It’s such an amazing feeling to discover something beautiful in places that you’ve not been expecting to find any. Buonconsiglio Castle in Trento, Italy was definitely one of these beauties I’ve discovered! You might have not guessed before how many things are waiting to be explored in the Trentino Alto Adige region. The 16th-century castle in Italy, the Castello di Buonconsiglio, Trento is a must-visit!
If we’re looking just to this one small town, it’s amazing how many options you have on things to do in Trento, Italy! There are many beautiful spots to discover, squares, buildings, churches, and piazzas in Trento you can discover. The view over the stunning mountains around the town is just amazing, and Trento is a great summer destination, as well as a winter destination in Italy. But the castle visit is something you shouldn’t miss either. Whenever you visit, the Buonconsiglio Castle in Trento, Italy will definitely be a highlight of your trip!
Buonconsiglio Castle in Trento, Italy
A brief history of Buonconsiglio Castle
The pre-version of the Buonconsiglio Castle originated from the 13th century. In the beginning, it was a fortress-type of the building near the city wall. This fortified building was extended first by George of Lichtenstein, who turned it into a great residence for the prince-bishop of Trento.
In the 16th century, it was enlarged with the double loggia Gothic-style gates. The Magno Palazzo was also built in this period. This part of the castle complex has a perfect Renaissance style.
[etsy-shop shop_name=”GAELBoutiqueCo” section_id=”32066568″]The Buonconsiglio Castle was the residence of the bishops from the 13th to the beginning of the 19th century. Later on, it was used by Austrians as a military barrack and jail. After Trento was returned to Italy in 1920, the castle has been restored, and it’s functioning now as a museum. It’s also home of the Provincial Gallery of Arts now.
How to get to Buonconsiglio Castle and other info
Address: Via Bernardo Clesio, no 5, Trento
If you’ve never been to Trento before, you can reach the town by train or car. If you’re traveling by train, you can arrive easily from Verona or Bolzano too! The castle is open for visitors all around the year. It’s the most significant landmark in the area, and it is absolutely a must-visit place in Trento! If you’re visiting, note, that the only day the castle is usually closed is on Monday! Fest days make exceptions!
Buonconsiglio Castle, Trento, Italy is located in the heart of the town, just a few minutes away from the main square. When you’re visiting, make sure to get your ticket in advance to avoid crowds.
If you’re visiting now during the pandemic, this is even more important! By booking your visit ahead of time, you can make sure to be allowed to enter. Now, there’s a limited number of people allowed to enter the castle at once!
Reasons to visit Buonconsiglio Castle in Trento
I wasn’t sure when I visited the castle what I will find inside. Trento is definitely not a really popular destination in Italy. It’s not hosting millions of tourists, and therefore its gems aren’t as well-known either.
When I entered the castle, I must say I was amazed! We’ve spent hours and hours wandering around, admiring every single room, and every single item from the museum’s collection. After those hours, I must say it was really worth it! Now I’m going to share with you too why is Buonconsiglio Castle so much worth to be visited!
#1 A rich museum collection in Buonconsiglio Castle, Trento
Let’s start with the first reason you should visit Buonconsiglio Castle in Trento, Italy! The museum in Bounconsiglio Castle consists of three floors. You will find on each different exhibitions from different ages. The collections are dating back to the Bronze Age, the Roman Empire, the Middle Ages, the Renaissance, and beyond.
Among the great collection of the museum, you will find archeological pieces and medieval art pieces. There is a rich collection of small bronzes, medals, jewelry, and interesting little figures too.
You can also find beautiful Codices, which include one called Evangeliario Purpureo dating back to the 5th century. The other two significant pieces are one from the 9th century, and one from the 15th century.
You’ll also find items, pieces of architecture from diverse centuries, frescoes, numismatics, and wooden sculptures. The museum has a beautiful collection of stoves and majolica tiles for stoves, that’s really beautiful! For people (such as myself) who love hand-painted tiled decorations, this collection will be a highlight!
