Alle forten en kastelen

Farther down the street, you come to house number 22, today, the seat of the District Association of Unterland/Bassa Atesina. Here again we find judge Peter Ganel's coat of arms and the date of construction, 1583, on the portal. The building distinguishes itself by the refined character of the interior, the window and door frames in stone, as well as by the elegance of the vaulted and beamed ceilings.

 

The Rio Pusteria Fortress can be found at the entrance to the Val Pusteria, between the villages of Rio Pusteria and Vandoies. The fortress is directly located along the main road, also the Pusterbike Cycle Route runs past this impressive place of interest. Exactly in this place, the borderline between the countships of Goerz and Tyrol ran in 1271. For this reason Meinhard, Duke of Carinthia, had a dam built, that is to say the castle-like Rio Pusteria Fortress.

Actually the original building was located 600 m in the west of the present-day location and consisted of a long-drawn-out barrage as well as two turrets. The ancient fortress was built according to the model of Mediaeval dam. The construction material consisted of natural and homogeneously-sized river stones, which were hardly modified. The last documents regarding this building are dated 1340.

The newly-built construction, that is by the way preserved still today, bears the hallmarks of Sigismund, Archduke of Austria. The fortress is decorated by round turrets, while a dam stretches up the forested slope. In fact, the Rio Pusteria Fortress not only used to be a toll station, but was also residential building and dam. The building can be visited in a guided tour in summer months.

Castle Reifenstein (Castel Tasso), one of the oldest, best preserved and artistic-historically most important castles in South Tyrol, is located in the municipality of Freienfeld / Campo di Trens near Sterzing / Vipiteno. In the castle you can admire the original kitchen, the old bathroom, medieval sleeping bunks in the old tower, gothic panelled rooms, the famous green hall (restored 2013) with the beautiful woodcarved chapel-door and other interesting rooms. Reifenstein Castle has been the private property of the Tyrolean count family von Thurn und Taxis since 1813 and has been lovingly preserved in its original medieval condition ever since. 


Exact times: see below

On the path up to the entrance and inside the castle, we recommend solid shoes and caution since the authentic knight's castle is not barrier-free.

Cost: 9.00 euros per person; children (6-16 years) 7.00 euros; children under 6 years free of charge

In the Middle Ages, Seeber House was part of the sovereign freehold with a barn and court cellar, and until the 19th century it was the seat of the keeper of the court of Enn and Kaldiff, as well as the place of payment of the "Zehent" tax (tithe) in kind to the manor. Roof surfaces, pillars and vaults of the farm buildings are partly originally preserved. Around the year 1600, the residential house was rebuilt. Above the doors there are the coats of arms of the court guardian families. The last incumbent was Vinzenz von Pühler, a friend of Andreas Hofer.

Families which have owned the same land for more than 200 years are awarded a "Deed of inheritance" by the Province of Bolzano-South Tyrol. The Nagler family has been honoured in this way.

The original name was "Murin da Coz" because grain from the Coz farm was milled ("murin" means mill in Ladin) here. The oldest written documents mention Hof Palua (The Palua farm) in about 1566, Pares in 1780 and finally Murin. The first settlement can be dated 1296; the saw and the grain mill probably needed water power. In 1771 the "Brochia" family from Longiarü settled here. In common with many other family names in Val Badia, "Brochia" was reinvented in German, in this case, as "Nagler".

In those days, priests - as well judges - came from places outside Ladinia and they could not speak Ladin which led them to renaming their family names; most written documents were set out in German or Italian. Before 1800 the Ladin language was used relatively rarely in written documents.

Now the Murin farm is private and can be visited outside doing the culture trail in Badia.

