The Castle of Legends

A castle that becomes a fairy tale

The Castle of Legends is the spring event that, during the Easter weekend, brings Castel Ivano to life. As one of the most evocative manors in Trentino, it overlooks the village of Ivano Fracena, in the municipality of Castel Ivano, in the province of Trento. For three days, the courtyards, the fountain square, the park, and the castle halls are populated by wandering artists, roaming shows, and characters from the legends of Valsugana, in a festival designed for families, children, and curious visitors of all ages.

The characters of the legends

The visit turns into a magical journey through the various corners of the manor. Visitors are welcomed by Messer Salvanèl, who opens the gates to the castle of legends. In the Hidden Courtyard, the NarraOra appears—a mysterious inhabitant of the castle who occasionally leans out of the window to tell a story. In the Fountain Square, Messer Mago Lumilo performs his ancient magic tricks, while at the Spring in the Park, you will find Iris l'Anguana, the water witch playing with soap bubbles. Within the walls, storytellers, musicians, and wanderers roam, entertaining visitors with tales and melodies from times past.

Activities and workshops

The program is packed with activities for the whole family:

• traditional games around the Great Oak;
• creative and painting workshops dedicated to the world of legends;
• visits to the castle halls, including the evocative Throne Room;
• food and wine stands with local products;
• the Easter egg hunt, which leads the little ones to explore the corridors and rooms of the manor.

A thousand-year-old manor in Valsugana

The setting of the event is truly extraordinary. The origins of Castel Ivano date back to the Lombard era: built as a defensive fortress along the ancient imperial road Claudia Augusta Altinate, the castle has been mentioned in documents since the 12th century. For centuries, from 1413 until the 20th century, it was a fiefdom of the noble Wolkenstein-Trostburg family, linked to the County of Tyrol and the House of Austria. Today, the manor, nestled in the greenery of eastern Valsugana, is a venue for cultural events that blends history, nature, and entertainment.

A spring appointment in eastern Trentino

Promoted by the APT Valsugana Lagorai, The Castle of Legends has become a staple of the local Easter schedule, attracting visitors from all over Trentino-Alto Adige and neighboring regions. It is a wonderful opportunity to discover a fascinating corner of Valsugana and experience the castle in a fairy-tale and engaging atmosphere.