Castello di Sabbionara d’Avio

The castle of Sabbionara d'Avio, one of the most famous and ancient fortresses of Trentino, was first mentioned in the 12th century and is located on the slopes of Mt. Vignola in theVallagarina.

Once you have crossed the entrance hall, you can recognise the impressive keep of the 11th century which is enclosed by the various buildings the fortress is composed of. The baronial palace with its different artistic treasures and the famous stanza dell'amore are among the attractions you shouldn't miss. The castle features five towers, including the Picadora tower, where the prisoners sentenced to death were hung a long time ago. The whole complex is surrounded by three crenellated curtain walls.

Over the course of the centuries, the property of the Castelbarco family has changed hands several times, from the Venetians to the emperor of Austria and to other Venetian noble families of the Vallagarina. The countess Castelbarco gave this marvellous building to the FAI, the Italian Environement Fund, which carried out restoration works, making the fortress accessible to the public.