Rocca di Angera
Rocca di Angera
4.5
About
The Angera Fortress stands majestically on a spur of rock that dominates the southern shore of Lake Maggiore, on the Lombardy side. Placed in a strategic position for the oversight of movement and trade, this property initially belonged to the Visconti family and was bought by the Borromeos in 1449. It is now the perfectly harmonious result of five different buildings: the tower, or Torre Castellana, the Scaligera wing, the Viscontea wing, the Giovanni Visconti tower, the Borromeo wing. The hall of Justice is a surprising room, entirely frescoed shortly after the battle of Desio in 1277 by "Maestro di Angera", where human affairs are related to astrological influences. Founded in 1988 by Princess Bona Borromeo Arese, the Museum of Dolls and Toys shows more than one thousand pieces among dolls and toys crafted since XVIII. Outdoors, next to the ancient church, is the Medieval Garden: medicinal plants grow next to ornamental plants.
Duration: 2-3 hours
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4.5
1,087 reviews
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cakewithaview
Italy388 contributions
Jul 2023
If you aren't used to a 30-minute walk uphill, beware, as that seems to be the only way if you don't have a car. Fortunately, we did and parked in the free car park outside the Rocca. The view of Lago Maggiore and the surrounding area from the castle is stunning and the gardens are beautifully kept. I think it might be a case of not enough signage, but, once inside, the layout seems to be a bit chaotic as you're never sure if you're going in the right direction or even if you've finished or if there's more to explore. I'm glad we went but I did come away with a feeling of discontent when, seeing as it was a scorching hot day and we'd finished the water we'd come with, I purchased two small bottles of water and was charged 5 euros, hence the title of this review :-)
Written 23 July 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Nikolai
7 contributions
Sept 2023 • Couples
No dogs allowed…..in a castle.
We went with the boat to Angera and walked all the way to have a look at the Castle. In Germany castles are free and for everyone. You habe to pay but thats ok Bit the fact that dogs are Not allowed in a castle is incomprehensible and makes no sence
We went with the boat to Angera and walked all the way to have a look at the Castle. In Germany castles are free and for everyone. You habe to pay but thats ok Bit the fact that dogs are Not allowed in a castle is incomprehensible and makes no sence
Written 23 September 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Steve
Rovellasca, Italy2 contributions
Mar 2023 • Family
I have never been to a Castle with less information about the Castle. It houses lots of dolls in its exhibition and most rooms have a little information but the basics about when it was built, who lived there, its history and other interesting stories were completely missing. It's privately owned and it seems to me a little investment could make for a longer, more interesting and informed visit.
Written 26 March 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Malillysr
Honolulu, HI277 contributions
Oct 2014 • Couples
When I tour a medieval castle, I expect (and want to see) a lot of old armor and weaponry and dungeons. Had I known ahead of time that this tour would have been primarily of a multi-level display of hundreds of toys, dolls and toys, I would have passed it by. What a mistake that would have been. The old dolls and toys are fascinating - and some were downright weird. You really have to see it to believe it. No matter what your interests are, you will be amazed by this castle and its wonderful museum.
Written 4 October 2014
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Philip Lawson
Godstone, UK126 contributions
May 2016 • Couples
We took the ferry from Arona to Angera and walked up the hill to the castle, through the charming town which had a small street market on the Saturday. We had to ask for directions, but once we got on the right road it was easy to find and takes about 20-25 minutes.
The castle itself is fascinating and we stopped for a drink on the terrace before exploring the charming gardens and then the interior. We were slightly spooked by the doll exhibition, and then explored the rest of the interior. The only slight disappointment was that although the signs to the tower encouraged one to climb up to enjoy the views, the door to the very top was padlocked shut. It would have saved some energy if this had been pre-announced at the bottom of the stairs!
A fascinating slice of history from the 13th century, very well preserved. The wine press is amazing on the way up/down and worth a look.
A quick ten minute ferry back to Arona completed a happy morning after some lunch down in the town square.
