St. Martin's Summer at Avio Castle

An autumn day in the fortress of the Castelbarco family

St. Martin's Summer at Avio Castle is the autumn event that the FAI (National Trust for Italy) dedicates to one of its most evocative properties in Trentino-Alto Adige. The festival takes place every year around St. Martin's Day (November 11th) in the municipality of Avio, in the province of Trento, at the manor that overlooks the Adige Valley in the village of Sabbionara.

The meaning of St. Martin's Day

The festival recalls the legend of Martin of Tours: after giving half of his cloak to a beggar, the sky cleared as if summer had suddenly returned. This gave rise to the expression "St. Martin's Summer," referring to the brief period of mild weather that sometimes accompanies the beginning of November. At Avio Castle, the occasion becomes an opportunity to rediscover the rural traditions of the Vallagarina and the seasonal flavors.

The day's program

During the event, the castle remains open to the public with continuous hours. The typical program includes:

• Guided tours at fixed times to discover the medieval fortress, its towers, and 14th-century frescoes;
• Workshops for families and children, with sessions in the morning and afternoon;
• a treasure hunt designed for the little ones, available throughout the day;
• a gourmet stop at the Locanda al Castello, where visitors can enjoy chestnuts, hot tea, and mulled wine at the end of their tour.

A thousand-year-old manor donated to FAI

Avio Castle has dominated the Adige Valley for over a thousand years. Originally a military stronghold, it was transformed into a feudal court by the Castelbarco family. It preserves a cycle of precious 14th-century frescoes, including those in the famous Chamber of Love. In 1977, Countess Emanuela Castelbarco donated it to FAI, which opened it to the public the following year and has protected and enhanced it ever since. The visit, winding through towers, terraced vineyards, and the Baronial Palace, offers one of the most beautiful views in southern Trentino.

Why attend

St. Martin's Summer is an event suitable for all ages, ideal for those who want to combine a cultural walk in a medieval castle with the warmth of autumn traditions. It is part of the calendar of special openings that FAI organizes at Avio Castle, alongside the FAI Autumn Days and the Christmas markets.