Hello dear friends, I'm back with a post that I think could be very interesting, about a beautiful place I visited thanks to an organized group tour of a stunning castle that I didn't even know existed. It was all thanks to a dear friend of mine that I could participate in this guided tour, so I'm delighted to share these photos with you.
Today, I would like to talk to you about Castel Roncolo, a medieval castle practically in the municipality of Renon in Trentino Alto Adige. In reality, the name wouldn't be exactly this because it would be in German, but since Trentino Alto Adige is part of Italy, the name has been somewhat Italianized. The castle is quite famous, although, as I mentioned, I had never come across it before. It's not far from Bolzano and stands on a cliff overlooking the Talvera stream, allowing for a view of the city of Bolzano.
I was fortunate that our group was led by a really knowledgeable guide who told us a bit about the history of this castle. Most notably, she made us understand that it became famous over time because it houses a cycle of secular frescoes created in medieval times, around 1400. These frescoes depict various aspects of life and culture during the court's era. That's why these frescoes are called secular, as once in castles, frescoes were simply created for the lords who inhabited these important manors. It's truly unusual to find a cycle of frescoes like this. I had visited other castles, but I had never had the opportunity to see something similar.
I must say that ever since I fell in love with art, and I've been studying it for many years since I was a child, the structures that have always drawn me are castles. They are such unique places that always enclose enormous secrets.
As you can see in the photos, there's a nice climb to reach the castle, so comfortable shoes are a must. There's a small fixed bridge where there used to be a drawbridge. Inside the main part of the castle, besides the frescoes that have been restored over time, there are also medieval objects that have been found. This is fascinating as it takes you back in time. You can explore many rooms of the castle and then stroll in the wooden structure that faces the typical courtyards of South Tyrolean castles where guards used to be stationed.
I was told that in the coming year, they plan to enhance the visit further by applying 3D technology with specially designed glasses, allowing visitors to experience the medieval era firsthand. I had a similar experience in Milan, and I really enjoyed it, so I think it's a great idea.
The guide kindly explained that the courtyard area, where a small stage has been recreated, is used in the summer for concerts or theatrical performances, attracting people from the entire region. This, too, is something I love because it provides the opportunity to enjoy this artistic beauty in another way, such as through a concert or theater, which are ultimately integral parts of art.
In conclusion, I can say that Castel Roncolo was a beautiful discovery. Perhaps, at first glance, when you arrive and see it externally not well-maintained, it might give you a bad impression. However, it's precisely inside its rooms that it hides many secrets and artistic beauties. If you're interested in visiting, and you happen to be in Trentino Alto Adige, the entrance fee is €8 for adults and €5.50 for children. I spent more because it was a guided tour organized by bus, so I had the convenience of starting from home and being taken there. Still, I highly recommend a visit to this place.
I hope you enjoyed my photos. Thank you for the time you dedicated to reading the post, and I'll see you in the next one, wishing you all a wonderful day!