Nestled in the historic Steinach district of Merano, the Passirio Gate – also referred to as the “Pseirer Gate,” named after the German term for the Passeiertal Valley – is a striking remnant of the city’s medieval fortifications. This stone tower marked the northern boundary of the old city wall and functioned as both a defensive structure and a checkpoint for trade and travelers entering from the Passeiertal Valley. Of the original four city gates, three remain today. The fourth, the Ultimo Gate, once located on Freiheitsstraße street and later rebuilt farther west, was demolished in 1884.
Characterized by its slim, tower-like form, the Passirio Gate rises over three stories and features small windows and a steep gabled roof. A pointed arch forms the entrance, while the southern interior wall is adorned with a fresco of the red Tyrolean eagle – a powerful symbol of Merano’s historical ties to the County of Tyrol.
In the Middle Ages, the gate played a vital role, as it guarded access to major trade routes over the Timmelsjoch and Jaufen Pass passes. Because the valley floor was largely marshland, merchants and travelers used mountain routes to reach the Ötztal in North Tyrol and continue on to Innsbruck. The gate thus became a strategic point in the flow of goods and people.
Today, the Passirio Gate serves as a picturesque starting point for scenic walks, such as the popular Tappeiner Promenade, which offers sweeping views over the city. Just a short stroll away are other cultural highlights, including the Palais Mamming Museum, the Powder Tower, and the St. Barbara Chapel.
A visit to the Passirio Gate is more than just a glimpse into medieval architecture – it’s an invitation to explore Merano’s rich past and vibrant cultural tapestry.

After a short hike through the mixed forest up to Hocheppan Castle, visitors are greeted with a unique panorama: towering above the provincial capital of Bolzano is one of South Tyrol’s most famous mountain groups, the Sciliar massif and the legendary Rosengarten. Looking further across the landscape, one can see the Ötztal Alps to the north and the Lagorai range in Trentino to the south.

History:

The castle was built by Count Ulrich II around 1130 and was already one of the most powerful fortresses in the region at that time. In 1158, it was destroyed but soon rebuilt. In 1315, it was handed over to the territorial princes of Tyrol and has since changed ownership several times. Since 1911, Hocheppan Castle has been owned by the Counts of Enzenberg. Among the many well-preserved castles in South Tyrol, Hocheppan Castle is undoubtedly one of the most impressive due to its unique location.

Architectural Style and Features:

Hocheppan Castle combines the beauty of the surrounding landscape with the romantic charm of a medieval fortress. Particularly striking is the keep, with its pentagonal shape, parts of which date back to the 16th century. The highlight from an art-historical perspective is the castle chapel, featuring a remarkable fresco cycle.

Art-Historical Guided Tours:

Hocheppan Castle and its chapel can be visited as part of guided tours, available every 30 minutes from 11:00 AM to 4:00 PM on the following days:

• April – July: Thursday to Sunday
• August: Thursday to Monday
• September – November: Thursday to Tuesday

For more information about guided tours, please contact the Tourist Association of Appiano at info@eppan.com or by phone at +39 0471 662206.

Archery Course at Hocheppan Castle:

The archery course next to Hocheppan Castle is open daily except Wednesdays and offers visitors an exciting and medieval-like experience during the "hunt" with bow and arrow. Completing the entire course takes approximately 3 hours.

Hiking Options:

The hike to Hocheppan Castle is one of the highlights of the "Three Castles Hike," which also includes the ruins of Boymont Castle and Schloss Hotel Korb.

High above Nals, on a rocky mountain ledge at the edge of the Sirmian river canyon, you find the ruins of Castle Payersberg. The castle was built during the first 30 years of the 13th Century by the Payr family, ministerial officers of the Counts of Eppan. The rectangular, four-storey high building had its entrance at the second floor. A staircase led to the third floor, which was used as living quarters. It had a four metre wide window and a fireplace with a drop-like mantle-piece that kept the room warm. From here, it was possible to enter the wooden military area, which protected the castle, through a wooden door. Towards the East, you will find the remains of a Late-Gothic castle chapel. The fortress was renovated in the 16th Century by the knight Jakob of Boymundt-Payersberg and also received new protective walls at that time. An entry towards the North was also added, together with a round tower. Above the entrance, they put the coat of arms of the Payersberg family with the year 1560. Back around 1600, when Marx Sittich of Wolkenstein described the area, he mentioned that the Payersberg was already in ruins and could no longer be inhabited. Most likely, it was the neglect of this building, which brought about the building of Castle Schwanburg in Nals, which was far more suitable for the owners to live in. Until the decline of the Courts of Payersberg in 1791, the castle stayed in their ownership. Today, the Malpaga family uses the building as their main residence, as well as a workplace for the adjacent farmhouse. In Obersirmian, just beside the Rainerhof farmhouse, which is the highest situated farmhouse found in the village of Nals, you will come across a tower-like building, which differs substantially from the surrounding farmhouses and presents itself more like a knight's fortress. This is the so-called Jagdturm (lit: hunting tower), which was used by the Counts of Payersberg during the hunting season and hot summers. The unique tower of Castle Payrsberg, which can be seen from afar and which is used as a landmark in the village, is part of the Nals village logo.

