Ivano Castle

Ivano Castle is one of the most interesting and best‑preserved castles in Trentino. Famous and surrounded by many local legends, it is located in Ivano Fracena in Valsugana, near Trento, and is enclosed by a vast park featuring numerous flower species and a small wildlife reserve.

The castle can be visited during cultural events or by booking in advance. It is home to the “Castel Ivano Incontri” Cultural Center, which hosts prestigious contemporary art exhibitions and international conferences in its halls. It is also the perfect location to celebrate your fairytale wedding at any time of the year.

The two courtyards, inner and outer, are ideal for ceremonies, buffets, or outdoor lunches. The Inner Courtyard is the oldest and most intimate part of the manor, while the Outer Courtyard of the Old Barn (Vecchio Fienile), dominated by the medieval tower, features a charming little chapel.

The many indoor rooms, varying in size and style, are also perfect for private parties, conventions, workshops, exhibitions, and events throughout the year.

The Prison Tour is particularly striking: the original prison, complete with its historic doors, is still preserved today.

History of Ivano Castle

The earliest known reference to Ivano Castle in Valsugana dates back to 1187, mentioning the Lord of Ivano.

Over the centuries, many noble families owned the fortress, the most notable being the Da Carrara, Lords of Padua. Their family crest—a stylized wagon dating back to 1345—can still be seen on the tower, adding significant historical value and placing the castle at the heart of an important chapter of medieval history.

At the end of the 15th century, Castel Ivano underwent numerous modifications, beginning with Gothic interventions by the archducal captains and continuing with further changes in the 17th century by the Wolkenstein family.

In 1913, the castle—then owned by the Wolkenstein family—was sold to Franz Staudacher of Brunico, the castle administrator, who began extensive restoration work to return it to its former splendor.

The Staudacher family still owns the manor today and continues its conservation. The imposing quadrangular Romanesque keep, enriched with Gothic elements, stands out above the two main buildings, the “Palazzo di Qua” and the “Palazzo di Là.”

Famous Visitors

Over the years, the manor has welcomed several notable figures, including the stage actress Eleonora Duse and General Carlo Alberto Dalla Chiesa. Many others have visited Castel Ivano, such as the German composer Richard Wagner—who has a room dedicated to him—Count Antonio Maria Wolkenstein, the renowned Caldonazzo painter Eugenio Prati, Don Giuseppe Grazioli, and the Italian director and screenwriter Ermanno Olmi.