The medieval castle complex with its MMM Juval enthrones the entrance to the Val Senales valley.

Above Naturno (Naturns), but still belonging to the municipality of Castelbello-Ciardes (Kastelbell-Tschars), there’s a mighty castle complex. In all probability Castel Juval - “Schloss Juval” in German - was built around 1250 AD and owes its name to the Latin term “iuvalis” (mountain pass). It was mentioned for the first time in documents in 1278 when it was owned by Hugo von Montalban. In the 14th century, the castle belonged to the possession of the Lords of Starkenberg. As the castle repeatedly changed hands in the course of time, it started deteriorating.

In 1913, the Dutchman William Rowland purchased the ruin and refurbished it under the direction of the architect Adalbert Wietek from Merano. In 1983, however, the South Tyrolean alpinist Reinhold Messner acquired the castle and restored it in a substantial manner. Since then, Castel Juval is a museum, vineyard, biologic farm and a so-called “Buschenschank” tavern, all in one.

Since 1995 it has been made open to the public. MMM Juval “Myth of the mountain”, that’s how the museum in the castle, which is integrated into the project “Messner Mountain Museum”, is called. The museum includes the largest tibetica collection worldwide, a mask collection of five continents, as well as mountain photos exhibited at more floors. And how to reach Castel Juval? From the Juval parking space by a shuttle service or via the Stava or Ciardes Waalwege paths.

Messner Mountain Museum Juval - opening hours and admission