Castle Payersberg was renovated in 2024 and since then it offers a first-class location for unforgettable moments. The newly designed venue with its breathtaking views is ideal for a variety of occasions, like weddings, concerts, company celebrations, birthdays or conferences.

An old villa, a lush park, and stories waiting beneath the surface – Villa Freischütz in Merano is more than just a museum. It’s a place of memory, a lens into a time often overlooked in South Tyrol: the interwar years. Built in 1909 as a summer residence, the villa bore witness to Merano’s golden age as a spa destination. But what makes its collection truly unique is its authenticity: the legacy of the von Franz Fromm family, who lived in the house for nearly a century. Here, history isn’t pieced together from textbooks. It lives in the furniture, the photographs, the clothing, the handwritten notes. It tells of a world in transition – of monarchy fading, Italian rule emerging, and a society caught between tradition and change.
Exciting Insights:
• The collection features more than 10,000 original objects – many of them carefully arranged throughout the house to evoke the feel of a lived-in home.
• The villa offers intimate “living room tours”: guests can wander freely through parlors, studies, and bedrooms, guided by the personal stories behind the objects.
• A highlight: the expansive park with towering old trees and hidden sculptures – perfect for reflecting after a journey through time.
For culture lovers, Villa Freischütz offers a different perspective on Merano. Not just as a refined spa town, but as a mirror of social and political transformation. The museum’s concept is intentionally personal: there are no long-winded wall texts or physical barriers. Instead, letters, accessories, and household items speak for themselves – sometimes quietly, sometimes disarmingly direct. Among jazz records and Art Nouveau vases, patriotic postcards and delicate diary entries, a rich mosaic unfolds – layered, complex, and deeply human.
This is no conventional museum. It’s a home that invites exploration, reflection, and conversation. And that’s precisely what makes Villa Freischütz one of the most fascinating places for those who don’t just want to study history – but truly feel it.

Another point of interest is the Baumgarten Castle in the historical center of Auer/Ora. During the 12th century, it was used as a fortification. Afterwards, many modifications were made and additions built. Nowadays, it is part of the agricultural high school.

Colz Castle, also called Rubatsch Residence, is a massive building, which boasts a curtain wall with four round towers and many embrasures.

The castle dates back to the year 1536, when Ferdinand I allowed Hans von Rubatsch to build himself a residence. At the end of the 16th century the castle entered into the possession of the Lords of Colz. In the course of time, the building served many functions, like the one of a poorhouse. Finally, it entered into the possession of a farmer’s family.

Colz Castle gained some popularity thanks to the knight Franz Wilhelm Prack zu Asch, also called “Gran Bracun“, who lived in the Ladin valleys between 1573 and 1581 and was known for his cruel but heroic battles.

Finally, Colz Castle was restored. Today it is private. 

The castle chapel of Hocheppan with its roman frescos is one of the most important roman art monuments in South Tyrol. The centuries old frescos had been painted over and were only entirely laid open in 1926. Besides religious themes, the hunting scene on the exterior wall can be seen as one of the rarest profane depictions in Tyrol dating from this time period. The wall paintings originate from the first decade of the 13th century and show famous illustrations like the foolish virgins, the dumpling eater - the first proof for Tyrolean dumplings - and the picture of 'Maria Heimsuchung' which is well known far beyond the border of South Tyrol.

The Strassberg castel ruin lies on a hill near Gossensass/Colle Isarco and is a real landmark. It was first mentioned in 1280 and for a long time local seat of the regional government and court of justice. The decline started in the 17th century. The ruin is privately owned and can only be visited from the outside.

