The village of Cles, amid apple orchards and Lake Santa Giustina
A village made up of old buildings and churches, a castle, overlooking the picturesque lake of Cles and surrounded by the apple orchards of Val di Non
Where
What is and where is the village of Cles
Nestled on a sunny plateau in the heart of Val di Non, the town of Cles has for centuries been the main administrative and cultural center of this beautiful valley in Trentino. Situated at about 650 meters above sea level, the village overlooks the shores of Lake Santa Giustina, surrounded by a fragrant expanse of apple orchards, and framed by the peaks of the Brenta Group. To reach Cles, in the province of Trento, is to immerse oneself in a landscape where alpine nature meets a lively town full of fine historic buildings.
Why the Borgo di Cles is special
What makes Cles unique is its perfect balance of rural soul and urban vibrancy. As you stroll through the center, you breathe in the authentic atmosphere of a place that has been able to preserve its identity, inextricably linked to apple growing. But Cles is also special for a special vantage point of its own: just outside the center, isolated among the rows of vines, stands the striking Cles Castle, a private manor house of medieval origin that dominates the lake and adds a touch of fairy tale and mystery to the entire panorama of the valley and the lake.
Not to be missed: Assessor's Palace
A true jewel of the Borgo di Cles, the Palazzo Assessorile is a must-see for its architecture that mixes styles from Gothic to Renaissance. This ancient fortified building enchants visitors with its richly frescoed rooms, where biblical subjects and secular allegories of rare beauty stand out. Exhibitions are often held inside, enriching the visit with a lively dialogue between different eras-a truly unmissable gem!
A bit of history
The roots of Cles go back to a very ancient past, evidenced by the discovery of the famous Tavola Clesiana, a bronze edict byEmperor Claudius in 46 AD granting Roman citizenship to local inhabitants. In the Middle Ages and Renaissance, the village became the hub of political and religious power in the valley, thanks in part to the powerful family of the Lords of Cles. One of its most distinguished members, Cardinal Bernardo Clesio, was a key figure in the Church and the Empire, profoundly transforming not only the town planning of the village, but influencing the entire regional history.
Curiosity: the many churches of Cles
A peculiarity of the municipality of Cles is the incredible concentration of sacred buildings between the center and the hamlets. Prominent among the most beautiful is the Parish Church of Santa Maria Assunta, a splendid example of late Gothic architecture in Trentino. Also popular is the Church of San Vigilio in Pez, which houses 15th-century frescoes of rare delicacy. Finally, the small Church of San Pietro, located in a panoramic position, gives an unforgettable mystical and rural glimpse, confirming how this village is a true treasure chest of widespread history and art. To get to know all the others, take a tour of Cles, you won't regret it!
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