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Il Castello di Arco (Arco Castle) Trentino, Italy

Published on June 12, 2018 by Elizabeth

Arco Castle is the ruin of a 12th-century medieval fortress built on a prominent spur high overlooking Arco and the Sarca Valley in Trentino, Northern Italy. It’s well worth a visit if you are on holiday in Riva del Garda. In collaboration with Garda Trentino S.p.A. Tourism Board 

Il Castello di Arco - Arco Castle - Trentino, Northern Italy

One of the characteristic features of the Garda Trentino landscape is the rock of Arco which dominates the plain of the River Sarca at the point where it widens.

At the top of this prominent 273 m outcrop of rock you’ll find Arco Castle – the remains of a 12th-century fortress. It’s made up of the Torre Grande (the square structure with the tall sides), the Prigione del Sasso dungeon, the Sala degli Affreschi with its 14th-century frescos and the Torre Renghera at the very top.

Three paths lead to the castle from the village of Arco. These paths wind through the olive groves in the hills to reach the castle within a few minutes. Follow the marker “Castello” between the houses and the olive grove, with it’s cicada orchestra, to reach the castle. It’s a steep climb, taking 15-20 minutes, but well worth it for the views.

Il Castello di Arco - Arco Castle - Trentino, Northern Italy

It is thought that the foundations of this castle date back to 1000 AD, built by the villagers themselves before being taken over by the Counts and nobles of Arco during the Middle Ages. The castle fortress controlled the Northern side of the Valle del Sarca valley, which used to be often crossed by armies coming from the North and heading towards the Po River Valley.

Il Castello di Arco - Arco Castle - Trentino, Northern Italy

There’s a large lawn at the base of the castle, used during the summer months for picnics, music and poetry events. It’s a popular wedding venue as well.

Take in the stunning views of old Arco from this vantage point, a view which stretches all the way to Lake Garda.

Il Castello di Arco - Arco Castle - Trentino, Northern Italy

Looking up the hill you see the walls of the Torre Grande, surrounded by its age-old cypresses. This tower was built in the 12-century and survived Napoleon’s cannons.

At the gift shop next to Torre Grande pay the entrance fee (or show them your Garda Trentino Guest Card for free entry) and enter the castle. Information panels guide your way and explain the history of the castle. Guided tours are also offered.

Il Castello di Arco - Arco Castle - Trentino, Northern Italy

Il Castello di Arco - Arco Castle - Trentino, Northern Italy

In the Sala degli Affreschi you’ll find beautiful frescoes from the 14th-century with scenes of games of draughts, battles and ladies very intent on playing chess.

Continue up the hill from here to the Torre Renghera, the last refuge in the event of a siege. Here, the bell, known as the “renga”, called the locals to prayer.

From here you’ve got a wonderful view of the lake, to the Monte Stivo in the east which may still be covered with snow and to the Paganella in the north.

Il Castello di Arco - Arco Castle - Trentino, Northern Italy

Il Castello di Arco - Arco Castle - Trentino, Northern Italy

Il Castello di Arco - Arco Castle - Trentino, Northern Italy

Il Castello di Arco - Arco Castle - Trentino, Northern Italy

Il Castello di Arco - Arco Castle - Trentino, Northern Italy

Il Castello di Arco - Arco Castle - Trentino, Northern Italy

Il Castello di Arco - Arco Castle - Trentino, Northern Italy

An icon and symbol of the city, Arco Castle is reproduced in countless codices and paintings, including the very famous watercolour by Albrecht Dürer kept at the Louvre in Paris. It’s definitely well worth a visit if you are in the area.

Arco Castle Opening Times

01.03 – 31.03 10.00 am – 5.00 pm
01.04 – 30.09 10.00 am – 7.00 pm
01.10 – 31.10 10.00 am – 5.00 pm
02.11 – 06.01 10.00 am – 4.00 pm
07.01 – 31.01 10.00 am – 4.00 pm only Saturday and Sunday
01.02 – 28.02 10.00 am – 4.00 pm

Closed: January 1st, November 1sth, December 25th, 26th, 24th afternoon and 31st afternoon

Note: last admission to the upper towers one hour before closing time!

Price: € 3.50 / € 2.00 ( 12-18/over 60 ) / € 3.00 ( groups min. 20 people). Ask for the Garda Trentino Guest Card at your hotel for free entry.

Visit this 12th-century castle in Arco, Northern Italy

MY OTHER GARDA TRENTINO POSTS THAT YOU MIGHT LIKE

  • A Foodie’s Guide to Garda Trentino, Northern Italy
  • Trekking in Garda Trentino: Cima Capi & The Ponale
  • Trekking in Garda Trentino: Lake Tenno to the Varone Waterfall
  • Hotel Luise, Riva del Garda: Travel Stories since 1959
  • Pan-Seared Rabbit Loin Salad with Smoked Pancetta
  • Torta Sbrisolona – an Italian Almond Cake Recipe

Elizabeth was a guest of Garda Trentino S.p.A. Tourism, but all thoughts and opinions expressed are hers alone.

Category: Italy, Travel

About Elizabeth

Solivagant. Foodie. Calls Shetland home.

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Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. nicol

    June 16, 2018 at 7:55 am

    ive never heard of trentino before but the views are absolutely breathtaking

    Reply
  2. Becca Talbot

    June 15, 2018 at 3:27 pm

    What amazing views, and such dramatic scenery! Looks like you picked the perfect day for your trip to Arco Castle, as the blue sky has given you a brilliant backdrop for some stunning piccies x

    Reply
  3. Rachael

    June 15, 2018 at 12:33 pm

    How dreamy to walk through the olive fields and find yourself at a castle from the middle ages. It has beautiful, idyllic views – no wonder it’s a popular wedding venue. It looks so beautiful.

    Reply
  4. Kara

    June 15, 2018 at 9:25 am

    Wow, what a stunning castle. It always makes me wonder how they are built when I see them perched on the edge of a mountain

    Reply
  5. Nicola Lawson

    June 14, 2018 at 7:23 pm

    This looks absolutely amazing, I’m incredibly jealous. I’d love to go there, Lake Garda is also a place I’d love to go.

    Reply
  6. MELANIE EDJOURIAN

    June 14, 2018 at 10:20 am

    You have taken some amazing pictures of the castle it looks gorgeous and really big! I would love to go and do one of the guided tours and learn a little about the history.

    Reply
  7. Laura Dove

    June 13, 2018 at 5:36 pm

    WOW!!! It looks absolutely stunning! I am desperate to go to Italy but we just haven’t got round to it yet, those photos are amazing!

    Reply
  8. Jade Bremner

    June 13, 2018 at 4:46 pm

    I never fail to be amazed at these types of places. They stand centuries after being built and of course they built it without the aid of a JCB x

    Reply
  9. Jenni

    June 13, 2018 at 4:28 pm

    Wow, I don’t think word can describe the scenery on theses pictures, magnificent. We love old castles and châteaux’s I would love to visit here someday

    Reply
  10. Rhian westbury

    June 13, 2018 at 5:52 am

    Wow those are such stunning views and it’s such a good price to visit the castle x

    Reply
  11. Sarah Bailey

    June 12, 2018 at 4:56 pm

    Wow what a stunning place to go and explore. Those paintings on the wall are absolutely beautiful as well! A real look into the past.

    Reply

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Cooking up a storm at the edge of the world

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