Italy is home to plenty of castles that have existed for hundreds of years and, as is often the case with things and places that have existed for hundreds of years and with castles, in particular, this means that there are also plenty of haunted castles throughout the country. Among them, one of the most famous is the castle of Montebello, which is located a hamlet of Borgo Montebello, in the municipality of Poggio Torriana, Rimini. The Castello di Montebello is famous for the tale of Azzurrina, a noble girl who lived there in the 14th century, and the legend and stories of hauntings that surround both her and the castle. Open to the public as a museum, the castle is one of the easiest haunted places to visit in Italy and is a must-see for anyone who has found a vacation rental in Rimini or a holiday rental in Emilia Romagna and is planning a trip over mid-term break or around Hallowe’en. Come have a spooky experience in this fascinating gem!
The story goes that Guendalina Malatesta was born around 1370 to Ugolinuccio, or Uguccione, the feudal lord of Montebello. Unfortunately, when she was born, the family was filled with dread instead of joy as she was an albino. In the Middle Ages albinism was a symbol of great misfortune and connected to events of a diabolical nature, according to popular superstitions, and albinos were often accused of being witches and burned at the stake. Fearing for their child and her future, the lord and lady came up with a plan to dye her hair. However the dye didn’t take in her incredibly pale hair and went blue instead of black, leaving the girl with striking blue eyes and hair, lending the nickname, “Azzurrina” (little blue one). This failed experiment meant that the poor child still stuck out like a sore thumb and it was decided to assign two guards to the child at almost all times and prevent her from leaving the castle.
The story goes that Guendalina Malatesta was born around 1370 to Ugolinuccio, or Uguccione, the feudal lord of Montebello. Unfortunately, when she was born, the family was filled with dread instead of joy as she was an albino. In the Middle Ages albinism was a symbol of great misfortune and connected to events of a diabolical nature, according to popular superstitions, and albinos were often accused of being witches and burned at the stake. Fearing for their child and her future, the lord and lady came up with a plan to dye her hair. However the dye didn’t take in her incredibly pale hair and went blue instead of black, leaving the girl with striking blue eyes and hair, lending the nickname, “Azzurrina” (little blue one). This failed experiment meant that the poor child still stuck out like a sore thumb and it was decided to assign two guards to the child at almost all times and prevent her from leaving the castle.
Sadly, as such tales go, best-laid plans went awry when, on June 21st 1375, on the day of the summer solstice, the young child was playing with a ball and went running after it when it escaped her grasp. Her bodyguards, Domenico and Ruggero, were watching her, as always, but were momentarily distracted by the sound of a scream. When they turned back to the child, she was gone. They went looking for her and could find no trace of the child. Some rumours suggest that her father had her killed as she was an obstacle to his career but other versions of the tale assert that she simply disappeared into thin air. However, while the child was never seen alive again, many believe that she remains at the castle, which seems to be haunted by the presence of a child who has been heard laughing or crying throughout the years. There have been various investigations into these sounds and paranormal researchers have visited on several occasions including in 1990, 1995, 2000, 2005, and 2010. The legend of Azzurrina has also inspired a horror movie, directed by Giacomo Franciosa, which was shot in the castle itself and the shooting of which lead to more stories of mysterious incidents in the building.
The castle museum has been open since 1990 and the increased presence of people on-site has lead to further reports of the ghostly incidents. Whether you believe in such things or not, however, a visit to this castle in Italy is an excellent idea and the legends only add to its rich history and heritage and its charm. Find a vacation rental in Emilia Romagna, come see it for yourself, and make up your own mind!
The castle museum has been open since 1990 and the increased presence of people on-site has lead to further reports of the ghostly incidents. Whether you believe in such things or not, however, a visit to this castle in Italy is an excellent idea and the legends only add to its rich history and heritage and its charm. Find a vacation rental in Emilia Romagna, come see it for yourself, and make up your own mind!