Castel Toblino is one of the most famous and evocative castles of Trentino. A rare and splendid example of a lakeside castle, it now houses a renowned restaurant with a unique atmosphere.
Castel Toblino History
Castel Toblino is located in the so-called Valle dei Laghi, between the towns of Padergnone and Calavino, in south-western Trentino and owes its fame to the particular position and the beautiful environment in which it is located.
Impressive dwelling characterized by harmonious forms of renaissance style, Castel Toblino stands on a small rocky spur bathed by the lake. The rock ridge centuries ago appeared as a small island (given the level of the lake at the highest times) and the castle was built for defensive purposes, given the nearby presence of the important road junction that connected Trento and the valleys of the Sarca and of the Churches.
The first building was a small temple built about 2000 years ago dedicated to the cult of fairies: we have news thanks to a small plaque in the portico of the manor. Over the centuries the temple was transformed into a stronghold of considerable military importance.
Since 1100 the castle was the property of vassals of the prince-bishop of Trento; subsequently, in the XIII century it changed hands to the Da Campo until, at the end of the fifteenth century, it became a bishop's estate.
However, what is possible to admire today is the result of the reconstruction and enhancement of the 16th century by
Bernardo Clesio: what was once an arch-strong fortress, transformed into an elegant residence much appreciated by the bishop princes of Trento, particularly by the
Madruzzo, becoming a of the most famous lacustrine fortifications in the entire region.
Castel Toblino offers various attractions for its visitors. You can stay inside the city walls in characteristic accommodations to spend unforgettable moments immersed in a picturesque setting.
Upon reservation, it is also possible to organize guided tours. You can visit the halls once inhabited by the Volkenstein counts, the rooms dedicated to the production of holy wine, the frescoed rooms on the second floor, the famous Sala Particella on the intermediate level, the first floor rooms including the charming Music room and the dungeons where the ghosts of Claudia Particella, of the Prince Bishop
Carlo Emanuele Madruzzo, of Giangaudenzio and of Ginevra are still living.
Castel Toblino also hosts a fine restaurant. Elegant rooms, a mysterious and suggestive atmosphere and an enchanted setting, are the setting for a passionately managed kitchen, where local and traditional gastronomy is combined with innovation and creativity. Particular care is taken in the selection of typical local products and the well-stocked cellar offers more than 400 national labels with valid French additions.