Castel Valer – The medieval jewel among the apple orchards of Val di Non

History and Description

Castel Valer is a medieval castle located in Tassullo, in the municipality of Ville d’Anaunia, Trentino. It was founded in 1211 by the Counts of Appiano as a military outpost, strategically positioned to oversee the Roman road connecting Cles, Tassullo, Nanno, and Flavon. The first documented mention dates back to 1297, during the Tyrolean expansion into the Val di Non.

In the 13th century, the castle passed to the Coredo family, supporters of Tyrolean expansion, and later to the Spaur family of Castel Sporo, who retained ownership until today. The last count, Ulrico Spaur, lived there until 2021, and in 2023, the castle was acquired by the Autonomous Province of Trento.

The structure is built around a 40-meter-high octagonal keep, the tallest in Trentino, made of granite from the Adamello Group. The castle is divided into two main sections: Castel di Sotto, the original medieval core, and Castel di Sopra, expanded in the 15th century by the Spaur family, featuring over 100 rooms, including the Hall of Coats of Arms, Ulrico’s Grand Hall, and the Madruzzian Rooms.

The Chapel of Saint Valerius, from which the castle likely takes its name, preserves a 15th-century fresco cycle by Giovanni and Battista Baschenis, painters from Bergamo. Castel Valer is one of the best-preserved castles in Trentino, with original furnishings, historic stoves, and period kitchens, offering an immersive experience into noble life of the past.

Curiosities

• The octagonal tower of Castel Valer is the tallest in Trentino, standing at 40 meters
• The castle is still a private residence of the Spaur family, who have lived there since 1368
• The chapel frescoes depict Saint Valerius, Saint Sebastian, and Saint Fabian, with vivid, shimmering colors typical of the Baschenis style
• The castle is surrounded by panoramic apple orchards, offering spectacular views of the Val di Non
• Visitors can combine the tour with Castel Nanno using a combined ticket

How to Get There

 Location: Tassullo, easily accessible by car or train (FS stop: Trento – Malè)

• Recommended parking: Piazza Carlo Antonio Pilati in Tassullo, followed by a 15-minute scenic walk to the castle
• Accessibility: Visitors with mobility issues can reach the castle directly by car
• Buses and caravans: Drop-off at Piazza Pilati, parking available at the Trento–Malè railway lot, as the dirt road to the castle is not suitable for large vehicles

Access and Opening Hours

Castel Valer is open only with guided tours

Main visiting hours:

• Saturday and Sunday: 10:00 AM and 3:00 PM
• Monday: 3:00 PM
• July 1 to September 15: daily at 9:30 AM, 11:30 AM, 3:00 PM, and 5:00 PM
• September 16 to December 2: Saturday and Sunday at 10:00 AM and 3:00 PM, Monday at 3:00 PM
• December 7 to January 6: daily at 10:00 AM and 3:00 PM

Tickets:

• Full: €15
• Reduced: €12 (children 4–14, Trentino Guest Card holders, groups >15 people)
• Free: children under 4, visitors with disabilities and companion, school teachers

• Combined ticket Castel Valer + Castel Nanno: €19 (reduced €15)

  photo credits of visittrentino.info