Known locally as the Steinerner Steg, and erroneously referred to as Ponte Romano, this historic footbridge has long been a landmark of Merano. Built between 1616 and 1617 by the Bressanone/Brixen master builder Andrä Tanner, the bridge links the medieval old town to the verdant quarter of Maia Alta/Obermais, gracefully spanning the Passer river with two asymmetrical arches of solid quarry stone.
One of its most distinctive features is the gentle bend at the midpoint, combined with its crenellated stone parapet – details that give the structure the character of a small fortress and lend it an unmistakably historic silhouette. Constructed almost entirely from local porphyry, the bridge blends harmoniously into the Alpine landscape that frames the city.
A curious historical detail lies between the arches: a narrow, sloping ledge known as Ritsch once served as a wastewater chute, directing sewage from the town directly into the river. Beneath the current stonework, remnants of an older wooden drainage system still remain – quiet witnesses to centuries of everyday life.
Despite its evocative name, the bridge has no Roman origins. The designation Ponte Romano was introduced during the Fascist period in 1927 and has no historical basis. The current structure replaced a series of earlier wooden bridges that had repeatedly fallen victim to the river’s floods. Since its construction, the Steinerner Steg has stood firm against the elements – its most recent thorough restoration took place in 1987.
Today, this traffic-free bridge is more than just a thoroughfare. It is a beloved spot for walkers and residents, a vantage point for photographers, and a tranquil refuge within the urban fabric of Merano. From here, visitors can admire the dramatic Passer gorge, the lush promenades that run alongside it, and the sweeping views of the mountains beyond.
By day, the bridge offers a striking interplay of Alpine freshness and Mediterranean charm. By night, illuminated by gentle lanterns and accompanied by soft sounds from the nearby summer events, it transforms into a place of quiet elegance. Framed by peaks and palms, the Steinerner Steg is a living part of Merano’s cultural identity and an atmospheric link between past and present.

The castle has always guarded over the entrance to the Val Casies-Gsieser Tal valley. It was first documented in 1126 and was the main administration castle of Welsperg for about 800 years until 1907. It is open for visitors in summer.

Castel Monguelfo is not only a particular castle complex, but is also the oldes castle of Alta Pusteria. Castel Monguelfo, also called Castel Welsperg, is undoubtedly a particular castle complex and it is a core castle. One of the oldest parts of the castle is the high donjon, which has been constructed in 1126. The brothers Schwikher and Otto von Welsperg had this castle built. In these days the Lords of Welsperg were one of the most significant noble families of Tyrol. Due to their smart commercial activity and administrative work as well as their wedding politics they build up a fortune and increased their importance. For this reason in 1359 Georg von Welsperg purchased the castle on the opposite, Castel Tesido. Consequently both castles were in possession of the Lords of Welsperg. In the 15th and 16th century Castel Welsperg was considerably enlarged and also reconstructed. In 1765 there was a fire which destroyed parts of the castle complex, including the great hall and the commercial building. Despite of the fact that there were renovation works, the castle started decaying and has no longer been inhabited.

Today the castle complex is venue for numerous concerts and exhibitions, organised by the board of trustees.

The Bunker
A Cold War Relic in South Tyrol
Built between 1938 and 1942 as part of the Toblach defense line, the bunker was only activated in the 1950s under NATO’s defense plans against the Warsaw Pact. It was never used in combat, but espionage was widespread. Abandoned in 1993 and later privatized, it has housed the BunkerMuseum since 2017.

There are few places where German- and Italian-speaking cultures intersect as vividly as in Merano – and for over 70 years, the Academy of German-Italian Studies has stood at the heart of this dialogue. Founded in 1949, the Academy embodies openness, intellectual curiosity, and cultural exchange – values that reflect the spirit of Merano itself. Its mission is clear: to connect two great cultural traditions that share a rich, and at times contested, history – and to highlight the creative energy that emerges from this encounter. Through interdisciplinary events, the Academy brings together voices from literature, science, philosophy, and the arts, creating intellectual momentum that resonates far beyond the city. One of the Academy’s most compelling features is its setting: the majestic Villa San Marco, an architectural jewel nestled in a park above Merano’s historic centre. Whether attending a lecture or taking part in a literary discussion in the garden, visitors quickly sense that knowledge here is not only rigorous, but also human, engaging, and alive.

