Festival Days at Castello di Avio

A family celebration at the FAI castle

The Festival Days at Castello di Avio are a spring tradition that, every year around April 25th, transforms one of the oldest fortresses in Trentino into a vast playground for discovery and fun for the whole family. The event takes place at Castello di Avio, in the village of Sabbionara, within the municipality of Avio, in the province of Trento (Trentino-Alto Adige). It is organized by FAI - Fondo per l'Ambiente Italiano, which has preserved the manor since 1977 following its donation by Emanuela di Castelbarco Pindemonte Rezzonico.

The manor and its landscape

Perched atop a spur of Monte Vignola, the castle dominates the Adige-carved Vallagarina valley with its majestic circuit of towers and crenellated walls. Inside, it houses precious Giotto-style fresco cycles dedicated to themes of love and war—among the oldest and most fascinating in Trentino—as well as a lush terraced garden that opens onto the valley. This setting, suspended between history and nature, provides the backdrop for these festive days.

The festival program

During the weekend, the castle is open from 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM, with the last entry at 5:00 PM. The ticket includes self-guided access and participation in recreational activities designed for children and teenagers:

• Treasure hunt to explore courtyards, walls, and walkways;
• Traditional games to rediscover the pastimes of yesteryear;
• Game-trail to discover the manor's rooms;
• Standard guided tours to explore the frescoes and architecture;
• Interactive tours designed for children and families.

Within the castle walls, there is also a market exhibition featuring local producers and artisans, offering a chance to taste traditional Vallagarina products and take home unique handcrafted creations.

An experience blending play and heritage

The initiative stems from the FAI's commitment to making historical heritage a living, accessible space: here, the castle is not just a monument to admire, but a space to be experienced and explored as a family. Walking among the towers, sitting on the garden lawn for a picnic, following an interactive tour, or testing your skills with traditional games allows children and adults alike to connect with history in a simple and engaging way, immersed in the landscape of southern Trentino.