Noarna Castle, Nogaredo, Italy

Dominating Lagarina valley since the 11th century, the Noarna castle was a possession initially of the Castelbarco family and later of the Lodrons.

The ancient Castel Noarna served as a setting for witch trials. Located at Noarna di Nogaredo, the Castle overlooks Lagarina valley since the 11th century and probably used to be a former Roman fort. The 13th century keep consists of the main tower, topped by Guelph embattlements, two guardrooms and the prison. Rounded arches testify to the building's Medieval origins.

In this castle a notorious witch trial was held, involving dozens of people from Lagarina valley, which ended with five death sentences to as many local women. Today, it houses a renowned wine cellar boasting about 35,000 bottles.

In 1177 the Castle was damaged during violent fighting and later on became the property of the Castelbarco family. In 1486 it passed to the Lodron family and developed its current look, as it got transformed into an aristocratic mansion. After 1876 the Lodrons moved out and started using the castle only as a summer residence. The castle was eventually abandoned towards the end of the 19th century.

References:

Trentino Cultura

User Reviews

stefania bonetti (4 years ago)
Ancient fortification of Vallagarina passed the property of several families over the centuries. Today it is a private residence open to the public almost only on summer weekends, by reservation. During the visits, wine tastings produced on site are offered. Built in several times, it associates its charm mainly with the witch trials that took place here in the 1600s.

Corona Perer (4 years ago)
As early as the 11th century, Castelnuovo di Noarna dominated Vallagarina. At the time, troubled by the struggles between the Guelphs and Ghibellines, Castel Noarna was seriously damaged along with other forts and castles in the valley. At the end of 1200 the castle passed to the Castelbarco family, one of the most important families of the Principality of Trento whose fiefdoms at the time included almost all of Vallagarina, possessions in the city of Trento, the castle of Sabbionara D'Avio and territories in the areas of Verona and Belluno.The castle subsequently passed to the Lodron family in 1486, after a long dispute with the Castelbarco family that saw the Republic of Venice personally involved.

John Brock (6 years ago)
Very nice tour. Our tour guide was awesome! We learned about the ? and the ?. Very much recommend.

Luigi Sergio (6 years ago)
Castello medioevale bel tenuto e ristrutturato. Gestito dal FAI

Marina Gatti (6 years ago)
Possibile visitarlo con la guida in occasione dell'apertura durante le giornate del FAI.

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