Levico Terme (Löweneck in German) is an important thermal/spa centre in the province of Trento, internationally known for the therapeutic and healing properties of its arsenical-ferruginous waters, unique in Italy. It is also one of the major centers of the Valsugana region, located along the left bank of the River Brenta, a cone shaped piece of land formed by the debris from the Rio Maggiore, tributary of Lake Levico, and dominated by the snow capped peaks of the Lagorai massif.
The discovery of coins and tombs, attributed to the Imperial Ages, evidence the Roman colonization in Valsugana and among other things, it seems that the town's name has Latin roots, probably it derives from "laevus vicus" (village located high on the left bank of the river) or from "praedium Livicunae" (a possession of Livy), which over the centuries was transformed by the local dialects into Lievigo and later Levego..
In 1027, the lands were granted by Emperor Conrad II the Salico to the Bishop Uldarico II, who founded and ruled the Principality of Trento Levico. It is mentioned for the first time in a document dated 1184. In 1778 the area was ceded to Austria and a year later, the Empress Maria Theresa took possession of the city. In 1894, Levico was elevated to the rank of City, and during the Second World War it submitted severe damage during the bombardments.
Sites of Interest:
- the Parish Church of the Redeemer, in Romanesque style with Byzantine and Gothic elements. Consecrated in 1877, it was built to replace the pre-existing XV century church dedicated to Saints Victor and Corona. Inside are preserved the four reassembled altars of the old church and the building is flanked by a charming Bell Tower;
- the little Church of San Rocco, preceded by a delightful porch;
- the hexagonal shaped Chapel of Our Lady of Pèzo;
- the Chapel of Saint Valentine, built between the XV and XVI centuries;
- the octagonal shaped Torre del Belvedere, whose construction dates back to the XIX century;
- the XVI century Fountain in Piazza Dante;
- the frescoed residences of Via Dante, built in the early XX century, are a splendid example of Art Nouveau;
- the XIX century Fortress;
- the ruins of the XII century Castle of Selva. In September 1545 it housed the papal legates at the Council of Trent, including the future Pope Marcellus II, Reginaldo Polo (at the time, Archbishop of Canterbury), Cristoforo Madruzzo (Cardinal of Trento) and Angelo Massarelli (Secretary General of the Council), who left after completing a detailed description of the castle;
- the Roman Sarcophagus, of limestone, found in 1858 in the village of Capitelo del Prà;
- the Thermal/Spa Palace and its surrounding park;
- the Lake of Levico.