Castel Pergine

Castel Pergine, once a Roman settlement, which was converted into a medieval castle complex in the 13th century, is the gateway to the Valsugana valley. For a long time it was in the hands of Margaret of Tyrol, called Maultasch, afterwards it came into the possession of Emperor Maximilian I. In 1531 Bernardo Clesio, Cardinal of Trento, was appointed judge in Pergine: Castel Pergine thus became the property of the Prince-Bishops of Trento for a long time. In 1901 Ferdinand Putz from Bavaria acquired the castle and had it renovated before it was finally sold on to the Swiss Mario Oss in 1956. He converted a part of it into a castle hotel with restaurant, while the rest of the castle became a cultural meeting place.

Of particular historical value are the fireplace room (Camera del Camino), the throne room (Sala del Trono), the so-called drop prison (Prigione della Goccia), where prisoners chained to their hands and necks were subjected to constant dribbling on their heads, and the Chapel of St. Andrew (Cappella di Sant'Andrea). Since summer 2022, the latter has been home to a valuable, antique altarpiece from the 16th century, which was found only a few years ago and subsequently restored. The first floor of Castel Pergine is open to the public, as well as the castle park inside the defensive wall.

In November 2018, Castel Pergine was acquired by the non-profit foundation "Fondazione Castel Pergine Onlus", making it the first Italian cultural public property. Today, the venerable walls house a hotel and restaurant, and the foundation organises an annual exhibition and cultural events, such as music and theatre performances.