Castles of Trentino
Castel Thun. Photo by: Carlo Baroni
Castles of Trentino
Japanese version
Trentino トレンティーノ県の城 日本語PDFダウンロードはこちらから
Located as it is halfway between Italy and the rest of Europe, Trentino has been a borderland since Roman times. In this geographically challenging context with harsh mountain peaks and deep valleys covered in woodlands, castles were indispensable for the control of strategic access routes. Fortresses were built for defence, counterattacks and to exercise power, like that of the Prince-Bishops, lords of Trentino right up to the 19th century. The stories of these castles and their inhabitants are, naturally, intricately intertwined.
There are 155 castles in Trentino. Some are simple ruins that defy the seasons, others are private residences, some have been converted into restaurants and hotels, while the more imposing castles, enhanced by collections and works of art mostly are accessible to the public. Beyond the drawbridges the discovery of surprising, small and large treasures, an important artistic and memory heritage of Trentino.
Top experiences
- Tour of the castles
One of the most unique ways to visit some of Trentino’s finest castles is to climb aboard the Trenino dei Castelli. This special little train departs from Trento on certain dates during summer, taking you through Val di Sole and Val di Non to visit Castel San Michele, Castel Caldes, Castel Valer e Castel Thun. The tour lasts a full day, and will include stops along the way to offer you delicious refreshments starring local produce.
- Spend a night in a castle
Have you ever slept in a Medieval castle? In Castello di Pergine you can! The ancient stronghold has been renovated and offers 20 rooms and 3 towers where guests can spend the night, besides an elegant restaurant. A word of advice: keep your eyes open for the “Dama Bianca” (the white lady) a ghostly figure that apparently haunts the Chimney Room when there’s a full moon.
- In search of clues
Castel Valer has plenty to offer for kids. Every Sunday, with a map in hand and a guide at their side, the youngest visitors can explore the castle rooms in search of clues that will earn them the titles of count or countess.
- See an international Gothic masterpiece
In Trento attention is focused on the Castello del Buonconsiglio, a historical-artistic monument of extraordinary value, residence of the Prince-Bishops of Trento until 1803. The castle is famous for its “Cycle of the Months” in Torre Aquila, one of the most famous secular cycles of international Gothic, that dedicated to the depiction of the months.
- Visit the Chamber of Love
Castello di Avio is the first castle you encounter if you arrive from the south along the motorway. You can’t miss it, clinging as it is to the mountainside with its keep dominating the surrounding vineyards. It’s definitely worth a visit even if it’s just to see the frescoes in the “Sala delle Guardie” (Hall of the Guards) or the "Amor Cortese" celebrated in the Chamber of Love.