Nanno: Castles, Churches and Village History

Nanno brings together archaeological traces, buildings from several centuries and rural architecture. For planning your trip, walking opportunities through the valley and among the orchards complement the historical and cultural themes.

Nanno in Val di Non

Nanno lies in the centre of Val di Non, between the gorges of the Noce and Tresenga streams. The village is part of the Quattro Ville, a group of four neighbouring villages. Adamello-Brenta Nature Park is nearby. These details provide the geographical context for a stay, while the buildings and stories in Nanno itself reveal different aspects of the village’s history.

Castel Nanno: from fortification to Renaissance residence

In the mid-16th century, the Madruzzo family transformed Castel Nanno from a fortification into a square Renaissance summer residence. Its features include a central keep and four small corner towers on the surrounding wall. This change of purpose is a striking part of its history: a fortification became a summer residence. The keep, corner towers and square layout help you understand the design as a whole.

Castel Nanno is also associated with legends about witches and tragic love stories. Alongside its architectural history, there are therefore mythical tales connected with the castle. In 2026, self-guided visits were available on Sundays from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., from April 5 (Easter) to November 1. Check the opening times before your visit.

Churches and Palazzo in the village centre

The Church of San Biagio was built in the centre of Nanno in the 1950s. Visitors can see a remarkable and controversial Stations of the Cross there; the church also has a historic bell tower. The Church of San Fabiano and San Sebastiano has a much older history: it was built in the 13th century as a vow, in connection with protecting the villagers from epidemics. Their different dates of origin offer a straightforward chronological comparison between the two churches.

Palazzo de Giuliani is also in the village centre. The building has a Baroque character and adds another architectural theme to the churches. Together, the buildings in Nanno offer a chance to explore different eras without blurring the distinctions between their histories and designs.

Archaeological traces and rural architecture

The first inhabitants of Nanno can be traced back to the Neolithic period. Numerous archaeological finds have been discovered in the Castrum Anagnis area, which is identified with Nanno, including coins, fibulae—ancient garment fasteners—and arrows. These finds add a much earlier historical layer to the story of the later buildings.

Nanno’s traditional rural buildings include houses, farmsteads and stone arches, considered typical examples of peasant architecture. Many houses have since been renovated. Agriculture also evolved: apple growing followed livestock farming and wine production. The village’s history therefore encompasses not only its churches and castle, but also changes in rural architecture and economic activity.

Walks and practical planning

There are opportunities for walks through the valley and among the orchards in the Nanno area. If you would like to combine cultural history with time outdoors, you can plan these walks as a separate activity alongside your visits. No specific route, distance or walking time is given.

For information about bus connections to and from Nanno, contact Trentino Trasporti. Check current routes and timetables there before travelling. If you plan to visit Castel Nanno, it is also worth checking the Sunday opening times listed for 2026, especially if your stay falls close to the end of the season on November 1.

Discover more destinations: Madrano-Canzolino, Dimaro, Brez, Vigo Rendena, Calavino, Località Produttiva I, Pietra, Cavalese.

For the main travel overview: Trentino.