Presentation - Ai Voice VANGA TOWER

Welcome to Vanga Tower, one of the most fascinating symbols of medieval Trento.

The tower was built in 1210 at the request of Prince-Bishop Federico Vanga, from whom it takes its name. Its location was carefully chosen: in the Middle Ages, the Adige River flowed right beside these walls. From here, guards could monitor access to the city, control river traffic, and collect customs duties on goods passing through.

Take a look at its structure: the square floor plan, the thick stone walls, and the swallowtail battlements crowning the top all reveal its defensive purpose. The narrow slits, or arrow loops, allowed soldiers to shoot arrows while staying protected, turning the tower into a true watch stronghold.

Over the centuries, Vanga Tower served many different roles. It became a prison, a warehouse, and even a garrison shelter, continuing to safeguard the city especially during the Late Middle Ages, when control of trade along the Adige was vital to Trento’s economy and security.

Today, the tower is open to visitors and hosts temporary exhibitions and cultural events. Stepping inside, you can still feel the atmosphere of the past — close your eyes for a moment and imagine the sound of the river, the footsteps of sentinels, and the voices of merchants entering the city gates.

Let me leave you with an interesting fact: according to tradition, a trebuchet — a massive medieval siege engine capable of hurling stones at attackers — was once mounted here. This detail adds an even more dramatic touch to the warrior spirit that defines Vanga Tower.