The Fahlburg in Prissian/Prissiano ranks among South Tyrol’s most beautiful Renaissance castles. Its high-quality furnishings and remarkable state of preservation mark it as a monument of significant artistic and historical importance.
From its first documented mention in the second half of the 13th century until the late 16th century, the Fahlburg was a modest residential tower - still visible today on the northern side of the castle. Remnants of the corner masonry can be seen in two rooms on the first and second floors. Known originally as the “Turm in der Vall”, it was inhabited by the Herren von Zobel until their line died out in the second half of the 14th century. In 1368, the rather modest estate passed to Herren von Wehrburg, namely Linhardt von Wehrburg, who was married to Barbara von Boymont. When Linhardt died childless, Barbara refused to vacate the Fahlburg and transfer the inheritance to her husband’s cousin. Not even a court ruling in 1388 persuaded her to leave. As Barbara Jäger– her name after her second marriage to Martin Jäger – she spent decades disputing her inheritance of Hauenstein Castle in Seis am Schlern with the famous minstrel Oswald von Wolkenstein. In the autumn of 1421, she had him imprisoned in the Fahlburg, where he was allegedly tortured until he surrendered properties he had unlawfully appropriated. Only after Barbara’s death could the Herren von Andrian-Wehrburg finally take possession of their inheritance in 1430. In 1597, Jakob Andrä von Brandis, then governor of Tyrol, purchased the “estate in the Vall” and immediately began extensive renovations. It was here that he wrote his “Geschichte der Landeshauptleute von Tirol”, considered the foundation of Tyrolean historiography. His son, Veit Benno von Brandis, continued the renovations between about 1640 and 1660, transforming the once modest noble residence into a regular quadrangular complex with two façade towers. The interiors were lavishly appointed with grand halls, rich wood panelling, ornate tiled stoves, and mythological and biblical paintings, some by the renowned Baroque artist Stefan Kessler. The castle chapel, dedicated to All Saints, was also constructed during this period. The Fahlburg then served as a seat of justice until 1831. In 1678, Franz Adam von Brandis, Jakob Andrä’s grandson, composed another important historical work here.In the late 20th and early 21st centuries, the Fahlburg became a distinguished venue for literary and cultural events, including the presentation of the prestigious Petrarca Prize by Hubert Burda and Peter Handke. Among its notable guests was the Czech writer and president Václav Havel, who visited several times. For a time, the castle also housed a café and has long been a popular setting for weddings, concerts, and receptions.
After more than 400 years of family ownership, the castle was sold to the Athesia Group in 2021. Between late 2023 and early 2024, it underwent an extensive restoration by architects Zeno Bampi and Klaus Ausserhofer, who sensitively brought the building into the present day with modern additions. Today, the Fahlburg serves primarily as a venue for festive occasions such as weddings, readings, receptions, and other celebrations, with newly refurbished guest rooms available for visitors.
Visits are by guided tour only. See www.tisensprissian.com/events for details.