The castle itself is fascinating and we stopped for a drink on the terrace before exploring the charming gardens and then the interior. We were slightly spooked by the doll exhibition, and then explored the rest of the interior. The only slight disappointment was that although the signs to the tower encouraged one to climb up to enjoy the views, the door to the very top was padlocked shut. It would have saved some energy if this had been pre-announced at the bottom of the stairs!
A fascinating slice of history from the 13th century, very well preserved. The wine press is amazing on the way up/down and worth a look.
A quick ten minute ferry back to Arona completed a happy morning after some lunch down in the town square.
Written 30 May 2016
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Yorkslasstraveller
Wiltshire, UK261 contributions
Jun 2019 • Couples
My husband suggested this as he is interested in castles etc. I’m glad I agreed.
It’s a fair old walk from the ferry and up hill so we drove up to the ticket hut. Not a lot of parking.
10 euros each is a fair price to pay.
This is a quality tourist attraction everything including facilities and caffertteria.
Fantastic restored just a few years ago. There is a lift to a few floors but getting to the gates from ticket booth will be steep.
Lots of huge paintings some pieces of furniture but sadly the lighting ‘LED’ are too bright to see them. There are no signs but don’t get close to pictures and windows as alarms do go off.
Fantastic animatronic dolls collection very impressive and tv screens show them working. Amazing.
Beautiful garden and the cafeteria sell good quality coffee, wine and selection of snacks.
Hubby had the sea salt and rosemary Focaccia but I had the Guarnitra which had a bowl of tasty tomatoes basil oil sea salt and the capers were the best I have tasted. We both agreed mine was the best and enough to be shared. Only 1 red and 1 white glass of wine but again both excellent.
All in all a fantastic cultural day and lunch. Better to go by car!
Sorry but I forgot my husband had a L’affogato see photo. He said it’s interesting like a floatten with sprinkles of wafer on top and coffee beans.
It’s a fair old walk from the ferry and up hill so we drove up to the ticket hut. Not a lot of parking.
10 euros each is a fair price to pay.
This is a quality tourist attraction everything including facilities and caffertteria.
Fantastic restored just a few years ago. There is a lift to a few floors but getting to the gates from ticket booth will be steep.
Lots of huge paintings some pieces of furniture but sadly the lighting ‘LED’ are too bright to see them. There are no signs but don’t get close to pictures and windows as alarms do go off.
Fantastic animatronic dolls collection very impressive and tv screens show them working. Amazing.
Beautiful garden and the cafeteria sell good quality coffee, wine and selection of snacks.
Hubby had the sea salt and rosemary Focaccia but I had the Guarnitra which had a bowl of tasty tomatoes basil oil sea salt and the capers were the best I have tasted. We both agreed mine was the best and enough to be shared. Only 1 red and 1 white glass of wine but again both excellent.
All in all a fantastic cultural day and lunch. Better to go by car!
Sorry but I forgot my husband had a L’affogato see photo. He said it’s interesting like a floatten with sprinkles of wafer on top and coffee beans.
Written 1 June 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
AMD319
Angera, Italy26 contributions
Jun 2014 • Friends
The castle is perfectly maintained, and therefore unique. Inside, the castle houses a doll museum, apparently well known by collectors Europe wide. But for they normal visitor it is just a nice little add on to the visit as seeing the exhibition leads you through the whole castle. Climbing all the way to the top is definately worth it: the view are spectacular.
Written 7 January 2015
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Dunworkin49
Newton Abbot, UK83 contributions
Sept 2014 • Solo
Visited this fortress as it is another Borromeo home, having been to Isola Madre and Isola Bella. You can get an ordinary ferry or a hydrofoil down the lake to Angera. Be prepared for the uphill hike from the ferry landing, not much shade on a hot day. View over the lake well worth the effort. Be sure to go right to the top of the fortress for the best views, climbing up the various ladders from the Hall of Justice (where the excellent frescoes are). If it's a wet day, this place is ideal for the Doll and Toy museum; it warrants a good inspection. Take some time to wander round the garden and then enjoy the stroll downhill back to the town. There is a cafe and small shop at the fortress, but there are lots of cafes back at lake level.
