This excellent example of a lakeside fortress is remembered above all for the many romantic legends and tragic stories linked to its owners. Over the centuries it belonged to several noble families, but the period under Bernardo Cles is perhaps the most renowned, as he had the castle rebuilt in the Renaissance style.
History
Because of its position on the shore of a lake, the castle was used more as a quiet and relaxing residence than as a military fortification.
The historical origins of the site date back to the Roman colonisation, as shown by an archaeological area from the Roman Imperial period located at its base.
As the heir to earlier Rhaetic and Roman defensive structures, the castle is closely connected to the Madruzzo family. From a bishop’s fief ruled by the Lords of Toblino (12th century), it later passed to the Lords of Castel del Campo (13th century) and to princely captains in the 15th century. Over the centuries it underwent several restorations and was renewed according to Renaissance principles, first by Cardinal Bernardo Cles and later by the Lords of Castel Madruzzo, who held it for a century.
The romantic aura of the castle is linked to many legends, some recounted by Ada Negri, Fogazzaro and other anonymous authors. One tale says that the castle was the setting of the tragic love story of the last of the Madruzzo. Other legends claim that the lake is haunted by the restless ghosts of two lovers who drowned on a full‑moon night.
The castle is easily accessible by car and houses a restaurant.
How to get to Toblino Castle
It can be easily reached by car along the S.S. 45 bis Gardesana Occidentale road in the so‑called Valle dei Laghi (Valley of the Lakes).
For further information
Castello di Toblino
via Caffaro, 1 Trento
Tel. (+39) 0461 864036
