Photos courtesy of Castel Pergine
In ancient times the valley of Valsugana was an important imperial Roman road—the Claudia Augusta Altinate—that crossed through Trentino. The valley also marked the political and religious division between the episcopal principality of Trento and the episcopal county of Feltre.
Built in the 14th century, the castle belonged to the Tyrolean government who kept their constables here. Unlike other castles in the area, the basic castle construction was never altered because the various government functionaries who resided at Pergine never wanted to make costly or radical alterations to the place.
The Tyrolean possession of the castle lasted until 1513, when Cardinal Bernardo Clesio, prince-bishop of Trento, appropriated the property.
Pamela’s Perspective
If you’re looking for a genuine castle experience and are traveling on a strict budget, Castle Pergine wins the best value award—hands down—for all of Italy.
For a little splurge, go for the double room in the “round tower.”
Castel Pergine
A 13th-century castle
Contact
Via al Castello, 10
38057 Pergine Valsugana
(Trentino)
Tel: ++39 0461 531 158
Hotel website
Reserve with Booking.com
Fast facts
20 rooms, 17 with bath
3 tower rooms with 6 double rooms
Double rooms: from 130 euros
Open: 24 March through the first week of November
Getting there
Pergine is 10 km east of Trento The hotel is signposted; do not go into Pergine. Pergine’s train station has connections to Venice.
What to do
Nearby: horseback riding; tennis; hiking; windsurfing; exploring the castles of Trentino.
Perched high on a hilltop with splendid mountain views of the western Dolomites, the utterly charming Castel Pergine offers affordable accommodations in a region rich with castles but surprisingly few castle hotels.
Swiss couple Verena Neff and Theo Schneider arrived from Switzerland in 1993 to become Castel Pergine’s new hosts. Their love for the castle has transformed it into a cultural center for the area, offering regular music and art events.
For many years Castel Pergine has been known more for its restaurant than for its guest rooms, but all that has changed. Seventeen rooms now have modernized bathrooms; others have hot and cold running water and a shower and toilet on the same floor.
Guest rooms are on the rustic side with antique furnishings, carved-wood trim, wood beds, and lacy curtains. Many of the rooms were completely renovated and redecorated in the winter of 2013.
Something special
Guided tours of the castle (open to the public)
Concerts and art exhibitions
Highly regarded restaurant