Castel Beseno in Besenello, located between Trento and Rovereto, is the largest non‑urban fortified complex in Trentino. It was the setting of military events such as the Battle of Calliano (1487) and has inspired numerous legends. Its architectural lines and harmonious shapes have recently regained their splendour thanks to restoration works. Now one of the sites of the Buonconsiglio Castle Provincial Museum, Castel Beseno also hosts temporary exhibitions, cultural events, and historical reenactments. Open to visitors.
The bastion of Castel Beseno occupies a wide hill area along the road to Verona. Covering 16,400 square metres, it is the largest fortress in Trentino and one of the biggest castles of the Central Alps. The cannon terraces, the imposing towers, the tournament field, the elegant Filandèla loggia, and the traces of castle life all testify to the intense activity of this 16th‑century stronghold.
The three medieval cores, once part of the fief of the Lords of Beseno, are enclosed within its defensive walls. A princely fief, it became part of the Castelbarco estates in the early 14th century, who held it until the following century before it passed to the Trapp family.
Beautifully restored by the Autonomous Province of Trento, which is now its owner, Castel Beseno has become one of the most representative cultural attractions of the Alpine region.
It is also an excellent and easy destination for walks (reachable on foot from the main road in about 20 minutes) for hikers who love nature and historical sites.
Tickets
Full price: €7.00 Reduced: €5.00 Youth (15–26): €4.00
Opening hours
Castel Beseno is open on Saturdays and Sundays, closed on Mondays, 25 December, and 1 January.
Special openings: holiday Mondays. Special access: request via booking@buonconsiglio.it or phone. Photography: allowed only with authorisation. Animals: dogs allowed in gardens; small dogs allowed indoors if carried.
How to get there
Castel Beseno is about 20 km from Trento and 10 km from Rovereto, reachable via the SS12 or the road connecting the Adige Valley to Folgaria.
For further information
Castel Beseno
Via al Castello, 4 - Besenello (TN)
Tel (+39) 0461-492811
