Above a small town (once a Roman settlement) east of Trento, this medieval castle stands in large wooded grounds: 'a marvellous setting'. For more than a decade, it has been a small hotel, much admired by Guide readers. 'It was hard to leave,' one couple wrote. Its owners are Verena Neff, Swiss, formerly a translator, and Theo Schneider, Austrian, an architect. 'Stunning; totally out of the ordinary', it is approached by a dramatic climb from the valley. Recent comments: 'No bells or mosquitoes disturb the peace.' 'We opened the creaky oak door and found ourselves in a large hall with strange sculptures.' 'Our small room had minimalist furnishing, a view over the Alps, an efficient shower.' 'Ours was splendidly Gothic.' Some bedrooms have solid wood furniture, carved or painted. The lounge/bar is the former throne room. The restaurant, in two 'regally decorated', candlelit medieval rooms, is popular with locals. Our reporters found it 'very good'. The large wine list includes many Trentino varieties at reasonable prices. The buffet breakfast, in the former throne room, includes ham, cheese, fruit juice. Guided tours of the castle, and exhibitions and concerts are held. A lake nearby offers water sports.