A calm September evening in the Dolomites. Horizontal rays from the setting sun bathe the rugged heights of Monte Casale in soft orange-pink light, contrasting with soft blue shadows and reflections on the surface of a lake, the Lago di Toblino, in Trentino-Alto Adige, Italy. As daylight fades, so does the detail of medieval Castel Toblino, former summer residence of the prince-bishops of Trent, with its outline turning to silhouette.
Lago di Toblino, Trentino-Alto Adige, Italy: on a calm September evening in the Dolomites, horizontal rays from the setting sun bathe the rugged heights of Monte Casale in soft orange-pink light that contrasts with the soft blue shadows and reflections on the tranquil surface of Toblino, one of northern Italy’s most beautiful lakes. As daylight fades, so does the detail of medieval Castel Toblino, former summer residence of the prince-bishops of Trent, with its outline turning to silhouette. In this view from the northern shore, the castle stands on a spur of rock that fell into the lake long ago from the near-vertical face of Monte Garzole or Piccolo Dain to the west. The land was originally an island, but became a promontory as the level of Lake Toblino dropped. The castle was founded on the site of a 2,000-year-old cult temple. It dates from the 12th century and was once a formidable fortress, but owes its present configuration to Cardinal Bernardo Clesio or Cles (1485-1539), powerful Prince-Bishop of Trent or Trentino. He converted the stronghold into a desirable summer retreat for the prince-bishops, especially the four members of the noble Madruzzo family who followed him in the role. The Lago di Toblino lies about 15 km west of the regional capital, Trento, in the Sarca Valley, also known as the Valle dei Laghi (Valley of the Lakes). Its beauty is enhanced by its location amid rugged Dolomite slopes, softer hills, dense forests, vineyards, fruit trees and cypresses.
Size: 2832px × 4256px
Location: Lago di Toblino, Trentino-Alto Adige, Italy
Photo credit: © Terence Kerr / Alamy / Afripics
License: Royalty Free
Model Released: No
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