Castel Pergine
CASTELLO DI PERGINE
According to many historians the castle of Pergine was built on the site of a primitive place of defense, subsequently transformed into a Roman settlement, given its strategic location along the Via Claudia Augusta Altinate; it became a fortress under the Longobard domination. Under the rule of the Prince Bishops of Trento Pergine became the seat of a constable. It is mentioned in 12th century documents as belonging to a powerful feudal family, named after the town, who probably transformed the hillfort into a Medieval fortified alpine manor. Pergine was subsequently to fall into the hands of the Counts of Tyrol until 1531, when Cardinal Bernardo Clesio, Prince Bishop of Trento, acquired jurisdiction over the area and the castle. It was to remain the property of the Trento church until the beginning of the 20th century, when it was sold to a German company, which used it as a centre for spreading Pan-germanic propaganda. The building, which occupies the entire summit of the hill, features two curtain walls, one inside the other: typical Medieval fortifications (the keep, towers, etc.) and a Renaissance residence (of special historical and architectural interest is the huge octagonal pillar supporting a cross vault in the hall of arms). The frightening dungeon of the "torture of the drip" and the room of the fireplace deserve mentioning because of their associations with the popular legends on the appearance of a mysterious "white lady". Now a private property (it houses a seasonal restaurant and hotel), it may be visited only in part.
Information
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