Castel Caldes, History museum and castle in Caldes, Italy

Castel Caldes is a castle in Caldes featuring a five-story tower with rooms decorated with wood paneling, vaults, and frescoes. The structure displays various architectural styles that developed over several centuries.

The castle was built by the Cagnò family in the 13th century and later expanded by the Thun family after they acquired it in 1464. These renovations shaped its current appearance.

The castle chapel, dedicated to the Blessed Virgin Mary, stands outside the main residential buildings but within the surrounding wall. Its frescoes were painted by the Veronese artist Giovanni Cinquetti between 1670 and 1675, not in the 16th century. Visitors can also see the fully frescoed room in the tower known as Olinda's prison, which legend attributes to the countess herself.

Castel Caldes stands on a small rise at the entrance to the village of Caldes, so it is reached on foot from the village centre. The castle was restored between 2010 and 2014 and is intended to host cultural events and exhibitions. The chapel dedicated to the Beata Vergine Maria lies outside the residential buildings but within the surrounding wall, so look for it separately from the main block.

The castle is known for the legend of noblewoman Olinda, who was imprisoned here after falling in love with a minstrel. This romantic tale remains part of local tradition and gives the place special meaning for many visitors.