Vanga Tower

NOT CURRENTLY ACCESSIBLE TO THE PUBLIC FOR FITTING OUT WORK!

Torre Vanga is one of the most emblematic historic buildings in Trento, built in 1210 at the behest of the Prince-Bishop Federico Vanga, from whom it takes its name. Today owned by the Autonomous Province of Trento, this imposing medieval structure represents one of the most significant architectural testimonies of the city. Located in Via Prepositura, in a strategic position near the ancient bridge over the river Adige, Torre Vanga combines history, charm and memory, offering citizens and visitors an extraordinary journey into the heart of the Trentino Middle Ages.

Torre Vanga was built in 1210 by the Prince-Bishop Federico Vanga with the aim of controlling access to the Doss Trento hill. The tower was in fact lapped by the course of the river Adige and had a strategic location guarding the wooden bridge of San Lorenzo. Of the thirty insurgents led by Rodolfo Belenzani, in April 1409, they imprisoned Bishop George of Lichtenstein.

Since the early nineteenth century, the tower has been used as a prison by the Napoleonic administration. Subsequently, the building became the property of the Austrian state. In 1933 it was transformed into the headquarters of the Carabinieri. It later hosted a wooden restoration workshop. 

DESCRIPTION

The tower is quadrangular, with the east and west sides measuring 11.5 metres, the south 10.5 metres and the north 9.7 metres. It has 7 floors and is 34 meters high, 37 meters if measured from the basement; four floors have vaulted ceilings and two wooden ceilings. 

In 1810 the tower was used as a prison and in this period square windows with gratings were made; the signs of the passage of prisoners are highlighted by graffiti and engravings on walls and windows.

The tower appears well represented and lapped by the river Adige in the watercolour by Albrecht Dürer depicting the 1495 Trento.

IMPORTANT DETAILS 

• Access to the exhibition is free and restricted to the three exhibition floors.
• Access to the upper floors is restricted and only with authorization, which is granted only on certain occasions and to small accompanied groups.

Opening times

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