카스텔벨-차르스 - 카스텔벨로-시아르데스‬에서 가장 멋진 ‪20‬개의 동굴

Castelbello Castle, first mentioned in 1238 but likely of earlier origin, was built by the Lords of Montalban. The picturesque castle sits majestically on a mighty rocky outcrop on the left bank of the Adige River. The elongated complex measures over 70 meters in length and barely 30 meters in width. Due to its exposed location, Castelbello Castle had to be repeatedly protected over the years by the construction of more modern and stronger fortifications. After changing hands several times, the castle was transferred to the Hendl family as a pledge in 1531. In 1813 and 1824, the castle was largely destroyed by fire. The Hendl counts rebuilt only a small part for residential purposes, and thus the castle was destined to fall into ruin. At the end of a legal process that dragged on for decades, in which Count Siegmund von Hendl and the Republic of Italy fought for ownership of the castle, a settlement was finally reached: this enabled the state to purchase the castle for 31,068 lire (16.04 €).

One of the many castles in the Vinschgau.

The view of the castle on the mountain makes the landscape even more beautiful.

Very well-preserved Romanesque frescoes in the castle from the early 14th century, restored in 2001

Castelbello Castle Kastelbell Castle, already mentioned in 1238, is picturesquely situated on a mighty boulder on the left bank of the Etsch, where it reaches the wide Lower Vinschgau from the “Latschander” gorge. Guided tours are offered in the beautifully restored castle and various cultural events take place within the old walls. Text / Source: Kastelbell Castle Board of Trustees, Schlossweg 1, 39020 Kastelbell-Tschars https://www.schloss-kastelbell.com/de/das-schloss.html

First documented in 1238, Castelbello Castle dominates the Venosta Valley from a rocky outcrop on the left bank of the Adige River. From the cycle path, it is clearly visible above several apple orchards.

There are very numerous - about 400 - castles in South Tyrol. These were either built in the middle of large, wide valleys or at valley entrances. They served as a customs and toll station. Merchants had to pay customs duty, and tolls were also levied on stagecoaches and pedestrians (as they are today). As a result, the local nobles and lords of the castle became richer and more powerful. In wide valleys, the castles also served as an early warning system for foreign armies passing through. So there were so-called "Chalk Towers", which were signal towers. In the event of danger, a beacon was lit as a warning, spreading the news throughout the region. If two towers could not see each other directly, then a horseman was sent to the nearest castle or signal tower. The Lords of Eppan were one of the most powerful noble families from the Adige Valley and South Tyrol.

It is only 200 m from the "Schlosswirt" to a small rock. An iron footbridge leads to a holiday apartment on a rock (you can see it). Up there "lives an old, big sow" (a hell of a sow) and you have the best view of Oberortel with the castle innkeeper and Juval Castle enthroned above it.