THE CASTLES OF TRENTINO - STONE AND
GRAPES
Northern Italy's Castle Rich Adige Valley
If
you head north from Milan or Venice, or south from Austria on the train
or by trans Alps highway, you almost cannot help but be funneled up
the magnificent Adige valley nestled between the sheer cliffs of the
Italian Dolomite Alps. The valley floor as it rises ever higher toward
the limestone mountain peaks is covered with grape vineyards. The mountain
tops might be covered in snow, but the valley floor is often sunny
late and early in the season. Perfect for wine grapes. And the surrounding
hillocks below the cliffs, famous for catching the morning and sunset
light in shifting hues are dotted with castles of all shapes and sizes.
The largest castle overlooking the Adige south of Trento is Beseno
Castle. 
The walls are lit at night and easily
seen from the town of Rovereto over which it stands sentinel. The Castel
Beseno has been taken over by the Trentino regional counsel from
it's former private owners and extensively restored to its glory days.
In its historical
past, the castle played a central role in stopping the Venetians from
annexing the Trentino region
in the battle of Calliano in 1487. It is a huge complex among castles
and unique in this region of Italy for its tournament field between
the outer walls and the inner bailey. Almost the size of a modern football
field.
Inside
the castle proper, the original fresco painting from the 16th Century
can still be seen on the walls of the inner court,
a bit faded and worn, but preserved 600 year old stone mural two stories
high (see also Castello Buonconsiglio). One can envision lords
and ladies in their colorful tights and plumed hats bowing as they
pass. Knights in armor jousting on the field to cheering crowds. If
fact, you don’t have to imagine it. They still do. The castle
provides regular performances of jousters and pikemen, and the men
with the flying flags ,
ladies on wait and other medieval 
demonstrations.
In August a tournament and storming the castle walls, medieval market
and other faire events are performed. Stay at one of the many B&B’s
or hotels in the Trento or Lake Garda area (See Big
Lake Garda).
Easily reachable for a day trip by car from Milan or Verona, or
just get off the train
for
a day on your way across the Alps and taste some local wine. Damn
the Venetians – pour me another glass of Pinot Grigio! © Bargain
Travel Europe
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Castles on Bargain Travel Europe
CASTELLO
di AVIO
CASTLE
TOBLINO
CASTELLO
BUONCONSIGLIO
CASTLE
d'ARCO
For castles you can stay in see also:
Castle Hotels in Piemonte Italy
Area Info
Rovereto
Tourist Office
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SEE ALSO:
WALLISERHOF CHALET HOTEL ZERMATT
A
TASTE OF WINE AND THE DUKES OF BURGUNDY
WINE AND WURST - THE GERMAN WINE ROAD
