A majestic circuit of towers and crenellated walls in a fortress complex conceived for the strategic control of the valley of the River Adige, but also a lush garden and a treasure trove of valuable, vibrant "Giotto-esque" pictorial cycles dedicated to love and war.
Donated to FAI by Emanuela di Castelbarco Pindemonte Rezzonico in 1977
The summit of a spur of Mount Vignola, which overlooks the Val Lagarina furrowed by the River Adige, has been adorned for more than 10 centuries by one of the most ancient and evocative castles in the Trentino region. It has belonged almost without interruption to the noble Castelbarco family, which during the Middle Ages transformed the fortress into a small feudal court, frequented by artists and intellectuals.
The great scale of the complex – which is evident even at a distance thanks to the visual impact of the perimeter of crenellated walls and defensive towers that today encircle a lush garden of vines and cypresses – is counterbalanced by the attractiveness of the extraordinary frescoes that adorn the interiors of the Room of Love and the Keep, dating from the mid-14th century. While war and the military arts are celebrated in the former through delicate decorations and captivating frescoes, which offer an authentic encapsulation of the knightly customs of the time, in the latter the focus is very much on courtly love. In the renowned “Love Room”, amid darts that pierce the hearts of an elegantly dressed lady and a passionate knight, Love mounts an impetuous steed, infusing the entire space with a lively rhythm.
The complex is reached via a route that meanders between the vineyards and skirts the southern edge. The wide downward slope that opens before the visitor is a sequence of terraces supported by stone walls, embellished by rows of vines and slender cypresses. Avio is a place of unexpected contrasts and is suitable even for youngsters who, by engaging with game-based trails, can have fun learning about the stories and characters who have brought the castle to life over the centuries.
Avio Castle is open to the public at the following times:
from Wednesday to Sunday till 30th September: 10 am – 6 pm
On August, from Tuesday to Sunday: 10 am - 6 pm
From 1st October to 21th November, from Wednesday to Sunday: 10 am - 5 pm
During the winter, the Castle is closed to the public.
Last admission 30 minutes before closing time.
By car
A22 motorway (“Autostrada del Brennero”), exit at the Ala-Avio toll gate, between Verona and Trento, then follow the signs for “Castello di Avio”.
By train
Verona - Brennero line, Avio station (around 2.5 km away).
By bus
From Trento, get off at the Sabbionara d'Avio stop (around 1 km away).
There is a car park 450 m from the castle and a bus park in the town of Sabbionara (around 800 m from the castle).
- FAI members: free entry *
- Adults: €8
- Reduced (aged 6-18): €4
- Children aged 0-5: free entry*
- Students aged under 25: €6
- National Trust members, residents of the Avio Local Council area, those with disabilities + 1 companion: free entry
- Families: €21. Allows entry at reduced rates for family groups composed of 2 adults and 2 children (6-18 years of age). Free entry for any additional children in the family group.
*with the exception of specific events, when only the additional event charge will apply. During events the price may be subject to change
Guided tour tickets:
- FAI members and Trentino Guest Card: € 4
- Adults: € 12
- Reduced (aged 6-18): € 6
- Children aged 0-5: free entry
- Students aged under 25: € 8
- National Trust members, residents of the Avio Local Council area, those with disabilities + 1 companion: € 4
- Families: € 31,00. Allows entry at reduced rates for family groups composed of 2 adults and 2 children (6-18 years of age). Free entry for any additional children in the family group.
Guided tours for groups are available, as are special visits. Prior booking is required:
- Guided tour in Italian: €100
- Guided tour in a language other than Italian: €110
For information and bookings: faiavio@fondoambiente.it
Guided tours for schools are also available. For information: www.faiscuola.it
Disabled visitors can access free-of-charge those FAI properties that are open to the public by showing their ANMIC (Associazione Nazionale Mutilati e Invalidi Civili) card.
The castle is challenging to access for those who have difficulty walking. Contact the castle for more information.
Purchases from the bookshop make a tangible contribution to supporting the work of FAI.
Locanda del Castello
Open during the opening hours of the Castle.
For information and bookings: (+39) 3405598304
Leashed dogs are allowed.
We suggest to wear comfortable, sporty shoes.
Choose the Castle for your events
A fascinating medieval fortress in the Trentino region
A hilltop fortress affording an extraordinary panoramic view over the valley: in the beautifully decorated rooms of Avio Castle, with their 14th-century frescoes, you can immerse yourself in a captivating, mysterious medieval atmosphere. The vineyards in the garden are the ideal place for your most important celebrations.
The castle is the perfect place for small private ceremonies, banquets, tastings, M.I.C.E. events and exclusive weddings.
The position overlooking the valley, from which you can savour wonderful views of the countryside, makes the castle an ideal backdrop for photo shoots, catwalk events and concerts.
In addition, by choosing a FAI property for your event, you are contributing to the conservation and safeguarding of Italy's heritage.
For information
Alessandro Armani Tel. (+39) 0464684453 eventi.avio@fondoambiente.it
