Caldes – between legendary castles, blooming apple orchards, and outdoor sports

A corner of Trentino made of agriculture and culture

At the eastern entrance of Val di Sole, where the landscape opens onto a neat expanse of apple orchards, lies the municipality of Caldes. With its six hamlets – Samoclevo, San Giacomo, Cassana, Tozzaga, Bordiana, and Bozzana – this small Trentino town represents a perfect blend of agriculture, tourism, and history.

The orchards, cultivated with passion and dedication, are the hallmark of this area, the beating heart of the Melinda consortium. Each season transforms the fields: from the white blossoms of spring to the golden apples ready for harvest.

Castel Caldes: the stone guardian on the Noce River

It is impossible to arrive in Caldes without being struck by the majesty of Castel Caldes. Overlooking the Noce River, it was built between 1230 and 1235 by Rambaldo and Arnoldo da Cagnò. Originally a watchtower, the castle underwent expansions and restorations over the centuries, taking on in the 16th century the appearance we can still admire today.

In 1464 it passed to the Thun family, who transformed it into a noble residence, enriching it with vaulted ceilings, wooden boiserie, and frescoes.

Today the castle is open to visitors, hosts temporary exhibitions, and is one of the most fascinating cultural destinations in the valley.

The legend of Olinda’s prison

Among the castle’s most evocative rooms is the so-called “prison of Olinda.” According to legend, Countess Marianna Elisabetta Thun was locked there by her father Redemondo, who wanted to prevent her from marrying Arunte, a court minstrel. The young woman died there for love, and it is said that the frescoes decorating the walls were painted by her during her imprisonment.

A tragic story that still fascinates and moves visitors today.

The chapel and the talent of Elia Naurizio

Next to the castle, almost hidden from distracted eyes, stands a small chapel dedicated to the Blessed Virgin Mary. Documented as early as 1585, it was decorated in 1629 by painter Elia Naurizio with a cycle of rare and beautiful frescoes. A jewel of sacred art, it is a must-see for lovers of painting and spirituality.

Samoclevo and the hamlets: beauty spread across the land

Caldes is not limited to its main village. Its hamlets represent a widespread heritage of culture, history, and landscapes. Samoclevo is distinguished by its fortress, built on the slopes of Mount Vesa at almost 1,000 meters above sea level, overlooking the lower valley.

The other hamlets – from San Giacomo to Bozzana – still preserve Gothic and Baroque chapels, guardians of wooden altars and atmospheres of bygone times. Places where the sacred and the everyday blend authentically.

An agricultural vocation meeting experiential tourism

Agriculture here is not only an ancient tradition but also innovation and identity. Once based on agro-forestry-pastoral activities, today the local economy thrives on fruit production. In Caldes, apple cultivation merges with a new form of tourism: experiential, slow, and mindful. Visitors can stroll through orchards, watch the harvest, join tastings, or discover the secrets of farming life.

Sports and nature: the Contre complex

For outdoor enthusiasts, the Contre complex is a true oasis. Located along the Noce River, it is a multifunctional center with tennis, football, basketball, and volleyball courts, a green park, and facilities for rafting and river sports. There are also spaces for events, a bar, and relaxation areas immersed in nature.

Not surprisingly, Trentino is a popular destination for football clubs’ summer training camps. It is the perfect place to combine movement and well-being, surrounded by landscapes that regenerate body and mind.

Arcadia Street Festival: summer lights up the village

Every June, Caldes turns into an open-air stage thanks to the Arcadia Street Festival. Music, contemporary circus, street art, performances, and local gastronomy enliven the streets and squares, attracting artists and audiences from all over Trentino and beyond.

Among the artists hosted were the Rusty Brass Band, known for its social initiatives, bubble artist Thomas Goodman, and Argentine comedian Victor Rubilar, holder of 25 international awards and 5 Guinness World Records.

Where the past illuminates the present

Easily reachable by train – the Caldes station is right in front of the castle – the village invites visitors to discover a lesser-known Trentino, rich in stories to hear, flavors to taste, and landscapes to experience.

Visiting Caldes means entering a collective narrative that continues day after day, thanks to those who live, cultivate, and tell the story of this land. A small but great example of how the past can become the future, and how beauty often needs no clamor to be noticed.