Castello Eleonora d'Arborea

Castello Eleonora d’Arborea, also called Castello di Sanluri, is a medieval fortress in Sanluri, Sardinia. It is the island’s only fully preserved medieval castle open to visitors, with several small museums inside. A guided visit takes you through rooms with period furniture and collections covering military history from the 19th century to the First World War. Look out for Napoleonic relics, wax objects and displays on the Brigata Sassari. The guide’s language can vary, so check in advance if you need a tour in a particular language.

A preserved castle in Sanluri

The fortress stands in the centre of Sanluri. Locals call it Castello di Sanluri, while its formal name refers to Eleonora d’Arborea, a judge and governor of the Kingdom of Arborea. It is the only fully preserved medieval castle in Sardinia that is open to visitors.

Inside, the visit moves through rooms with furniture reflecting the castle’s changing fortunes. Several small museums occupy the building, bringing together objects from different periods and subjects.

Military history and unusual collections

The collections include displays on the development of military science from the 19th century through the First World War. The Great War rooms include references to the Brigata Sassari and Italian military techniques. Other rooms contain Napoleonic relics, wax objects and material related to Italy’s colonial period.

A guided visit connects the objects with the castle’s history and the military exhibits. Tour language can depend on the group, so check availability ahead of time if you need a particular language. Tickets in advance are recommended, and the site is listed as cash-only.