Drena Castle, Drena, Italy - SpottingHistory

The well-preserved Drena Castle ruins stands on the rock overlooking the deep gorge of the Salagoni River. Built in the 12th century, Drena was probably erected over a prehistoric village. During the Middle Ages, the castle became an important stronghold to control the road connecting Trento and Lake Garda. Unassailable from the flames, the castle is defended by two rows of walls and has been constructed in a dominating position over a gorge - rendering it impregnable to the techniques in use at the time. The castle is mostly Romanesque, but includes a number of Gothic features and 16th century structures.

Frequently contended, in 1703 Drena castle was destroyed by French troops led by General Vendome as well as practically all the castles in the area.

Recently refurbished, Castel Drena can be visited throughout the year, and uses to host numerous cultural events, as well as a permanent exhibition. Overlooking the complex is the 25 metres high fourteenth-century tower, the top of which affords a view over the evocative Marocche stone quarry.

User Reviews

Mark De Ruiter (4 years ago)
Nog really worth it if you dont speak italian. Only the entrance prices are translated in German/English

Wendy Schippers (4 years ago)
Beautiful castle overlooking the valley, and great to combine with via ferrata Sallagoni. Tip. Park near the castle, vist the castle and walk down to the via ferrata to climb up back to where you parked

Fotograf a kameraman Tomáš Michna (4 years ago)
Nice place for a wedding. If you need a photographer just let me know :)

Petr Brezina (5 years ago)
Nice place with an amazing view of 120 steps to the top of the tower. ?

Manuel Mustermann (5 years ago)
Amazing view. Definitely worth a visit. The restaurant accessible by the street "via castello" near the castle is amazing too.

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Photo from Flickr, copyright discopalace

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Sigmaringen Castle

Sigmaringen Castle was first mentioned in the year 1077 in the chronicles of Petershausen monastery. The oldest parts of the castle are concealed beneath the alterations made during the 17th and the 19th centuries. The secret of the earliest settlement built on this defendable rock will never be fully revealed: large-scale excavation work would be necessary, which the extensive land development renders impossible. Judging from the many Roman remains unearthed in the area around Sigmaringen, the 12th century keep known as the 'Roman Tower' could be traced back to a Roman predecessor.

The castle remains that have been preserved (gate, great hall and keep) date back to the Staufer period around 1200. The castle remains were integrated into subsequent buildings. The foundations of the castle buildings are to a large extent identical to the surrounding castle wall.

These remains give us a good idea of how the castle might have looked during the 12th century.

Drena Castle

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