Stenico is one of the oldest castles in Trentino and an important example of how a medieval stronghold evolved over the centuries. It became a symbol of the temporal power of the prince‑bishops, second only to Buonconsiglio Castle in Trento.
History of the Stenico Castle
The first document mentioning the castle dates back to 1163. This remarkable example of medieval architecture overlooks the village of Stenico. For many centuries it ensured the political and military control of the prince‑bishops over the Giudicarie area. Over time, the castle underwent many changes and today shows traces of different historical periods, with influences ranging from the 11th to the 19th century.
During the Middle Ages it belonged to the prince‑bishop Enrico of Metz (14th century), to Prince Giovanni Hinderbach (15th century) and, during the Renaissance, to Cardinal Bernardo Cles, to whom the Renaissance‑style frescoes are attributed.
What to see at Stenico Castle
Today, Stenico Castle houses 16th‑ and 18th‑century paintings, collections of bladed weapons and firearms, and furniture from the 16th to the 19th century, all from the collections of the Buonconsiglio Castle Museum in Trento, of which Stenico Castle is an annex. The restoration work carried out in the 1980s in the Chapel of San Martino revealed a beautiful cycle of medieval frescoes of great artistic value, as well as sculptures dating back to the early Middle Ages. Also worth visiting are the evocative Judgment Room, lit only by narrow loopholes, and the Council Room with its 15th‑century frescoes.
Tickets
Full price: €7.00
Reduced: €5.00 (Visitors aged 65 and over; groups of at least 15 paying visitors; members of public or private organisations recognised by the museum)
Youth reduced (15–26 years): €4.00
How to get there
Stenico Castle is 35 km from Trento and can be reached by taking the national road no. 45 bis towards Tione as far as Ponte Arche, then following the signs to Stenico.
For further information
Castello di Stenico
Stenico (TN - Valli Giudicarie)
Tel (+39) 0465 771004
