All forts and castles

An unique group of holy buildings is standing on Mount Calvary, also called Kofel/Colle at Kastelruth/Castelrotto. From the village a path leads among porphyry rocks and beautiful nature. Several chapels line the pilgrimage, which ends at the Roman tower. The seven chapels show pictures of Jesus and his mother, the Mount of Olives, the scourging, crowning with thorns and the handwashing and the Entombment. (Nice walk - 20 minutes)

You will soon find more information about the Frankenberg Manor House here.

Patronal feast: June 29th.

The church ruins date back to the 5th century AD. The building reminds of church buildings in Aquileia and Milan. During excavations, the old position of the altar as well as the relic chamber could be determined. The S. Peter ruin in Altenburg is probably the oldest Tyrolean church ruin. Its decay began with the closure of the church in 1782.

Source: Parish office Kaltern

The Hill of the Holy Sepulchre is the most beautiful viewpoint of Tiso. The Holy Grave Chapel was built as a baroque building at the end of the 17th century. In it, the suffering and death of Jesus Christ was worshiped. After the entry of Italy into the First World War in May 1915, fortifications were built here on the order of the Austrian Empire army. They should serve as a defense against a possible invasion of Italian troops in the Isarco Valley, if the Dolomite front should fall. The trenches and a bunker were built by Russian prisoners. However, the defenses were not used during the First World War. However, during the final months of World War II, the bunker was used by the village population as protection against air raids and bombing.

The ruins of Salegg are not far from the Hauenstein ruins, at the foot of the might rock face of the Santner, hidden deep in the forest. The castle dates back to the 12th century and were passed in the hands of the Wolkenstein dynasty. 
Today all hat remains of its former glory are the castle walls, and yet the site continues to emanate a very special, mysterious energy.
According to an old legend, a secret passageway runs between the two castles Hauenstein and Salegg.

Special art - “The art of living and the art of loving” is the very original title of one of the latest books by Partschins/Parcines artist, Matthias Schönweger and, one of his particular mottos is: “Trees are the stuff books are made of”.
Schönweger, writer and collector, is also the owner of 50 imposing wartime bunkers which date back to World War II and are scattered throughout South Tyrol from the Brenner/Brennero Pass southwards.
One of his bunkers can be seen right here in Töll/Tel! These empty fortresses were places of safety and protection during wartime and can tell us much about recent historic events. Schönweger uses these dark, atmospheric constructions to host exhibitions and other cultural events on significant, meaningful themes.

I AM
LIKE MANY OTHERS
MORE OR LESS
A REPRESENTATIVE
OF MANKIND
I PUT MY FOOT IN THINGS
GIVE MY OPINION
AND YOURS, TOO
IN WORD AND PICTURES
AND
WHO KNOWS WHAT MIGHT HAPPEN
 
AN
ACTOR/TRAVELLER
 
IN ACTION LIVE
 
Matthias Schönweger

The "Linticlar estate" is first mentioned in records dating from 1225 A.D. A hundred years later, the Cathedral Chapter of Trento, was being supplied with wine from the estate "auf dem Püchel", also known as "mansu a coste", on the orders of the Counts of Tyrol. Then, in 1537, the name "Turnhof" was first used, and later there are occurrences of the designation "Thurner Hof". With the drawing up of a new land register in 1848, the name finally became officially "Turmhof". The estate has belonged to the family since 1675.

The XIII century castle, situated right behind the hystoric city centre, is surrounded by fields of the fine Lagrein grapevines and has stunning views of the Rosengarten. It was renovated in the 1980s and transformed into a conference and exhibition centre. It is certainly the most interesting and exclusive complex, ideal for housing conferences, seminars, banquets, concerts, cultural events and exhibitions. The beautiful interiors, with stunning frescoes, have all the modern features and conference facilities. The view of the castle from the river walk nearby is particularly impressive. Adjacent parking.

The castle is a congress centre and open for visitors only during events and exhibitions.

You can't visit the castle as it is a centre for further education. You could walk to the castle and have a look from the outside.

