The largest fortified complex in Trentino. A journey through its walls is a dive into the past, an experience that reawakens the echo of Battles, intrigues and Secrets that are still waiting to be revealed.
Crossing its threshold means immersing yourself in a unique atmosphere, where history mixes with legend and the beauty of the landscape is combined with the charm of mystery.
Castel Beseno is the largest fortified structure in Trentino-Alto Adige, located on a strategic hill, its dominant position allows you to control the Vallagarina and the main communication routes between Italy and central Europe.
It extends across the entire top of the hill, with Mighty walls, Bastions, patrol walkways and a Court of Honor surrounded by Noble buildings, Kitchens, Ovens and Wells
Of medieval origin, it dates back to the 12th century, when it was a fiefdom of the Counts of Appiano and the residence of the Da Beseno family
In addition to being a noble residence, it was always a defensive fortress, capable of hosting troops and resisting sieges, such as that of Napoleon’s troops in the 18th century. A key point in the defense network of southern Trentino.
The Castle was the scene of the famous Battle of Calliano (1487) between Tyrolean and Venetian troops, which marked the defeat of the Serenissima and consolidated the Habsburg control over the region
In the rooms of the “Palazzo di Marcabruno” there is a Permanent Exhibition which illustrates, through reconstructions, videos and models, the Battle of Calliano of 10 August 1487
Interactive Experience
Visitors can try on armor, touch helmets and shields, and participate in historical reenactments, making the visit also suitable for families.
Legends
The Black Knight, tells of the origin of the castle
A black knight appeared on a stormy night, amid flashes of lightning and thunder, riding a pitch-black steed.
The mysterious knight headed towards the village of Besenello escorted by a gang of henchmen and, with swords drawn, made all the inhabitants leave their homes and forced them, under threat of death, to build him a castle on the hill imposing his dominion on them with tyranny and very high taxes until the tired and exhausted population decided to rebel by attacking the castle they had built with toil and sweat, chasing away the despot.
Even though the tyrant disappeared, his spirit is still felt on full moon nights, when a flame seems to dance between the ancient walls.
There are those who claim that he still guards the treasure buried by him in that place that he did not have time to unearth that night of defeat, preventing anyone from approaching and stealing it.
– The Most Incredible Story
Another legend tells of a siege that lasted for seven long years, until the besieged, exhausted by hunger, were saved by the ingenuity of an old merchant, who persuaded them to simulate abundant food supplies by throwing their last remaining food reserves over the walls.
The besiegers, deceived by that gesture, retreated within a few hours thinking that they would lose more years of siege before taking the castle by starvation and renounced the enterprise, thus saving the inhabitants from imminent and certain death.
While everyone was celebrating, the cunning merchant disappeared into thin air and all traces of her were lost, even if some still claim to see her wandering around, on moonless nights, in the surroundings of the Castle
Via Castel Beseno
Besenello (Trento)
Trentino Alto Adige – Italy
What to see in the province in the surroundings near castles cultural itineraries