Exciting Insights:
Among the Academy’s historical inspirations is the writer and Nobel laureate Hermann Hesse, who spent time in Merano and held the city dear. His presence is still felt at the summer academies – through readings, discussions, and literary walks in his spirit. In addition to classic lectures, the Academy increasingly embraces contemporary formats that speak to younger audiences: literature workshops, philosophical salons, open-air readings, and round tables on urgent issues such as migration, identity, or climate ethics. All events are held bilingually – sometimes even playfully blending the two languages.
Yet the Academy is not reserved for academics or students. It is open to anyone with a love of language, culture, and new perspectives. This inclusivity is what makes it unique: a place where horizons expand – with curiosity, generosity, and the shared strength of two cultures. To truly understand Merano, one must experience the Academy of German-Italian Studies. It is here that the bridge between North and South is not only imagined – but lived.

At the church square, a medieval village castle rises majestically. This castle received its present form around 1600. Auer Castle is said to have been the ancestral seat of the Lords of Auer/Ora, who were first mentioned in 1190 as "Conradinus de Aura de masnada filiorum Enrici de Egna." In documents, the castle was also called the "Gesäss," as it housed, among other things, the official residence of the sovereigns. In the 19th century, the von Fioreschy family took over the property and gave it its present name: Von Fioreschy estate. In 2014, the estate underwent extensive renovations.

In 2022, on the initiative of the meditation group of La Val, and under the direction of labyrinth expert Gernot Candolini, a labyrinth was built in the centre of the area occupied by the former church of San Genesio. It is a simple Gothic labyrinth, consisting of five paths traced with brook stones. Many things here in Dlijia vedla remind us of the transience of life: the remains of the old church walls, the abandoned cemetery.

Memento mori - Memento vivere!

Everything passes quickly, and the moment never stops. So be present and aware, enjoy the view, feel the hope that lurks in life, let yourself be inspired and blessed by goodness and change.

"This place here is a place of power, you must make use of it" Dr. Karl Gruber, Regional Conservator

                                

In the vibrant heart of Merano, at the corner of Laubengasse and Galileistraße streets, rises the stately Merano Town Hall – a building that bridges political history and modernist design. Constructed between 1929 and 1932 based on plans by architect Ettore Sottsass Sr., the new Town Hall replaced the former municipal building, which had been demolished following Italy’s annexation of South Tyrol after the fall of the Austro-Hungarian Empire. The structure embodies the ideological and aesthetic language of the fascist era, standing in bold contrast to the medieval character of the old town.
The architecture is marked by the hallmarks of Italian Rationalism: clean, geometric lines, a restrained functionalism, and monumental clarity. Its most defining element is the clock tower, a vertical landmark that shapes Merano’s skyline and opens the view toward the nearby Prince’s Castle. The façade is embellished with sculptural reliefs by Bolzano artist Albert Stolz, illustrating historical scenes and lending the building a sense of cultural gravitas.
Inside, the building continues its architectural narrative with a grand staircase made of fine materials such as marble and terrazzo, where clarity of form and refined surfaces evoke a timeless modernity. The Town Hall maintains a visual dialogue with its historical surroundings and integrates harmoniously into the urban fabric.
More than just the administrative heart of the city, the Merano Town Hall stands as a significant example of modern architecture in South Tyrol. It exemplifies the interplay between historical legacy and forward-thinking design. For lovers of architecture and history alike, it offers a compelling stop: a place to reflect on Merano’s past while admiring the formal language of early 20th-century architecture.

If we take the path above the Church in Badia, after about half an hour, we arrive at a junction; one road leads to Valgiarëi and the other to Sotciastel. The name of this farm is easy to  explain; the Ciastel farm is further above. As is the case in many other places the name of the settlement below is given with the preposition "sot" (below).

In the 1980s Sotciastel became famous as the result of research carried out by the University of Trento in cooperation with the Provincial Monument Office and the Ladin Cultural Institute "Micurá de Rü". These excavations proved that a Bronze Age settlement including permanent living quarters once stood here. The kind of articles found - parts of weaving looms, kitchen implements, agricultural tools, jewellery, pins and awls - lead us to believe that the settlement was agricultural and pastoral, was inhabited the whole year round and that above all sheep, goats, oxen and cattle were reared.

The settlement in Sotciastel appears to have been one of the first in the valley where people lived for a longer period of time.

The Coz residence is a short distance away from San Linert. The name "Coz" appears to be of pre-Latin origin and comes from the word "koltju" although we do not know where this word comes from or what it means. This is one of the oldest farms in the area.

The Coz residence we see today was built by the Colz family in 1604. The residential part was renovated in 1996/97. The Colz family sold the farm to the Winkler family from St. Lorenzen in 1695 and they sold it to Jakob Irsara in 1754 and his family still own the farm.

