Tracce di Medioevo

A journey into the Middle Ages of eastern Valsugana

Tracce di Medioevo is a cultural festival promoted by the Ecomuseo del Lagorai that, every June, transforms the town of Telve and its neighboring villages into a grand open-air narrative dedicated to the region's medieval history. The heart of the initiative is Castello di Castellalto, a fortress whose origins date back to the late 12th century, when the De Thelvo family began its construction, overlooking the Ceggio stream valley from above.

History and local lordships

The festival was born from a desire to showcase the history and traditions of the ancient Castellalto jurisdiction, which included the municipalities of Telve, Telve di Sopra, Torcegno, and Carzano. Archival research, conducted on documents spanning from 1196 to 1410, recounts the story of the noble family of Telve, which split into two branches—Telve and Castellalto—around 1270. Every edition is shaped by this wealth of study, featuring meetings and presentations curated by local historians and researchers.

A distributed program

Tracce di Medioevo takes place over several days across multiple locations in Valsugana, offering a rich calendar of events:

• Art exhibitions and displays, often hosted in the Steinmayr Park in Telve;
• Escape games and team challenges set among the woods and walls of Castello di Castellalto;
• Historical talks and presentations of archival research on medieval lordships;
• Concerts, live readings, and evenings dedicated to the castles and legends of Trentino;
• Activities for families and children, including guided tours and themed games.

An experience for everyone

The festival's distributed format allows visitors to discover not only the main fortress but also other memory-laden sites in the area, such as Castel San Pietro in Torcegno. The activities, designed for a wide audience, range from in-depth sessions for history enthusiasts to games suitable for teenagers and families, all set within a fascinating natural landscape at the foot of the Lagorai mountain range.

Territory and identity

More than just an event, Tracce di Medioevo is a community project that strengthens the bond between the inhabitants of eastern Valsugana and their past. As part of the Ecomuseo del Lagorai's activities, the festival helps preserve and share the historical identity of Telve and the entire Trentino-Alto Adige region, offering visitors an authentic perspective on this corner of Trentino.