Castel Selva
CASTEL SELVA LEVICO
The present day ruins give away nothing of the past splendour of this castle, chosen as a refined residence by the Prince Bishops George III of Neydeck, first, and then Bernardo Clesio (16th century). Probably in competition with the nearby castle of Pergine, which hosted the Emperor Maximilian I, Clesio called in "skilful stonemasons and talented painters" (Marcello Fogolino) to refurbish and improve it. The stables are enormous (capable of holding up to 60 horses), the chambers and antechambers of the Prince Bishop's apartment were heated with stoves, there is a spiral staircase and a bakery. In 1537 the castle was ready and in 1545 it hosted illustrious guests attending the Council of Trent. Its decline began towards the end of the 18th century and today various houses in Levico and Selva can boast to have incorporated in their walls pieces of masonry and decorations stripped from the castle. Its origins are still unknown: it probably began as a stronghold where the local population could take refuge (a high tower enclosed by ramparts), subsequently it became a Longobard fortress, an alodium of the Tridentine church and a fief of the Lords of Caldonazzo (12th century). At this point conjecture become historical fact, and the site passed to the Prince Bishops of Trento, until it was abandoned.
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