HOME   ARTICLES   ABOUT US   LINKS   SPECIAL DEALS   CONTACT

Bargain Travel Europe guide to Europe on a budget for vacation destinations, travel ideas and secret spots missed by travel tours.

CASTELLO di AVIO
First of the Adige Valley Wine Country Castles

If you travel up the Brennaro Motorway from Verona toward Trento looking to visit a few of the many castles that populate the mountainsides along the Adige River the first you come to is the dramatic Castello di Avio which clings perched to the side of the hill slope over-looking the Lagarina Valley and the village of Sabbionara protected by Monte Baldo. A complex of high curtain walls with five towers and a guardhouse progress up the slope. The original keep at the top of the castle dates from the 12th Century. A winding flagstone path leads the wine vineyards that now surround the old stones. Holy Roman Emperors Charles V and Maximillian Hapsburg have had both stayed at the castle during its strategic history as fortress protecting the valley approach up the Adige River.

The guardhouse of the castle which is owned by the Province of Trento is decorated with a beautiful collection of 14th Century frescoes depicting battle scenes celebrating Castelbarco family victories. The fourth floor of the keep offer an intimate “Hall of Love” where discrete painting images illustrate the private purpose of this as celebrating medieval romance. The castle has a small bar/restaurant perfect for a brief lunch stop, popular with locals on the weekends for its period ambience. And during the school week you’re likely to encounter a group of school kids in medieval costume on a field trip exploring medieval history.

The castle is open everyday except Monday (unless a public holiday) and offers various events throughout the year. One caution, visiting this castle is a 450 meter uphill hike from the parking area and further uphill once in the gate, so prepare for a little exercise. Entrance is 3,50 euros adults and 2,50 children under 12. Exit the A22 at Ala-Avio exit and follow the signs to the castle through some very narrow cobblestone streets. There are also some Agriturismo bed & breakfasts nearby among the hillslope vineyards for a longer visit. © Bargain Travel Europe

Italian National Trust Castle information Fondo Ambiente

SEE ALSO: STONE AND GRAPES: CASTLES OF TRENTINO
and STONE AND ART: RENAISSANCE: BUONCONSIGLIO

Find Best Hotel Deals in Trento on Trip Advisor 

Get an Italy Rail Pass

or find an Agriturismo Italian style B&B
on the Hotel Search page

These articles are copyrighted and the sole property of Bargain Travel Europe and WLPV, LLC. and may not be copied or reprinted without permission.

Other CASTLES destination articles

SEE ALSO:

NORTH ITALY'S BIG LAKE PLAYLAND
Riva del Garda

WARM NIGHTS ON THE BAY OF THE SUN
Laigueglia - Romantic Hideway on the Italian Riviera

MURDER AND A MEAL IN THE MOUNTAIN MISTS
Romantic Castle Toblino

Get a Free Travel Safety Guide from Bargain Travel Europe

Privacy
Legal
Contact

Discover Cheap Travel in Europe on a Budget with Bargain Travel Europe and also visit Bargain Travel West our sister site for travel ideas in western North America --- ©2006-07 Winged Lion Entertainment Ventures, LLC