In 1256, the Winnebach Castle, also called Aschburg, was first mentioned in an official document. The castle was originally owned by the Rodank family of Asch. Part of the dungeon was still there about 50 years ago, and in the middle of the tower an imposing, giant and legendary spruce grew. A local wanted to search for the legendary gold treasure in Aschburg Castle around 1970, and thereby blew up the entire tower. According to the legend, Arnold V. von Schöneck constructed the castle as a hunting castle. It is believed, that at the end of their lives, the Schöneck sons were cruel men who attacked and plundered the people. For this reason the castle is also called the Thieves Castle by locals. Starting point: car park in the village center

Ortisei is the capital of Val Gardena, famous for its picturesque pedestrian area with great shops and cafés and its ornate woodcarvings.

This idyllic part of Val Gardena offers the possibility to enjoy the magic pedestrian area during your holiday with the breath-taking view to Sassolungo.

Shopping in Val Gardena is a fun experience. From ski suits to haute couture: you have a great choice. After strolling round the shops there are plenty of restaurants and cafés where you can indulge your palate.

First documented in 1159, the ruins were destroyed many times due to fires and battles, and have always been rebuilt. The castle ruin today bears the name “Sauschloss”, which literally translated means “pork/pig castle”, as according to a legend a pork was thrown out of the castle.

The ruins are only 15 minutes walk from the restaurant Noafer in Cologna/San Genesio.

On the northern side of Bolzano face to Runkelstein Castle lies the antique ruin of Rafenstein castle. 

 

The perfect combination of history, culture and modern comfort. Talking about Paschbach Castle, one might at first remember the name of one of the greatest pianists of the last century: Arturo Benedetti Michelangeli, who was the co-founder of the Busoni piano contest. Michelangeli lived for many years in the castle and played the piano, which can still be seen here today. A mansion for its noble owners, Paschbach Castle is today a friendly, family-owned b&b. With its beautiful castle grounds, surrounded by the fruit orchards and vineyards of Appiano sulla Strada del Vino, the b&b offers the modern lord and lady of the castle stunning views and a sense of grandeur. The heart of the imposing structure is the "Tower of Paschway" dating back to the first half of the 13th century in which is situated a magnificent gothic stube. The complete complex of buildings is surrounded by ring walls with battlements. The castle is an ideal starting point for numerous excursions and leisure time activities. Only a few steps away you will find the Golfclub Freudenstein with training ground and golf academy. Even the well known Caldaro Lake and the Lake of Monticolo, which you can reach in only a few minutes.

The first written testimony of Moos Castle in Wiesen is dated 1325. In 1950 the South Tyrol Winegrowers Association purchased the castle and restored it. Since then it has been used as a retirement home for the elderly. The first written testimony of Moos Castle in Wiesen is dated 1325. It was then owned by the Trautson family, although it changed hands many times in later years. We owe the current state of the castle to the restoration commissioned by Christoph Geizkofler in around 1600. Moos Castle is not one of the classical castles of the Tyrolean highlands; it was rather effectively defended by the "Sterzinger Moos" [Swamp of Sterzing], which extended to the east until it reached Wiesen. In the XIX century the condition of the building was cause for concern. In 1950 the South Tyrol Winegrowers Association purchased the castle and restored it, without changing its original character. Since then it has been used as a retirement home for the elderly. Wiesenheim Palace, which is now the City Hall, stands beside the castle, with its distinctive corner tower and bow window. In the surrounding area there are many such palaces, which once belonged to ancient guilds and owners of customs rights.

The Wiesemann farm, situated between Antholz Niedertal and Antholz Mittertal, is one of the oldest farms in the valley. The old water mill stands and rattles on a modest foundation of lime and stones, harmoniously close to the farmhouse. Today the mill is a testimony of how dependent people were on nature at that time and what burdens they had to take on in order to survive.

The Thurn ruins are located on the right above the Gsieserbach stream, opposite Welsperg Castle on a wooded hill. It can be reached by an easy walk, which can also be combined with a visit to Welsperg Castle.