#2 Breautiful ceilings in the castle
The castle has numerous precious frescoes all around the complex. Each dating back to different ages. I personally walked more looking up, then looking for what’s in front of me. Needless to say, that I have an obsession with frescoes and decorative ceilings! For me, this place was incredibly delightful!
Most of the frescoes date back to the 16th century, and these were painted by Dosso Dossi and Battista Dossi. You can find their work in Sala Grande, Sala degli Specchi, the Camera del Camin Nero, the Stua della Farnea, and the library. Each one is a masterpiece!
When it comes to the frescoes in Buonconsiglio Castle, there are two important highlights. One of them can be found in the Loggia del Cortile dei Leoni (first picture above). These frescoes were made by Romanino, and they make this courtyard absolutely beautiful.
When you visit the Eagle Tower (Torre Aquilla) you’ll see one of the most famous international Gothic frescoes from Europe! The fresco is called “Cycle of the Months”.
To enter the tower, you’re required to pay an extra fee. For this, you’ll be getting an audio guide, and there are tours organized at given times.
The Cycle of the Months is starting out from the spring and each fresco is representing the given month in agriculture, economical activities, and life around the castle.
Since the Cycle of the Months was painted in the 15th century, in the Feudal Age, the frescoes represent the nobles’ and vassals’ life. The artist made sure to always highlight the nobles more. This work must be seen in person! As I have said, you need to pay an extra fee but it’s really not too much, about €2.50!
#3 The beautiful gardens of Buonconsiglio Castle, Trento
Well, the gardens around and in the Buonconsiglio Castle, Trento, Italy are definitely something I need to highlight, as they are just beautiful! The long alleyway under the grapes, and even those small hidden ones between the different parts of the building complex are just amazing! There are a few gardens to explore in Buonconsiglio Castle with different styles, some are from the 16th-century castle in Italy.
Once you’ve wandered around the museum, take a walk in the gardens of Buonconsiglio Castle to enjoy the beauty of nature that’s soaked with history. There’s also a small cafe in the garden at the entrance of the castle, where you can enjoy a great cappuccino before or after your visit!
#4 Breathtaking panorama on the mountains of Trentino Alto Adige
One of the highlights of the Buonconsiglio Castle is the top floor of the side called Giunta Albertiana. This side is connecting the Medieval part of the Castle that’s called Castelvecchio, with the Renaissance part, the Magno Palazzo’s external side.
On the top floor of the Giunta Albertina, there’s a beautiful balcony held by colonnades, that offers an incredible view over the old town and the mountains facing the castle. This is possibly the best view around the city, with an exquisite panorama on the mountains of Trentino Alto Adige.
Booking.comTours in Buonconsiglio Castle, Trento Italy
When you’re visiting Buonconsiglio Castle, Trento, Italy, you can apply for some unique tours. You can go on guided tours in the castle, as well as you can tour the earlier mentioned Eagle Tower, which I highly recommend! Make sure to check out the website of Buonconsiglio Castle, Trento for information before you visit!
Do you need tips for things to do in Trento and other places to visit in the town? Make sure to check out my latest Trento travel guide for inspiration!
My camera gear
Sony Alpha a6000, Sony – FE 24-105mm lens, PHOPIK 79 inches Carbon Fiber Tripod
Castles are like traveling back in time! I love them too!
If you will go, you will surely love it!
Wow! What an incredible castle. I love castles and their history. Definitely adding this to my list in Italy ?
Aww you make me miss Italy so much! I’ve never been to Trento but I’d love to discover this beautiful castle w
I can’t wait until I can travel internationally again. Dear friends of mine live in Italy and I want to visit them. While I dream, I’m pinning posts like this one for unforgettable things to do in Italy. Thanks!
I’ve been really worried as it wasn’t sure due to the pandemic if I could move here this year, but thankfully I did. Hope you’re adding Trento to your bucket list!