The Gothic fortress overlooking Pergine Valsugana

Castel Pergine, high up on the hill of Tegazzo in Pergine Valsugana, is a striking example of medieval Gothic military architecture. Its strategic position, controlling a wide territory and an important point of connection between Veneto and Trentino, has been a defining characteristic since its origins in the Longobard era. The castle's original name is Burg Persen in German. The first official records of the castle date back to 845, but it is believed to have been built in the Longobard era.

The castle passed through the hands of various nobles and families over the centuries until, in 1531, it was bought by Bernardo of Cles, a cardinal of Trento. The castle is also believed to have been a seat of a Romano-Celtic or preroman castellar in ancient times. Today, Castel Pergine has been transformed into a hotel and restaurant, but its imposing outer walls, including the Gothic palace, the large tower, the tortures tower, and the integrated walls on the fourth side, still stand testament to its rich history.

Sources: Wikipedia, OpenStreetMap, Wikidata, Wikimedia Commons