The square keep of the Thurn ruins is approx. 22 m high and still in relatively good condition. Only a few parts of the walls of the older part (old castle) are still visible, while the newer part (new castle) has some remains of 3m-thick walls.

Thurn Castle was built in the 13th century. However, it was abandoned to its own fate in the middle of the 17th century, with no one taking care of the castle any more. On May 15, 1765, a fire broke out which destroyed the castle and also caused extensive damage to Welsperg Castle. The castle was never rebuilt, but the nearby farm was. Today, Thurn Castle is still owned by the Counts of Welsperg.

Source of information: "Tiroler Burgenbuch - Thurn bei Welsperg, Alexander von Hohenbühel"

The Farmstead Finailhof is one of the oldest farms in Schnalstal Valley, first records date back to the 11th century. It is known for its rare visit in 1416. Those days the farmers harbored Duke Frederick IV by employing him as a shepherd. Until 1967, the farm was highest one in Europe which cultivated cereals. To preserve the rural culture and architecture the entire farm became a listed building in 1981. Today the family Gurschler lives with four generations on the farm and welcomes guests in their „Stube“ and a huge sunny terrace with a great view over the lake Vernago/Vernagt.

You will soon find more information about the St. Catherine’s Chapel and the manor house Gurten here.

The mountain school of Lanebach bei Gais is unique in its form and is considered to be one of the last fully preserved mountain schools in the entire Alpine region.

It consists of a single classroom and an adjoining "apartment" for the teacher. Located at more than 1500m above sea level, it is one of the highest mountain schools around.
Due to its sheer size, it is also called a "dwarf school".
Numerous writings, documents and testimonies of the past 100 years as well as the stories of contemporary witnesses, pupils and teachers tell of lessons and survive in this mountain school.
Visit available on request only : phone +39 348 7735477 - Mr. Hochgruber

Castle Hochnaturns is located above from the village Naturno/Naturns. The Roman Tower has been changed in Mediaeval style and in the middle of the 13th century the “Oswald Tower” has been established and named after Oswald von Naturns, who was a knight of the Teutonic Order. From then on, the castle was the principle residence of the Lords of Naturns (Naturno). After various owners, Castel Hochnaturns had its prime in the 16th century has been equipped with various items such as wood ceilings or tilted stove. Then came a period of decay until Franz Ritter von Goldegg had the castle restored in the 19th century. As the complex has been changed into a hotel, its original shape can only be guessed. The castle was designated a historic monument in 1950. Today, Castel Hochnaturns is in private ownership and cannot be visited.

- in St. Martin/S. Martino: Haupold, Saltaus, Granstein, Kalm, Baumkirch, Gereuth, Steinhaus

- in St. Leonhard/S. Leonardo: Ebion, Buchenegg, Happerg, Gomion

In Vorderpasseiertal Valley there are some unique buildings: farmhouses built mostly of wood, or a castle-like building overgrown with ivy and decorated with ancient sundials or frescoes. The history of the Schildhof farmers dates back to the 13th century, when they served Count Albert of Tyrol (1190-1253) as shield-bearers. As a result, the large farms were granted many privileges. What remains now are only fishing rights in the Passer river.

Tip: Passeirer Schildhöfeweg trail

The legend of the King Laurin

A long time ago at the Catinaccio was the King Laurin.

The hard-working dwarfs lived there. One day the King esposed his daughter Similde with another King of the Adige. All the noble people were invited but he does not. So he decided to go on this competition with a magic hood as a invisible guest to see his beautiful Similde. He saw her and fell in love with Similde.

The King took her on his horse and rode away. Similde's husband and his cavaliers was searching her. King Laurin knew that they are coming so he took the miracle belt to got more power. They fight each other and the King saw that he has no chance. So he decide to take his magic hood again and to jump throw the Catinaccio. The cavaliers saw the movement of the roses and captured him.

He was so angry that the Catinaccio betrayed him, so he cursed them: Neither day nor night should anyone ever see him. Laurin forgot the dusk and so it comes that today we can see it with his blooming roses for a short time...