Written 12 October 2014
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Dubaitraveller
Dubai, United Arab Emirates107 contributions
Aug 2019 • Family
This beautiful old castle sits atop the rock as the name suggests and can be seen from some distance as we approached. The car park was small and fairly full but was free. It was approx 22 euros for our family and we got the tickets and started the steep ascent. Outside the castle if affords excellent views of Lago Maggiore and there is a lovely garden with fruits and vegetables and other flora.
Once inside there is a large couryard (with toilets) and then you are into the castle which has various rooms to explore which are split between exhibitions of dolls and some large oil paintings. My almost teenage boys were surprising interested in the dolla particularly the automaton display. They really loved scrambling up the steep steps to the highest rampart for the spectacular views.
Overall a good couple of hours spent though we didn't partake in the small cafe/shop which looked delightful.
Once inside there is a large couryard (with toilets) and then you are into the castle which has various rooms to explore which are split between exhibitions of dolls and some large oil paintings. My almost teenage boys were surprising interested in the dolla particularly the automaton display. They really loved scrambling up the steep steps to the highest rampart for the spectacular views.
Overall a good couple of hours spent though we didn't partake in the small cafe/shop which looked delightful.
Written 10 August 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Oxana R
7 contributions
Jul 2017 • Family
We visited with two kids, 6 and 9 years old. We really enjoyed doll collection, which is amazing and extensive. Beautiful view of the lake from the castle. Nice garden to walk around after you've seen the castle... Parking area. The only downside of the visit was amount they charged us at cafe. Bear in mind you have to pay for the service as well. So 2 hot chocolates( small), 1 coffee and 1 piece of cake €17 !
Written 22 July 2017
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Esiste un ristorante all'interno della rocca?
Written 15 July 2020
Gentile Aximun923 abbiamo una caffetteria con una carta di panini. La aspettiamo, a presto
Written 21 July 2020
Ma al suo interno qualche tempo fa nn vi era un ristorante / agriturismo?
Written 21 June 2020
Non saprei , all’ingresso vi è un bar, di più non so dirti
Written 21 June 2020
Hi, how is this excursion with a baby stroller? Does it have many steps or is it accessible?
Written 26 August 2019
Hi tbark thank you for your request. After the entrance you have the most difficult part with the cobblestone ancient floor of 100 metres or less.
The Castle can be easily visited thanks to a lift. The Medieval Garden is also easily accessible.
We waiting for you!
Written 28 August 2019
C'è un area pic nic all'interno del giardino dove poter sostare?
Written 8 April 2019
Buongiorno, non abbiamo aree picnic, ma una caffetteria dal panorama incantevole!
Written 10 April 2019
buon giorno, vorrei informazioni su orari e periodo di apertura.
grazie
Written 19 January 2019
Chiamami che è la cosa migliore.
Written 19 January 2019
Giuliano C
Dalmine, Italy
Noi nn ci spostiamo mai senza la nostra lupetta....e possibile visitarlo con i cani.
Grazie Giuliano
Written 28 December 2018
Buongiorno Giuliano C gli animali non sono ammessi.
Written 28 December 2018
Si può vedere da fuori dal parcheggio ma non si vede nulla in realtà ! c'è già il banchetto con i biglietti li e poi con mi pare € 10 si possa visitare tutto giardini, interni e museo delle bambole ne vale la pena!. Soprattutto a primavera ed estate quando il giardino è fiorito!
Written 27 December 2018
L'ultimo ingresso è alle 17.30? Quanto si può stare se si entra a quell'ora?
Written 15 June 2018
Concordo con Irene, anche perché il giardino medievale merita una visita tranquilla e rilassata, e la visita alle stanze della Rocca, con la salita fino alla cima richiedono tempo. A mio parere il museo della bambola (che sembra un museo dell'orrore) è trascurabile, se non si ha proprio la passione delle bambole antiche... il resto è molto più bello. Se ben ricordo chiude tutto alle 18:30 circa... sarebbe meglio arrivare per le 15:30/16 per vedere tutto con calma.
Written 17 June 2018
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