To Arms, To Arms! — Historical Re-enactment at Castel Beseno

A dive into the 16th century at Castel Beseno

To Arms, To Arms! is the summer event that transports the grand Castel Beseno—the largest fortification in Trentino, perched on a hill overlooking the Vallagarina in the municipality of Besenello (Autonomous Province of Trento, Trentino-Alto Adige)—back in time. For an entire weekend, the castle is populated by hundreds of soldiers who, with tents, weapons, banners, and period costumes, recreate the atmosphere of a 16th-century military camp.

The 1487 Battle of Calliano

The re-enactments are no coincidence: they are tied to the 1487 Battle of Calliano, one of the most famous clashes fought in this part of the Vallagarina. The soldiers, who are members of the European Consortium of Historical Re-enactments and the RIRS, come from various Italian regions and European countries—including Germany, Belgium, and the Netherlands—to set up an authentic historical camp at the foot of the walls.

What to see during the two days

• Training displays and camp life
• Arquebus firing and demonstrations of period firearms
• Soldier skirmishes, duels, and military combat displays
• Educational workshops and craft activities
• Music, jesters, and entertainment reconstructing castle life
• The headline show "Truppe, alle armi!", the peak moment featuring all the companies in the field

Part of the DiCastelloInCastello festival

The event is part of the DiCastelloInCastello summer festival, an initiative by the Santa Chiara Cultural Services Centre in collaboration with the Cultural Activities Service of the Autonomous Province of Trento and the Castello del Buonconsiglio, which brings performances and re-enactments to provincial castles throughout the summer. It is an opportunity to combine the discovery of an extraordinary monument with a vivid account of the region's military history.

An experience for the whole family

Thanks to the workshops, entertainment, and shows, To Arms, To Arms! is an event suitable for children, who can engage with history in a direct and immersive way. The setting of Castel Beseno, with its walls and walkways overlooking the Vallagarina, makes the visit an unforgettable experience for history buffs and casual visitors alike.