Besenello: Castel Beseno, village and nature

If you are looking for a hotel in Besenello, the town’s cultural and landscape attractions can help shape your travel plans. The main highlights are Castel Beseno and the parish church of Sant’Agata, along with examples of rural architecture, the Scanuppia Nature Reserve, and walking and cycling routes. This makes it possible to combine different interests: military history and the townscape, nature watching, cycling routes, or a food-and-wine walk.

Culture and history in Besenello

Castel Beseno occupies an entire hilltop and overlooks the Adige Valley between Rovereto and Trento; it can be reached via Besenello. It is the largest fortified complex in Trentino. Visitors can walk along the defensive walls and handle helmets, shields, and armour. The castle is also associated with a specific historical event: in 1487, Castel Beseno was at the centre of the Battle of Calliano. The parish church of Sant’Agata adds a medieval dimension, with origins dating back to around 1205. The townscape also features examples of rural architecture known as “ere.” They can be seen along the main road and in the side streets. This means you can discover this architectural feature in several parts of the streetscape, rather than at just one location.

Landscape and the Scanuppia Nature Reserve

Besenello lies in a sunny amphitheatre surrounded by vineyards and orchards. Above the town, the Scanuppia Nature Reserve encompasses forests, pastures, and high plateaus. The area is known for its capercaillie, as well as numerous red deer and roe deer; golden eagles can also be spotted there. Scanuppia therefore offers nature enthusiasts several things to look out for: its varied landscapes and opportunities to observe wildlife. However, spotting a golden eagle is only a possibility.

Keep routes and conditions in mind

When choosing a route, it helps to distinguish between destinations and access conditions. The paved road from Besenello to Malga Palazzo is about 7.5 km long. Appropriate footwear and preparation should be considered for this route. The Giro di Besenello is also 7.5 km long, but it is a circular route around Castel Beseno that goes as far as the gorge of the Rio Cavallo. The same distance applies here to two different types of route and destinations: a road to Malga Palazzo, and a loop that features the castle and a section leading to the gorge. Conditions on the Giro may change with the weather and maintenance work; check them before planning your trip. The access road from Besenello to the Scanuppia mountain hut is closed to motor vehicles, bicycles, and mountain bikes. Check conditions before setting out here, too.

Cycling and a food-and-wine walk

Cycling also offers different options. From Besenello, the cycling path along the valley floor of the Adige is easy to reach by bike. The Lungo la Via del Moscato Giallo route leaves the Adige cycling path at Besenello, passes through the old village to Castel Beseno above it, then descends through landscapes known for Moscato Giallo grapes. The information thus distinguishes between the accessible valley cycling path and a route that links the village, castle, and landscapes known for these grapes.

Another highlight is the Magnalonga, a traditional food-and-wine walk. Along the way, participants sample typical products from Trentino and visit the striking landscapes of Alta Vallagarina. Unlike the cycling routes mentioned above, it combines the walk with tastings of regional products.

Discover more destinations

Discover more destinations: Ponte Arche, Ronzo-Chienis, Lombardi, Fai Della Paganella, Daiano, Pergine Valsugana, Eichholz, Pietra

Back to the main travel guide: Trentino.