Segonzano Castle, Segonzano, Italy

The Castle of Segonzano was built in the 13th century on a rock spur, around 100 meters above the valley. The place where it's placed was probably the site of a prehistoric hillfort. Built by Rodolfo Scancio, on the authority of the Prince-Bishop of Trento, Federico Vanga, the castle served as an important fortified site guarding the trade route passing through the Adige Valley and across the Cantilaga bridge on the river Avisio.

The fortress became hugely important between the 14th and 15th centuries. In the 14th century it was owned by the Scancio, Rottenburg and Greifenstein families and then passed, in 1424, to the Dukes of Tyrol.

When German painter Albrecht Dürer passed here on his first journey to Venice in 1494, he was so impressed by the gloomy walls of the fortress, that he dedicated two celebrated watercolours to it. In 1971, Durer's historic visit to the site was commemorated by two porphyry pillars, at Faver and Piazzo di Segonzano, marking the locations from which he was inspired to paint the two views.

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User Reviews

Luigi Josè Mattevi (2 years ago)
Even though very little remains of the castle, namely the tower and a piece of wall, I must say that it is always nice to return there, rediscovering its history (we are talking about a thirteenth century castle), as well as its cultural traditions. linked to it. The perfect position, immersed in the mountains and countryside of the Cembra Valley, gives it a broad view of the landscape, as well as demonstrating a meaning that links the castle with the life of the people who live in the town below. Although it is not very well known, seeing it at least once will certainly be worth it, especially in knowing everything that comes from it from every point of view.

Hatim Wilkinson (3 years ago)
Great for romantic piqnoqies

Stefan Deresch (3 years ago)
Nice ruin. Please include in a hike, as a visit alone is not worth the journey. The view of the valley is breathtaking!

Giovanni Noè (3 years ago)
Very little remains of the castle but being on a hill from there it is possible to admire the surrounding landscape with the mountains and vineyards. As for the castle itself, a small tower remains standing which is well preserved and it is possible to enter it to take pictures.

Roberto Gamberoni (3 years ago)
The castle is a ruin but going inside and knowing that Durer painted a watercolor of the castle is exciting .. Then if you go out of season with very few visitors even better. Highly recommended ... Few parking spaces or rather zero

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