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BaitoneAalpino Suggests: Castel Stenico

Stenico Castle is located near the town of the same name in western Trentino; it bears witness to the importance this place once held. It dates back to the 12th century, but is linked to a pre-existing prehistoric hillfort, given that the area on which it stands is highly strategic, controlling the territory west of Trento. Ownership of the castle passed into the hands of the Prince-Bishop of Trento in the 13th century, who subjected the structure to continuous expansions and modifications until it was transformed into a prestigious episcopal residence that controlled the territory thanks to one of his officials: the Captain of the Giudicarie. The captain administered the area militarily, economically, and politically, without prejudice to the autonomy recognized to the seven parishes of the Giudicarie, which also guaranteed a certain degree of autonomy from the prince-bishopric to the area. For nearly eight centuries, it was occupied by a Captain and his lieutenants who, on behalf of the Prince-Bishop of Trento, exercised the function of maximum political and administrative authority in the Giudicarie territory. The oldest part of the castle stands in the infamous "hunger tower," where prisoners were condemned to starvation. For many centuries, the castle was the political, administrative, and judicial center of the entire valley. With the secularization of the episcopal principality, the castle was used by the Austrian government as the seat of the Imperial Royal Court and the Tax Office. During Austrian rule in Trentino, in the late 19th century, the castle was partially covered with concrete slabs. After ownership was transferred to the Italian state, it was used as a courthouse and later as the headquarters of the Carabinieri. The Province of Trento began restoration work in 1973 and subsequently opened it to the public. The castle is part of the Buonconsiglio museum network, which includes Castello del Buonconsiglio in Trento, Castel Stenico in the Giudicarie area, Castel Beseno in Besenello, Castel Thun in the Val di Non, and Castel Caldes in the Val di Sole. Tickets are available for €20, which grants access to all five castles. If you visit all five, you'll receive a small gift!