Some archaeological finds discovered on the cliff in different ages attest the presence o fan older population than the one living in the Middle Ages. The name itself of Arco derives from "arx" that means fortress. However it is certain that the Castle already existed arounf the year 1000. It was built by the free noblemen for most of all defensive purposes. In 1196 the nobleman Federico d'Arco declared in public the Castle to be an allodial good belonging to the people living in Pieve di Arco. Then the noble family became the only owner of it. The Castle of Arco was stormed again by the lords of Seiano Lodron and by the Serenissima troops. The village was occupied but the Castle always resisted. The end of the 15th century arrived; in 1495 Albrecht Duerer painted the Castle of Arco; looking at this painting you note that the Castle was really a small fortfied village. In July 1579 the archduke of Tirol Ferdinand II ordered his offecers to occupy the Castle of Arco and Penede in Nago.
In 1614 after drawing-up of the so-called "Capitolate" the counts came back to Arco. The beginning of the 18th century marks the complete decline of the Castle. During the Spanish war of Succession the French army commanded by the general Vendome penetrated the Lower Sarca besieged Arco conquered the town and bombed the Castle, the garrison of which surrendered; it was the 17th of August 1703. In short the Castel went to ruin.

The Counts of Arco had split into many branches they were living in Arco Mantua and Bavaria. The ruined Castle belonged to the branch of Monaco and that of Mantua in two equal parts. In the 1927 the countness Giovanna d?Arco Marchioness of Bagno bought the Castle, so becoming the only owner of it.
In 1982 the final act: the Municipality of Arco decides to buy the Castle and other properties from the Foundation of Arco in Mantua. In 1986 the Cultural Assets Service of the Autonomous Province of Trento began radical restauration works. The Big Tower the Renghera Tower the Laghel Tower and the Castle walls were reinforced the lizza was given its original dignity again.

The ancient road the perimeters of some buildings two big tanks the room caled ?del sartor? and the magnificent frescoes room were brought to light. The frescoes show some ladies and knights playing various games. The itinerary within the castle walls and architectural aspects of great value immersed into green spaces where the Mediterranean flora has grown spontaneously.Furthermore the Castle rock offers a splendid view across Lower Sarca basin.

From April to September: from 10.00 a.m. to 7 p.m.
From October to March: from 10.00 a.m. to 4 p.m.
With a walk in 20 minutes from the old city you will reach the castle you can choose one of the panoramic paths in the olive grove
High 120m, comfortable clothes and trekking shoes are recommended.

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