Trentino’s Historical Gems- Why You’ll Be Allured With The Charming Beseno Castle

02.12.2024.

Beautifully perched on the hill between Trento and Rovereto, Beseno castle is the largest fortification in all

the Trentino region. With its roots in the 12th century, you’ll be immediately transferred to medieval times.

For those eager to do the easy hikes, Castle Beseno offers a 30-minute walk on the wonderful forest hill.

Passing by a lovely river waterfall, you can even enjoy another hike on a similar route toward the castle

Pietra.

It was a rainy day during my visit so I missed the panoramic views uphill and downhill to Vallagarina

Valley. This off-beaten castle in Europe deserves your attention while passing from Lake Garda to the wonders of South Tyrol. In South Tyrol, don’t miss to visit its oldest town Bressanone/Brixen that will completely enchant you.

Castel Beseno literally dominates Valle dell’Adige showing its fascinating historical significance.

Among plenty of castles in Trentino, Beseno will allure its allure in various ways described in this post. Let me take you to the medieval vibes of Beseno and other castles of Trentino region.

This post contains links which could help me to earn a small commission at no extra cost for you. Thank you for reading and supporting Under Flowery Sky.

Shortly about the history of Beseno castle

Built in the 12th century, the castle served the defensive purposes and belonged to the aristocratic family Da Beseno. In those early years, the castle was also home to the counts of Appiano.

Among many battles that took place in the castle, the most famous one was the Battle of Calliano from 1487. Happening between Tyrolean and Venetian troops, it resulted in the defeat of the Venetians.

Soon the castle became a residential building after the fire, though also partly in the possession of the church.

Until 1450 and its renovations, the Beseno Castle was strongly deteriorated due to the rivalry of the Beseno family.

Since 1470, the Count Trapp family owned the castle, but donated it to the Trentino Province in 1973. Today it’s a seat of Castello del Buonconsiglio Museum.

How to reach Beseno castle

You can easily reach the castle by car all the way to the parking space in front of the castle. It’s 20 minutes ride either from Trento or Rovereto, in the village of Besenello.

Coming from the south, you need to exit the Rovereto Nord.

There’s also a direct bus from Rovereto in the direction in the direction of Trento (B301). You would need to do a short hike through the forest after reaching the signs from the street. The path is a bit steep, taking you about 30 minutes to the entrance.

Other practical tips

The entrance to the castle is 7€, but it’s free with the Trentino Guest Card. I got my Trentino Guest Card

thanks to Ostello di Rovereto, which enabled me free transport in Trentino.

Visit to the 5 castles is 20€ and includes Buonconsiglio Castle, Beseno Castle, Stenico Castle, Castle Thun and Castle Caldes.

What can you expect to see in Beseno castle

In the Renaissance ambiance of Beseno castle, you can see its permanent exhibition in the halls of Palazzo di Marcabruno. Witnessing the Battle of Calliano is possible through various videos and ancient shields,

helmets and armour.

While admiring Vallagarina Valley, this is your chance to get a taste into how people once made bread.

After passing the Piazza Grande, it’s unmissable to visit the old residence of the Trapp family.

In this large square for audiovisual projections, you can get a more comprehensive perspective of the castle.

Meaning of Castle Beseno in today’s life

Nowadays, Castle Beseno is a fascinating background for various exhibitions and shows. The children can enjoy various educative events and there are many historical performances. It’s easy this way to turn back in past and learn precious lessons.

Sometimes even the costume events are held here, which gives the vast Compo dei Tornei (Tournament Field) a magnificent appearance.

Waterfalls of Rio Cavallo

Rio Cavallo waterfalls, also known as Zambel waterfalls, are the marvelous oasis of the relax. It’s easy

to reach them after you descent from Castle Beseno (if you go by walking). You will continue forward the road until you see the signs for Rio Cavallo waterfalls on the right. The stairs will lead you down where you can see the gorgeous water colours, almost turquoise.

With the waterfall sounds you can enjoy the exquisitely peaceful atmosphere. In the summer months the bathing is popular here so you can make fantastic photos.

It’s surprising that waterfalls are artificial but it’s due to energy production for mills and agriculture. The stone blocks channeled the water enabling it to flow to the Adige river.

