Casanova Castle

Casanova Castle (Burg Neuhaus) is barely visible from the Adige Valley. Only the keep rises prominently above Terlano village. The castle was first documented in 1228 AD. It likely served the Counts of Tyrol as a border fortress against the Counts of Bolzano. In the second half of the 13th century, a customs post was built below the castle. Both, however, soon lost their importance after Meinhard II, Count of Gorizia, conquered Bolzano.

A widespread assumption suggests that Margaret Maultasch (1318-1369), Countess of Tyrol, enjoyed staying at Casanova Castle. However, this is not historically substantiated. The name "Maultasch" (loosely translated as "mouth-bag" or "pout") likely derives from the customs post below the castle, which was also called "mala tasca" (mousetrap). Other stories attribute the name to Margaret's supposedly large mouth or her sharp tongue. Legends still surround the ruins today.

One tells of a hidden treasure. From 1382 to 1559, the Lords of Niedertor from Bolzano inhabited the castle, followed by the Lords of Wolkenstein until 1733, who were also owners of Trostburg Castle. Finally, the Counts of Enzenberg had the ruins secured and partially restored. Today, the massive, pentagonal tower on its porphyry rock is particularly well-preserved.

The site is secured and accessible. How to get there: You can easily reach it via the family-friendly Margaret Trail in about half an hour. Information boards along the path relate interesting facts about the castle and its history. The ruins are also a stop on Castelronda - The Castle Path.