Limatola Castle Christmas Market



 Castles are everywhere in Europe, and so many are open in some capacity to visit or even stay overnight. Today, we went to Limatola Castle, about a 40 minute drive from the Support Site, to enjoy the Cadeaux al Castello Christmas market.

Having gone last year with friends and Big Kid A, I was familiar with the layout and flow. I asked our friend to remind me of the parking and we were able to secure the same lot. It definitely helps that we arrived early in the day, as well as early in the run of the event, in general; however, many people like to go in the evenings because they light the entire castle with Christmas lights. 

*Closest parking lot, €4: 41°08'24.2"N 14°23'19.9"E

The castle is nestled a bit in the hills, and there are definitely steep roads and pathways to climb to enter the castle and market areas; still, it is pretty stroller-friendly, as long as your stroller can handle some ancient cobblestone pathways.



Our first stop was for popcorn under the ferris wheel, and in that corral of stalls, there are other snacks, plus cheeses, lavender gift items, and an open area for small performances (there was a man with a steampunk outfit and giant bubbles that entranced Baby E).



We also got photos with Babba Natale, or Father Christmas, which turned out so cute. The kids also got to write and mail their letters to Santa with the aid of some very friendly elves. I loved the old mailbox and the Pinocchio-themed area. 





A writing his letter to Santa (he asked for a light saber)



Baby E was not that sure about Babba Natale, which I expected after going to Disneyland Paris and seeing his reactions to the characters there! I had forgotten to prep the kids for meeting Santa this season. Next time, I'll amp them up for the holidays with more letter-writing and decorating prior to attending a Christmas market. We went the first weekend because we had time off and it didn't seem a daunting activity to do with both kiddos for a morning.



From there, you enter the actual castle, and wind your way up through various plateaus of the castle where the market stalls are set up in groups. It's such a good way to see the inside of a castle, and realize how they were truly whole communities within the castle walls. True to historic form, there are still residences within Limatola Castle, as well as hotel suites, restaurants, and gardens.



Dec 2021's market set up





There are tons of great vistas and opportunities for photos, which makes a really lovely chance for a family Christmas photo that is quintessentially Italian. The vendors present are very excited to share their wares with customers, and most of the foods vendors are offering delicious samples. 



Last year's visit (Dec 2021)





While we did not eat a full, sit-down meal, it would have been possible to do so by around noon. We did have crepes, pastries, popcorn, and samples of some salami and speck. I also wish I'd tried some of the warm drinks offered! We purchased a few ornaments, salami, candied nuts, and a few fun gifts for friends and family back home in the states. 





Baby E definitely fed the castle dog some meat!



Our haul of goodies

I would recommend purchasing tickets in advance, as it's easier to get through the entrance, and bringing cash to pay. Many of the vendors do take credit cards, but cash is always faster and easier in my experience. Limatola is definitely worth visiting with the kids for some cute photos and Christmas treats!



Happy trails!

⚓ Big A