The trail to Castle Pietra

After visiting the Zambel waterfalls, a new castle awaits you on another hill following the 30-minute hike. If you’re eager for a whole day of the hiking adventure, be ready for the picturesque scenery.

Pietra Castle takes place close to the village of Calliano just below the castle Beseno. The first proofs of

evidence lead back to 1303 when Castelbranco family took ownership from the Beseno family.

Built in the Gothic style, there are impressive frescoes inside from the 15th century. Experiencing several fires and abandonment in 1675, the castle got in the hands of Giovanellis until 1738. The Italian gardens that decorate the castle are the testimony of the Cresseri de Breitenstein family.

As it’s located on a large cliff, the Castle Pietra got its name- pietra means stone in Italian.

Visiting Castle Pietra is truly astonishing, but you need to book a group tour which costs 5€. Hosting many events, such as weddings, it’s a magical experience in the castle.

Other castles in Trentino

Though there are 300 castles and fortresses in Trentino, some of them deserve a closer approach.

Buonconsiglio castle

Buonconsiglio Castle is the home to the Bishop-Princess untill 1803, giving the highlight to the city of Trento. It’s the largest complex in the Trentino region, nowadays a museum with fantastic exhibitions.

You can admire Castelvecchio or older part and Gothic art inside Torre Aquila in the several buildings of different eras.

With the marvelous Renaissance frescoes you’ll be allured to visit Buonconsiglio castle.

Thun castle

Fascinating the Valley of Nun, Thun Castle is one of the most famous and preserved castles in Trentino. Impressively standing on the hill above the town Vigo di Ton, it offers the picturesque views. Once the home to the Thun family, Trentino’s most important dynasties, it contains amazing art collection, porcelain and weapons.  

Stanza del Vescovo (Bishop’s Chamber) is the most impressive in the whole complex due to its incredible preservation.

Arco Castle

Arco Castle is located close to Riva del Garda on the hill surrounded by the path with olives and cypresses.

The incredible frescoes from the 14th century decorate its walls which intertwine with the amazing dungeons and towers.

What makes Arco Castle so significant is that the German painter glorified it in his famous watercolour,

now in Louvre.

The Castle of Pergine

Lying on the Tegazzo hill, this medieval complex offers the picturesque views on the Valsugana Valley. In this tranquil ambiance, you can enjoy staying overnight in the elegant hotel with the restaurant. Many cultural events create the vibrant atmosphere in the high season.

The White Lady deserves your special attention covering the local legends, together with the Water

Drop Prison and Fireplace Hall.

Valer castle

The beautiful Valer Castle lies in Val di Non, in the embrace of the Brenta Dolomiti. Thanks to its

stunning preservation, it will instantly transfer you back to medieval times. Particularly charming is the chapel with its frescoes by the Baschenis brothers.

Where to stay in the surroundings

Rovereto

Ostello di Rovereto– I stayed here and loved the excellent breakfast, cozy rooms and Trentino Guest Card I got;

Hotel Rovereto– an elegant boutique hotel with stylish furniture, paintings and amazing location;

Trento

Ostello Giovane Europa di Trento– located in the heart of the vibrant city of Trento, you’ll get cozy rooms and great breakfast;

NH Trento– eco-friendly hotel with excellent views of the Alps;

Close to the castles

On the Rock– within 100 m from the medieval Castel di Arco, it’s an awesome hotel with breakfast, hot tube and sauna. Lake Garda is 6 km away, so it’s perfect for hiking, cycling and canyoning.

Hotel Castel Pietra– it’s close to Valsugana Valley, having rich buffet breakfast and amazing surroundings for hiking;

Castle of Pergine– with mesmerizing location in Valsugana, what better place to stay than in the castle itself?

Final thoughts

If you’re choosing to visit one castle in Trentino, Beseno will be your delightful turnback in medieval times. The breathtaking location where the whole castle like a song scatters its power will allure you. Unfortunately, it was a rainy and foggy day so I couldn’t enjoy the views.

The cozy hike and closeness of Rio Cavallo will make your journey even more enjoyable.

PIN IT FOR LATER: