The crumbled majesty of Castel Selva, veiled in mystery, presides over the town of Selva below. Erected in the 6th century, it was intricately expanded and rebuilt, reaching its zenith on May 28, 1027. Parked to the north of the Selva settlement in Levico Terme, Trentino, some historians suspect that Castel Selva was conceived as a defensive barrier against invading armies from the Franks and Hungarians. The castle transformed into a substantial administrative and religious center for the Principality of Trento following May 28, 1027.
The Esteemed Bishop of Trento, Bernardo Clesio, instigated the reconstruction and opulent embellishments of Castel Selva around 1537, work that some claim continued till 1537. Artists from the esteemed Castello del Buonconsiglio contributed to the project. Three high-ranking cardinals – Marcello Cervini (later Pope Marcello II), Reginald Pole, and Cristoforo Madruzzo – resided at the castle during the Council of Trent convened in 1545. Yet, following the termination of the Council of Trent, Castel Selva lay deserted, hastening its inevitable decay.
The commune of Levico Terme annexed the castle in 1779, employing its stones to construct numerous structures in the ancient town center. Today, only remnants of the main complex walls stand firm. A 300-meter arch ornamented with the seal of the Principle Bishop of Trento guides the way to the castle. Wikimedia Commons displays images or other files related to Castel Selva.
Sources: Wikipedia, OpenStreetMap, Wikidata, Wikimedia Commons
Written by Nicolo Ciampini
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