Castel Ivano

High above the village of Ivano Fracena in the eastern part of the Valsugana valley towers Castel Ivano. Surrounded by a spacious park with more than 400 kinds of flowers, the medieval castle boasts a true natural paradise.

Even if first written documents date back to the year 1187 after Christ, the original castle was built at a much earlier stage, namely in 590 after Christ. Numerous aristocrats have been living in this castle, from the noble family Scala di Verona to the Visconti and the da Cararra.

The oldest gateway looks towards the village and those crossing the mighty watchtower can still have a look at the emblems of the aristocrats once living here. Once you have passed the castle moat and entered the castle, you will reach the outer courtyard, featuring a fountain and a historic 16th century acacia. When walking further you will arrive at the Sala del Vecchio Fienile - the hall of the old hayrick - and a chapel dating of the 17th century. Slightly further there is the inner courtyard, boasting two buildings connected by a loggia.

Today the castle is the seat of an important cultural centre called Castel Ivano Incontri and hosts conferences, exhibitions and international art events. Among its special treasures there is a collection of ink bottles and a collection of wooden sculptures.