of the Veneto countryside.