Buonconsiglio Castle (Italian: Castello del Buonconsiglio) is a castle in Trento, northern Italy. The castle originated from a fortified building that was erected in the 13th century next to the city's walls. This first building was called Castelvecchio ("Old Castle"), and was the seat of the Bishopric of Trent from the 13th century onwards to the end of the 18th century. The castle is composed of a series of buildings of different eras, enclosed by a circle of walls in a slightly elevated position above the town. The, as called, Castelvecchio is the oldest and most dominant building of the entire housing development. The Magno Palazzo is the sixteenth expansion in the forms of the Italian Renaissance, wanted by the Prince Bishop and Cardinal Bernardo Clesio (1485-1539), the third part, in the southern end of the complex is the known Eagle tower, which preserves the famous Cycle of the Months, one of the most fascinating pictorial cycles of profane late Middle Ages.
Bishop George of Liechtenstein was the first to enlarge the castle, in the late 14th century, turning it into a well-styled residence. The Castelvecchio was further modified by Johannes Hinderbach, who had the double loggia Gothic entrance gate built. In the first decades of the 16th century, Bishop Bernardo Clesio had a new residence, called Palazzo Magno ("Grand Palace") built in Renaissance style alongside the old castle. The last great addition was the so-called Giunta Albertiana, from the name of Bishop Francesco Alberti Poja (1686), with which the Castelvecchio and the Palazzo Magno were united
The castle remained the seat of the Prince-Bishops until 1803. Used by the Austrians as military barracks and, later, as a jail, it decayed. In the 1920s, when Trento was returned to Italy, it became seat of a National Museum and was restored. Since 1992 it is home to the Provincial Gallery of Art.
According to legend, it was connected by a secret tunnel to the city's cathedral, which allowed the prince-bishops to move unseen between them. In 2015, rights were granted for the first time to film inside the castle, for Sebastiano Serafini's music video for his...
Read moreEdited-apparently my first review wasn't posted because Google Maps is censoring art.
Buonconsiglio Castle Museum is a must-visit for anyone interested in history, art, or architecture. The castle has been built and expanded over the centuries, and its different sections reflect the different architectural styles of the time. The museum houses a collection of paintings, sculptures, and artifacts from the Middle Ages to the present day, as well as a library and an archive. The castle also has a beautiful garden and a terrace with stunning views of the city of Trento.
I visited the Buonconsiglio Castle Museum on a recent trip to Italy, and I was really impressed. The castle is incredibly well-preserved, and the exhibits are well-curated. I especially enjoyed the Cycle of Months frescoes in the Eagle Tower, which depict scenes of court life and peasantry in the Middle Ages.
If you're looking for a fascinating and educational day out, I highly recommend visiting the Buonconsiglio Castle Museum.
Here are some additional details:
The castle is located in the heart of Trento, and it is easily accessible by public transportation. The museum is open from 9:00 am to 7:00 pm, and the last admission is at 6:00 pm. The entrance fee is €10 for adults, €8 for seniors and students, and €6 for children. There are audio guides available in English, Italian, German, French, and Spanish. The museum is wheelchair accessible. I...
Read moreThe Buonconsiglio Castle Museum in Trento is a true treasure trove of history and art. As one of the most important historical landmarks in the region, the castle offers a fascinating journey through centuries of Trentino's rich cultural heritage. The architecture itself is awe-inspiring, blending medieval and Renaissance styles seamlessly. Inside, the museum boasts an impressive collection of artworks, artifacts, and beautifully frescoed rooms, including the renowned "Cycle of the Months" in the Torre Aquila.
The museum's exhibits are thoughtfully curated, providing deep insights into the region's history, from its medieval past to the Habsburg era. The stunning views from the castle's towers and terraces are an added bonus, offering panoramic vistas of Trento and the surrounding mountains. The staff are knowledgeable and passionate, enhancing the experience with their insights and friendly demeanor. Whether you're a history enthusiast, an art lover, or simply curious about the local culture, the Buonconsiglio Castle Museum is a must-visit. It's an enriching and captivating experience that...
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