A fine example of an early medieval Alpine stronghold: Rovereto Castle

A bit of history…

The Rovereto fortification has its origins in the 14th century, when it was erected by the counts of Castelbarco. Their aim was to preside over Vallagarina more effectively. The position of the fortress is not by chance; it enabled control of the passage of the Leno and the routes to Rovereto, Vallagarina and Vallarsa. With the 15th century and the progressive northern expansion of the Venetians, the castle confirmed its interesting and crucial role in controlling the territory. The Very Serene Republic of Venice arrived in Rovereto in 1416, when they consequently occupied Rovereto Castle. Its current polygonal shape is the result of modernizations carried out by the Venetians. They transformed it from a medieval fortress into a castle with more clearly marked military features, including the walkways for service of cannons, the walls, the moat, a 57 meter deep well, and the evocative towers: Marino, Malipiero and Coltrino.

In just a few years, it became one of the best examples of a late medieval alpine fortification. The castle remained in Venetian hands until 1509, the year it was ceded to the Habsburgs. Over the centuries, the strategic control function was lost and its definitive decline took place in the nineteenth century when it was used as a shelter for beggars and a house of punishment. During the First World War it became the headquarters of two companies of the Austro-Hungarian Tyrolean Rifle Regiments.

Its second life began when it was inaugurated as the seat of the prestigious Italian War History Museum on October 12, 1921. It’s certainly one of the most interesting war museums in Europe. It owes its birth to the will of a group of Rovereto citizens. Their aim was preserving the memory of the recently concluded First World War by collecting objects and memorabilia. It is a jewel that deserves a visit for the extraordinary nature of the collections.