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.

Featured Historic Landmarks, Sites & Buildings

Photo from Flickr, copyright Zvonimir Hrvoj

Historic Site of the week

Church of St Donatus

The Church of St Donatus name refers to Donatus of Zadar, who began construction on this church in the 9th century and ended it on the northeastern part of the Roman forum. It is the largest Pre-Romanesque building in Croatia.

The beginning of the building of the church was placed to the second half of the 8th century, and it is supposed to have been completed in the 9th century. The Zadar bishop and diplomat Donat (8th and 9th centuries) is credited with the building of the church. He led the representations of the Dalmatian cities to Constantinople and Charles the Great, which is why this church bears slight resemblance to Charlemagne's court chapels, especially the one in Aachen, and also to the Basilica of San Vitale in Ravenna. It belongs to the Pre-Romanesque architectural period.

The circular church, formerly domed, is 27 m high and is characterised by simplicity and technical primitivism.

Drena Castle

Address

Details

More Information

Rating

Interesting Sites Nearby

User Reviews

Featured Historic Landmarks, Sites & Buildings

Finest Norman castles in Italy

Exploring the History of Northern Poland

Discovering Slovenia's Historic Wonders

Historic Site of the week

Church of St Donatus