Castel Rafenstein

The romantic ruin of Castel Rafenstein rises high above the city of Bolzano at the entrance of Val Sarentino.

On a rocky hill high above the Talvera gorge, at the entrance of Val Sarentino close to Bolzano, Castel Rafenstein appears in conspicuous position. The castle complex has been constructed in the 13th century by the Bishop of Trento Friedrich von Wangen in order to control the commercial relationship between north and south and in order to keep the sovereignty of Bolzano. As this is also were an important commercial road passed by, this castle complex in the Mediaeval and still in early modern times was rather significant.

In these days the complex was only composed of a great hall, a low donjon as well as a circular wall. Only in the 14th century an outer ward, a bastille ans a southern wing were added to the castle. The most significant construction phase of Castel Rafenstein took place in the 16th century, when the Mediaeval complex became a late Gothic building.

In 1357 the castle was owned by Franz von Ravenstein. As his son died very early, the possession was handed over to the Goldegg family, thereon it was bequested to the Weinecker family. From 1500 to 1599 Sigmund Gerstl and Hans Wueff owned the castle, afterwards the Earls of Wolkenstein took over the castle. Only in the 19th century, when they did no longer inhabit the castle, it began to decay.

Today only remains of the castle are left. The ruin can be reached by car, but a visit of the interior part is not possible, as inside it is not secured.