Castello di Rovereto is one of the best examples of late-Medieval Alpine castles. It was built by the Castelbarco family, near the Leno Torrent, in the 14th century. In the 15th century, the Venetians seized it and transformed it into a military fortress with a defensive function, equipped with four massive bastions. In 1509, following the Venetian defeat, was handed over to the Habsburgs who ruled it until the end of The Great War.
The castle, also called Castel Veneto, is recognized as one of the most complete and interesting Venetian-type Alpine fortifications. You will find it in the heart of the historic center of Rovereto.
In the Marino and Malipiero defense towers, you will discover an extensive modern-era weapon collection: armor, side arms and firearms, for both dueling and hunting (16th-18th century).
Since 1921 the castle has hosted the Italian War History Museum: temporary and permanent exhibitions about the history of the two world conflicts will help you reconstruct the events of the First World War, while the educational activities aimed at school groups intends to bring the younger ones closer to history. In the past, the Castello di Rovereto hosted Maria Dolens, the renowned Campana dei Caduti (Bell of the Fallen Soldiers), now located at Colle di Miravalle. In its halls, the original plaster model is still visible.
References: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.