Arco Castle’s Visitor Boom Driven by Accessibility Improvements

The medieval castle overlooking the town is becoming one of the most popular attractions in Arco, alongside climbing and mountain biking.

In 2000, over 50,000 visitors were recorded, and this year the numbers are expected to reach several tens of thousands more. The confirmation of the huge increase in visitors over the past few months was seen during this recent semi-festival week.

Daily, a nearly uninterrupted line of people ascended the paths leading to the top of the Costa. Among the castles of Trentino, the Arco fortress is indeed one of the most frequented.

Future Projects and Improved Accessibility

Overcrowding is expected to become even more significant if, in a few years, the futuristic project to reach the fortress of the conti d’Arco by elevator is completed, starting from the nearby Prabi area. If the current twenty-minute hike is avoided, it will be accessible to the elderly, many of whom are currently hindered by age-related ailments.

“The environment and landscape are key factors in attracting visitors to the castle,” comments satisfied councilor Ruggero Morandi. “The influx will increase even further next year once the restoration of the upper part of the fortress is completed.”

Next week, I will coordinate with the Province on this intervention, which, to accelerate the process, will be financed by and carried out by the municipality. Naturally, under the supervision of the Sovraintendenza provinciale ai beni culturali.

The upper tower, called Renghera, the lateral Laghel tower, and the pedestrian passageway to the lower area, which is already open to the public, will be restored.

At the same time, the Province will restore the rooms housing frescoes and the tailor’s workshop within the castle. The work will begin in autumn to avoid disrupting the thousands of visitors during the summer season.