Photo of Castello del Buonconsiglio

Visit Castello del Buonconsiglio

The Castello di Buonconsiglio is an imposing medieval castle and renaissance palace to the east of the historic centre of Trento, capital of the Trentino region of northern Italy.

Explore the Castello di Buonconsiglio

The origins of the castello date from the first half of the 13th century, when a fortress was first constructed here as a local garrison and was part of the defensive wall that surrounded Trento.

From the middle of the 13th century the castle was occupied by the Trento bishops, who transformed the building over several centuries into a luxurious palace. As a result buildings from several different periods and in various styles are to be seen when you visit the castello di Buonconsiglio.

Buildings in the courtyard of Castello del Buonconsiglio

As you approach the castle it is dominated by its medieval ramparts, a large wall that still surrounds the castello. Enter through the gate and you find you are now in a very nicely maintained Italianate garden with carefully planted trees and bushes.

The main tower that dominates the Castello di Buonconsiglio is called the Torre d'Augusto: on your way to this medieval tower you cross the courtyard of the early castle which has a charming loggia in the Venetian style from where you have lovely views across the rooftops of Trento.

Next to here is a substantial palace, called the Magno Palazzo, that was built within the walls of the castle. This palazzo contains works by several highly reputed Italian renaissance and baroque artists. More frescoes can be sen in the second tower, the Torre Aquila.

 
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The bishopric was finally ended in 1803 after which the Castello di Buonconsiglio was used once again as a garrison.

When you visit, you can enter the castle grounds, walk through the gardens and visit the cafe without charge. There is a small charge payable to visit the main part of the castle that contains a museum with a wide ranging collection of objects from around Trento and from the last 2000 years, including medieval art and sculptures, works of art, archaeological items, marble statues and lots of other small items.

Temporary exhibitions are also held in the museum.

Gardens of Castello del Buonconsiglio

Attractions nearby

You can see many of the highlights in this impressive city in our Trento guide. The most important of these is the Cathedral of Trento and the associated museum, tower and ancient basilica.

There are several other imposing castles in the countryside around Trento including:

  • Castel Beseno (south): medieval and 16th century castle, the largest in the Trentino region
  • Castello di Stenico (south-west): a fortified manor house now a museum featuring sculptures and frescoes
  • Castel Thun (north-west): a fortified manor house converted into an impressive residence with furniture and an art collection
  • Castel Caldes (north-west): a substantial manor house from the 12th-16th centuries

You can find more local travel ideas in the Trentino-Alto Adige guide.

See also: 

Photos of Castello del Buonconsiglio

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Map of Castello del Buonconsiglio and places to visit

 
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Castello del Buonconsiglio places to visit

Trento Cathedral

Trento Cathedral

The cathedral of Trento also has access to the ancient basilica that previously stood on the site

Trento Cathedral guide
Trento

Trento

The bustling town of Trento has a good number of palazzos and churches to admire during a visit

Trento guide
Rovereto

Rovereto

Although the castle is the principle highlight in Rovereto you will also enjoy exploring the town centre

Rovereto guide
Arco

Arco

Arco is an attractive town with a castle at the northern end of Lake Garda

Arco guide
Madonna di Campiglio

Madonna di Campiglio

The ski resort of Madonna di Campiglio, in the Valle Rendena, is one of the largest in Italy

Madonna di Campiglio guide
Riva del Garda

Riva del Garda

Riva del Garda, at the northern end of Lake Garda, is one of the most visited resorts on the lake shores

Riva del Garda guide

...or see all our recommended places to visit in Trentino-Alto Adige

 
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