Castel Belasi – Annual Contemporary Art Exhibition Season

A medieval castle dedicated to contemporary art

In the heart of the Val di Non, at the foot of the Brenta Dolomites and surrounded by apple orchards, Castel Belasi is a 13th-century manor owned by the Municipality of Campodenno, in the Trentino-Alto Adige region. Following extensive restoration, the castle opened to the public in 2021 with a unique identity: a contemporary art center for ecological thought. Each year, from May to October, its frescoed halls host a new exhibition season that bridges the site's historical memory with the urgent environmental issues of today.

Artistic direction by Stefano Cagol

Since 2023, the artistic direction has been entrusted to artist and curator Stefano Cagol, who has established a coherent and recognizable program: thematic exhibitions featuring international artists from various generations, invited to reflect on ecology, climate, matter, and landscape. The exhibitions are created in collaboration with the MUSE – Science Museum of Trento, which brings its scientific and educational approach to Belasi, creating a bridge between art and knowledge of the Alpine territory.

A different theme every year

The strength of the Castel Belasi season lies in its ability to reinvent itself. Recent editions have explored the element of water through a trilogy (Like Rain, Like Islands, Like Ice) and, more broadly, themes such as the fragility of ecosystems, melting glaciers, and the Anthropocene. Alongside the main exhibitions, there are project rooms dedicated to emerging artists under 35, masterclasses, and special projects, making the castle a living laboratory rather than just an exhibition space.

Between Renaissance frescoes and a pentagonal tower

The visit is more than just a contemporary art tour. The castle preserves a rare pentagonal tower, a Renaissance wing, and precious frescoes of the Nordic school, including a Judgment of Paris attributed to Bartlme Dill Riemenschneider. Just uphill, the church of Santi Filippo e Giacomo houses 15th-century frescoes and a Last Supper by the Baschenis family, which can be visited during the manor's opening hours. This blend of historical heritage and artistic experimentation makes Castel Belasi a unique stop in the Trentino cultural landscape.

A place to experience in the Val di Non

Nestled in the agricultural landscape of the valley of apples, the castle is easily accessible and offers a guided tour included in the ticket price every Sunday. It is an ideal destination for those wishing to combine a walk in the Trentino nature with the discovery of contemporary art focused on environmental issues, all within a highly evocative setting.