Ganda Castle

High above Piganò in Appiano on the Wine Road rises Ganda Castle. Where centuries ago a simple farmhouse stood, a magnificent structure can be found now. The first documented mention of a residential tower, owned by the Lords of Annenberg, dates back to 1434. A century later, the castle was passed as a fiefdom to the Counts of Khuen-Belasi, who gave it its present form.

The architecture of Gandegg Castle is based on the style of northern Italian fortifications of that period. Under the Counts, the existing Chapel of St. Mary of the Snows was also rebuilt.

Its interior houses an elaborately carved altar with a painting of Our Lady of Perpetual Help by Jakob Poder from Caldaro, as well as a Humpel organ. Today, Ganda Castle presents itself as a rectangular building with four round towers. A large park and outbuildings with late Gothic elements complete the complex. Inside, the castle impresses with its splendid halls, whose coffered ceilings, imposing double doors, and tiled stoves date from the 16th and 17th centuries.

Ganda Castle (Schloss Gandegg) is not normally open to the public - but it does open its gates for events such as organ hikes. How to get there: A small road leads directly past Ganda Castle. You can also see it during the hike from San Michele Appiano to the Ice Holes.