Castelchiaro

Castelchiaro rises above Lake Caldaro, near Varco Castle in the municipality of Vadena. The Lords of Rottenburg likely built it around 1250. However, the exact date of its construction remains uncertain - the South Tyrolean Castle Institute suggests it might even date back to before 1200. Its strategic location and imposing curtain wall protected the fortress from attacks.

Since the site itself wasn't particularly defensible, the castle's construction probably served more as a demonstration of the Lords' power. Following the conflict with Duke Frederick IV of Tyrol in 1410, many of the Rottenburgs' castles were destroyed. Castelchiaro, however, was spared.

It passed into the possession of the Lords of Tyrol, who, in the following years, granted it to the respective captains of Caldaro. After 1610, Castelchiaro was abandoned and fell into disrepair. The walls were not conserved until the 20th century. The complex consisted of an almost circular curtain wall which enclosed the living quarters. Today, these are still partially visible.

Inside, accessible via a metal staircase, you'll find well-preserved remains of the Palas with frescoes from the 15th century. How to get there: You can reach the ruins of Castelchiaro (Leuchtenburg) on a hike from Campi al Lago via Gmundo. You can combine the excursion with a detour to the hot-air springs near Caldaro or the "Horse Teeth" rock formations.