FAI - Sabbionara Castle of Avio

The Castello di Avio (or castle of Sabbionara) is one of the best known and most ancient fortified monuments in Trentino. It is located in the hamlet of Sabbionara d'Avio and thanks to its imposing keep dominates the Vallagarina. The castle was donated in 1977 by Countess Emanuela di Castelbarco to the Fondo Ambiente Italiano, which manages and maintains it.

It was natural that the hill of Sabbionara d'Avio, protected behind by the mountain and dominating the ancient fords on the Adige, was chosen as a point of defense and lookout for the valley, as well as a prestigious place for a powerful.

The Vallagarina dominated by the castle was one of the main communication routes between the Mediterranean and northern Europe, the Po Valley with the Germanic world. The same modern arteries do nothing but retrace the same route as the ancient Via Claudia Augusta, which has crossed the valley since 15 BC.

Map: FAI - Sabbionara Castle of Avio