# Castle of Castellano

- **Country:** Italy
- **Coordinates:** 45.921143, 11.006241
- **Location Text:** Castellano

The Castle of Castellano, known locally as Castello di Castellano, is a historic manor house situated in the village of Castellano within the municipality of Villa Lagarina in Trentino, northern Italy. Originally constructed during the 12th century, this structure stands as one of the most renowned fortifications in the Vallagarina valley. Its strategic hilltop position was designed to offer sweeping panoramic views of the entire valley and to protect vital trade routes leading toward Lago di Cei. The architecture reflects its long evolution from a medieval defensive stronghold into a residential estate, having served historically as an episcopal headquarters for the region of Trento.

Throughout its centuries of existence, the castle has witnessed significant historical shifts and changes in ownership. In the mid-13th century, it was conquered by the powerful Castelbarco family before passing to the Counts of Lodron in 1456. During World War I, the site underwent a transformation into an Austrian-Hungarian fortress, highlighting its continued military relevance. Although the interior once featured elaborate frescoes, these artworks have been removed for preservation and are now housed in the civic museum of nearby Rovereto. Today, the property remains in private hands under the stewardship of the Miorandi family.

Currently, the Castle of Castellano is not open for daily public tours but is accessible by appointment only. It has found a vibrant second life as a cultural venue, hosting Castelfolk, a popular annual summer festival that celebrates music and local cuisine. This modern usage ensures the historic site remains an active part of the community while preserving its legacy. The combination of its medieval origins, strategic military past, and current role as a festival ground makes it a unique landmark in the Italian Alps, bridging the gap between ancient history and contemporary cultural expression.

![Photo of Castle of Castellano](http://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/Special:FilePath/CastellodiCastellano.jpg)

**Source:** https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Castle_of_Castellano (Wikipedia, CC BY-SA)