Bernardo III Clesio (11 March 1484 – 30 July 1539) was an Italian cardinal, bishop, prince, diplomat, humanist and botanist.
Born in Cles, Trentino, he graduated from the University of Bologna, and later became Prince-bishop of Trento (1514–1539), bishop of Brixen (1539), cardinal, and chancellor for the Holy Roman Emperor Ferdinand I.
He was a fundamental contributor to the organization of the Council of Trent, bringing the Council to his hometown of Trento and greatly embellishing and expanding the city in the process. He enlarged the Castello del Buonconsiglio and called Renaissance artists such as Dosso Dossi and Romanino to decorated the new sections.
Preceded by George II von Neideck |
Bishop of Trento 1514–1539 |
Succeeded by Cristoforo Madruzzo |
Preceded by George of Austria |
Bishop of Brixen 1539 |
Succeeded by Christoph Fuchs von Fuchsberg |