FAI Spring Days at Castello di Avio

A thousand-year-old castle for the FAI Spring Days

The FAI Spring Days are the major annual event where the Fondo Ambiente Italiano (National Trust of Italy) opens hundreds of art and nature sites across Italy to the public. In Trentino, one of the event's highlights is Castello di Avio, also known as Castello di Sabbionara, which stands in the village of the same name in the municipality of Avio, in the Province of Trento, overlooking the Vallagarina and the Adige Valley.

The history of the Castelbarco family

For over ten centuries, the manor has watched over the valley: the first historical records of a fortress here date back to the 11th century. For a long time, the castle belonged to the noble Castelbarco family, who transformed the military stronghold into a small feudal court frequented by artists and intellectuals. In 1977, Countess Emanuela Castelbarco Pindemonte Rezzonico, great-niece of conductor Arturo Toscanini, donated the property to FAI, which has kept it open to the public since 1978. It was the first FAI property opened to visitors in the region.

The frescoes of the Chamber of Love

The complex preserves some of the most extraordinary 14th-century painting cycles in Trentino. The Keep houses the famous Chamber of Love, featuring frescoes of courtly love scenes created around the mid-14th century, while the Guard House depicts battles, knights, and sieges. The walls and towers enclose a garden of vines and cypresses, set in a landscape of great charm.

The FAI Days program

During the FAI Spring Days, the castle is open with continuous hours, generally from 10 am to 6 pm. Tours are guided only: groups are formed on a first-come, first-served basis, and reservations are not required. In several editions, tours have been led by the Apprendisti Ciceroni (Apprentice Guides) from the Avio Comprehensive School, young students who share the history and art of the manor with visitors.

• Guided tours of the castle and its frescoes, with staggered departures throughout the day
• Musical entertainment by students of the Operaprima Music School of the Four Vicarages, featuring medieval and Renaissance music
• Tastings of local wine offered by the Cantina Viticoltori in Avio in the Baronial Palace courtyard
• Opening of the Locanda al Castello during the same days and hours

A weekend of art, music, and flavors

The FAI Days format in Avio combines the discovery of artistic heritage with the promotion of the food and wine traditions of the Vallagarina. Entry is by free contribution, with the opportunity to support FAI's activities. The event is one of the best opportunities of the year to visit one of Trentino's most beautiful castles and experience the atmosphere of a medieval court brought to life through music, wine, and frescoes.