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CASTLE D'ARCO
Bishop takes Rook at Northern Italy Medieval Castle

Clinging to a rock cliff above the Northern Italian town of Arco, a gray stone defense bastion, the color of the rocky precipice from which it rises dominates the old town center below. Arco lies just north of Lake Garda in the lower Dolomites on the road from Trento to Riva Del Garda (See Big Lake Playland). The early records of the Castle Arco which stands guard over the Sarca River plain are sketchy, with the first construction going back to the 10th Century. The present castle became the residence of the familia d'Arco in the 12th Century and the fortifications extended and reinforced through the turbulent and bellicose struggles of this contested region throughout the middle ages until the1400’s when the feudal lords of the castle decided to move to more comfortable lodgings in the medieval town below.

Following the age of the Renaissance in the Trentino region (See Castello del Buonconsigio) and the time of the family poet, Nicolo a’Arco, the Archduke Ferdinand had the castle occupied in 1614 which began the fortress’s decline culmination in its bombardment by General Vendome in the French invasion of the region in 1703. In the late 1800’s under the Hapsburgs, the Austrian empire which ruled the Italian North ended the feudal privileges of the Earls of Arco and auctioned off their family assets.

Inside the towering defensive walls, you’ll find the open space once used as jousting lists, remains of the early water system, the “tailor’s room”, bread ovens and the remains of the old kitchen. The castle most importantly contains a well preserved cycle of medieval art frescoes depicting court games of the time, dating to about 1380. Look for the chess board in the medieval bishop’s hand and calculate your own move to game that’s been in progress for 600 years!

To visit the Castel d’Arco, parking can be found in the central square of village below. Follow the path along the old walls of the city after visiting the Arco city hall for open times and details. A guided tour of the castles of Garda Trentino can be arranged through the local tourist bureau. © Bargain Travel Europe

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SEE ALSO:

LAGO d'ISEO - HOTEL VILLA KINZICA

MILLE MIGLIA MUSEUM
1,000 Miles of Racing History

CASTLES AND TRUFFLES
Castle Hotels in Piemonte Italy

SEASIDE SILENCIO
Italian Riviera Levante

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