At 1,224 m, the Castello d’Altaguardia is the highest castle in Trentino and without doubt it offers the most stunning panorama of the northern end of the Val di Non.
The few remains of this ancient fortress lend a magical and romantic aura to the steep ridge on which the castle is nestled. The Castello d’Altaguardia owes its name, meaning a high lookout point, to its position on the strategic western slope of Monte Pin from which it could offer protection to the farmers on the valley floor.
The oldest part of the medieval castle dates from 1218, however its origins go back as far as the 10th century. It was built on the ruins of a prehistoric fortress which later became a Roman watchtower. Initially owned by the Livo family, it soon passed to the Thun family who over the centuries used it more as a status symbol than as an actual residence.
After being affected by numerous fires and peasant revolts, the castle was finally abandoned during the 18th century and fell into disrepair.
Recently rediscovered, Castello d'Altaguardia has been restored and is today reachable by a 45-minute walk along an easy footpath starting near the Rio Castello stream on the road to Bresimo, just before the hamlet of Baselga.
Before reaching the castle you can catch a glimpse of Castel Basso, the old Thun farmhouse which has now been restored and which houses a modern visitor centre for the Altaguardia nature area.