The house has a rectangular form and a hipped roof, along with two wings. The decorations in the house chapel are very valuable; built in 1613 we can see scenes from the creation, the life of Moses, the Crucifixion and the copper snake. On the external wall we can see two saints; St. Christopher and St. Florian.

In addition to the living quarters there are also smaller buildings such as the corn silo, the smithy and the fodder store.

The Coz residence is now a private dwelling and can be seen from outside on the route of the Badia culture trail.

Sompunt is located between Badia and La Villa and was an important residence for the families Mayrhofen and Koburg (rich families in the 19th century).
The house was already mentioned in the year 1296 and it is painted with decorations dating back to the 16th century.

Today the house is privately owned and inhabited.

The Gelmini estate was built in the first half of the 17th century. It belonged to the An der Lan and Fedrigotti families and to the Gelmini family. The three-storey building has a beautiful garden and several courtyards leading to the service buildings. Another interesting feature is the oriel with turrets and ox-eyes in the upper part of the façade, located on Schillerstrasse. The building is decorated with a mosaic created in 1911 depicting a Virgin and Child inspired by Raphael's Renaissance Madonna. Particularly worth seeing are the coffered ceiling in the wood-panelled oriel room, which dates from 1661, and the carved wooden walls, which run in two vertical strips and are separated by refined half-columns. Dr. Max von Gelmini was one of the largest silkworm breeders in South Tyrol. He built the so-called "silk spinning mill", one of the most important examples of industrial architecture in the entire country.

 

The Hausmann-Locherer estate dates from the Renaissance period, was built in the second half of the 16th century and is characterised by architectural elements of Nordic and Italian origin that are typical of the Überetsch/Oltradige architectural style. Architrave-shaped windows and an entrance portal with a round arch decorate the façade of the building. Above this round arch is the coat of arms of Andrä Locherer from 1593, consisting of a unicorn standing on its hind legs. The interior rooms with their central hall are arranged symmetrically. Some rooms have stuccoed ceilings, others are covered with 17th century woodcarving decorations. The entire building encloses an inner courtyard.

The Castle Ehrenburg was the residence of the Sirs von Ehrenburg, who were later called von Künigl. It was built in the 12th century. During the 15th century, the castle was extended, and in the year 1512, it was extended again with the arcade yard. In the year 1732, it was converted into a baroque castle. The big hall, the bay windows, the wooden paneling, and the paintings on the ceiling, as well as the castle chapel are very remarkable. The castle is not open to visitors.

Only visible from the outside.

The hamlets are farming communities spread over the slopes of Val Badia at an altitude of between 1200 and 1700 metres.

They differ from typical farms in the rest of South Tyrol in their concentrated form as well as their basic structure and administration.

The space under the bridge leading to the barn and the paths that link everything together belong to all the farmers in the hamlet.
The surrounding field are divided so that each family can earn a living.

The farm houses are located one next to the other in the hamlets and next to them the fodder stores, the corn silo, the wood shed, the well and a small chapel.

The "Ciasanöia" is the old tavern and was an important meeting point for the residents of Badia.

It is similar to a castel and was built in 1614 for the nuns of Sonnenburg (Castel near Brunico). It was the seat of this Domination.

Today the house is privately owned and not open to the public.

The stately castle of Enn is located above Montan/Montagna. It was built around the year 1300 at the request of the noble Lords of Enn, who at that time also owned the fortress of Castelfeder. In the course of a dispute, the von Enn family was expelled. The castle was subsequently inhabited by several noble families and repeatedly rebuilt. Since the 17th century, Enn Castle has been privately owned by the Albrizzi family and is not open to visitors. An exception is the traditional "Schlosskonzert," which takes place annually in mid-August. This is a good opportunity to see the castle courtyard and experience a traditional concert by the Montan Music Band.

The town hall of Salorno/Salurn was once owned by the family of the Barons von Winklhofer, whose coat of arms can also be found on the portal, is characterized by Nordic and Italian building elements typical of the Überetsch/Oltraadige style of the 16th century. The open archway of the old building rests on mighty stone blocks. On the façade, the stone-framed rectangular windows are arranged next to the two-storey bay window and alternate with two superimposed double round-arched windows.