Levico Imperiale

A dive into the Habsburg Belle Époque

Levico Imperiale is the historical re-enactment that, every year between late June and early July, brings Levico Terme back to its most opulent era. The town in the Valsugana valley, located in the heart of the province of Trento and the Trentino-Alto Adige region, was once one of the most famous spa resorts of the Austro-Hungarian Empire. Here, amidst parks, elegant hotels, and thermal baths, Central European high society spent their holidays during the Belle Époque. The event celebrates that golden season and the memory of Levico being granted city status during the Habsburg era.

Sissi, the court, and the Habsburg Park

The scenic heart of the re-enactment is the Habsburg Park, where Princess Sissi makes her grand entrance by carriage, greeted by the imperial court. Waiting for her are performers in period costumes, the Kaiserjäger, and the Schützen, who salute her arrival with ceremonial volleys. After a toast, the historical pageant parades along the old imperial avenue to the town center, where the evening continues with themed choreography and dances. The public is not just a spectator: those who wish can join the dancers alongside the costumed performers to personally relive the atmosphere of a court ball.

A program spread across the historic center

Throughout the event, the streets of Levico Terme come alive with activities: parades of ladies and gentlemen, an aperitif with the Archduke in the square, tastings of "imperial" specialties, cultural moments dedicated to Empress Elisabeth of Austria, and gala evenings. The Palazzo delle Terme hosts the grand Habsburg balls, while Piazza della Chiesa provides the backdrop for the Grand Ball and the re-enactment of Levico's elevation to city status.

• Pageants and parades in period costumes along the imperial avenue and the streets of the center
• Viennese waltzes and court choreography, with participation open to the public
• Aperitif with the Archduke and the Habsburg court in the square
• Cultural moments dedicated to Princess Sissi and the history of the Habsburgs

An identity-defining event for the Valsugana

Organized by the Compagnia Non Solo Teatro Levico Terme with the involvement of local historical groups and performers, Levico Imperiale has become a staple of the Valsugana summer calendar. It combines entertainment, history, and local identity, offering residents and tourists the chance to rediscover the deep bond between Levico Terme and Central European culture, set against a backdrop of historic parks, thermal architecture, and the atmosphere of a bygone era.