Castelbello Castle

On a rock spur on the left side of the Adige river, just above the main road which proceeds through the Val Venosta valley, Castelbello Castle is located in the municipal area of Castelbello-Ciardes. The castle was built in the 12th century by the Lords of Montalban, soon after it passed into the possession of the Earls of Tyrol. In 1531, the castle was passed to the Earls of Hendl as a fief and stayed in their possession until the 20th century.

The castle burnt down in 1825 but was completely rebuilt. In 1949, Castelbello Castle - "Schloss Kastelbell" in German, "Castello di Castelbello" in Italian - was taken over by the state and in 2008 it was conveyed to the Autonomous Province of Bolzano. Nowadays, guided tours and exhibitions are offered in the restored castle. Besides a varying spring and autumn exhibition, also the permanent exhibition "Via Claudia Augusta" is housed there.

Furthermore, the castle is setting for cultural events, like an organ festival, the event "Feel the Castle" and concerts in its courtyard. And how to reach it? From the west, it is accessible in a short walk via a rocky crest - parking spaces can be found in the village centre or at the train station.