Castles

Franzensfeste /Fortezza
The fortress made out of granite square stones is impressing, it looks impregnable and it dominates the narrowness of the valley on the south of the reservoir: the Franzensfeste was built in 1833-39, it takes its name from the emperor Franz I of Austria and it was at that time the strongest fortification in Europe. However, the defence- construction was never involved in battles, technically soon outdated, but it characterizes still today the countryside. Even when the Italian Army left it in 2001, the fort is still not accessible to the public. The common access is pursued. The village of Franzensfeste is situated upwards in the valley, above the reservoir built in 1940, and it is an important railway junction.



Velthurns Castle
This castle complex from the 16th cen. served as the summer residence of the prince-bishops of Bressanone (Brixen) until 1803. The deer park of the castle was famous in its day, and there was an enormous outdoor aviary and a fish pond. The main attractions today are the precious Renaissance furnishings with wood paneling, inlay work, carved portals, ceramic stoves, and frescoes. The museum also houses the collection of South Tyrolean artworks from the 15th to 20th cen. which were bought or confiscated between the World Wars by the Italian Ministry of Culture and returned to the Province of South Tyrol in 1990.

Guided tours (from 01 Mar. to 30 Nov.): at 10, 11 (a.m.), 2:30 and 3:30 (p.m.). Closed Mondays.
Visits for groups also available at other times.
For information and group reservations: Tel. +39 0472 855 525

Rodengo Castle
This castle was certainly one of the largest and most powerful fortresses of its time. The famous frescoes of the "Ivanhoe Cycle" (early 13th century), the oldest of their kind in Europe, are of inestimable value and interest.

Guided tours (from 1st May to the 15th October) every day, except Saturday, at 11 a.m. and 3 p.m., from 15th July to 31st August also at 4 p.m.
Visits for groups with reservation only.
For information and reservations: Tel. +39 0472 454 056



Castle Tasso – Reifenstein
Castle Tasso, one of history's most important and romantic castles in South Tyrol, and already mentioned in the 12th century. Located in the middle of an improved marshland and very well preserved, Castle Tasso can be reached by a path through the rocks. Open from Easter to All Saints' Day.

Guided tours: at 9:30 and 10:30 a.m., and at 2:00 and 3:00 p.m. Closed Fridays. For group reservations call: +39 0472 765 879.



Trostburg/Forte Castle - Ponte Gardena
This ministerial fortress was built in the 12th cen. and expanded in the 14th and 15th cen. It was once owned by the brother of the famous medieval troubadour, Oswald von Wolkenstein and has belonged to the South Tyrol Castle Institute since 1967. Its current appearance is the result of renovations during the Renaissance which combined its fortification characteristics with those of a residential castle. This idyllic and unadulterated castle symbolizes the conflict between protection through defensive technology and personable livability.

Guided tours from the end of April to the end of October at 11 a.m., 2 and 3 p.m. In July and August tours are also given at 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. Closed Mondays.
For information and group reservations: Tel. 0471 654 401