Bernardo Clesio

Bernardo Clesio (Bernhard von Cles; 1 March 1484 – 30 July 1539) was an Italian Cardinal, bishop, diplomat, humanist and botanist.

Born in Cles, in the Prince-Bishopric of Trent, today Trentino, he graduated from the University of Bologna. He later became Prince-Bishop of Trent (1514–1539) and of Brixen (1539), cardinal, and chancellor of Holy Roman Emperor Ferdinand I.

He was a key contributor to the organization of the Council of Trent and greatly embellished and expanded Trento in the process. He commissioned the rebuilding of the Church of Santa Maria Maggiore, Trento, enlarged the Castello del Buonconsiglio and called upon Renaissance artists such as Dosso Dossi and Romanino to decorated the additions.