Opinions differ as to its founding date and one legend has it that it was built by a knight. In 1376, the chruch and annex were taken over by the Monte Maria Abbey, but today only the ruins of the walls remain.

 

 

Barns and other farm outbuildings covered with thatched roofs have always been a distinctive characteristic of the villages of Hafling/Avelengo and Vöran/Verano.

A few examples of this archaic architectural construction can still be seen while hiking, including at the Spitzegger Farmstead in Vöran and at Gfrar in Aschl/Eschio.

Mounting thatched roofs such as these requires a lot of work and skill on the part of the Strohdecker, or roofer. The Strohdecker must bind the straw—usually rye but wheat is also used—on mild winter days into bundles about the diameter of an arm, called Dachschab. A piece of the roof is repaired every year; in this way, the whole layer of straw is completely replaced every twenty years or so.

As Richard Furggler wrote in his compendium entitled Tschögglberg: "The most striking feature of the folkloristic peculiarities of high plateau is—actually, one must almost say ‘was’—the majestic thatched roofs on the farm buildings."

Schlandersberg Castle is built on the bare rock-face above the town of Silandro/Schlanders and has remained in its present form since the 16th Century. Schlandersberg Castle was originally the residence of the Schlandersbergs, one of the most influential families in the South Tyrol during the 15th Century. After the last member in the family line died in 1813, a farmer bought the castle and today the castle remains private property and is inaccessible to the public.

The St. Catherine church in Aica di Fiè was originally dedicated to St. Michael.
The frescoes on the exterior wall were made in 1420 and are worth a second glance. They show us the legend of the Christian princess Catherine of Alexandria.

The particular homey character of the feudal Taufers Castle astonishes around 70,000 visitors every year. 

As early as 1136 a noble-free family is named Taufers. In the 1220's the family built a new, generously arranged lord house, whose donjon with an attached living tower is constructed against the mountainside, as this was thought to be the possible attacking side. The powerful Taufers Castle is a dynastic seat of the Barons of Taufers with impressive and interesting fortified grounds.

Another great hall (later used as grain storage room) is located at a secured area in the western part of the castle. The naturally given construction space is delimited by a surrounding curtain wall, where there are different living complexes, attached to it.

In the 15th and 16th centuries the grounds were renovated into an expansive castle residence, most of them built in the early 16th century. The impressive weir system, although, dates back to the 15th century.

Taufers Castle has been in the possession of the Südtiroler Burgeninstitut since 1977. The entire furnished and well preserved castle numbers among the greatest and most beautiful castles of the entire Tyrolean region.

Prices:
Adults:
10€
13€ (29.03.2024 - 03.11.2024 including the exhibition)

Students/Pensioners (over 65 years old):
7€
9€/Person (29.03.2024 - 03.11.2024 including the exhibition)

Children (6-16 years old):
5€
6€ (29.03.2024 - 03.11.2024 including the exhibition)

Special exhibition: “German Peasants' War - the pursuit of freedom 500 years ago"
18.04. - 02.11.2025

Knights' festival at the castle: 29.06.2025

The castle was build in the 14th century. The lock was seat of the former court of Gufidaun. 1880 the well-known Germanist Ignaz Zingerle bought the expanded castle plant and today she is still inhabited by its descendants and cannot be visited.

The "gemain Riglhaus" once stood on this site. In 1574 it is mentioned as a schoolhouse as well as a teacher's and organist's residence, and in 1629 as the "gemain Mesenhaus". In 1788, after the introduction of compulsory schooling, the schoolroom was extended here. In 1820, this house is listed as a parish residence, and from 1829 to 1845 it is again listed as a schoolhouse. In 1880 it became the parish and sacristan's house, and in the 20th century the post office was housed here. After the fascist takeover, the first floor became the meeting place of the "Opera Nazionale Dopolavoro". On the lower floor, the last of Montan's cobblers had his workshop for a long time, later there was the office of the tourist association, then a butcher's shop. Since the end of the 1980s, the headquarters of the "Montaner Schützenkompanie" have been located here. The panelled Gothic parlour on the first floor and the stucco ceiling on the second floor are particularly valuable.