Rio Pusteria Fortress

In Rio di Pusteria, at the entrance to the Pusteria Valley, stands an impressive fortress whose history dates back to the 13th century. This location once marked the border between the counties of Gorizia and Tyrol, necessitating the construction of a border fortress. This "Old Fortress" or Meinhardine Fortress served as a customs post for the transport of goods.

It was situated 600 metres west of the present-day structure. The "New Fortress", or Sigmundine Fortress, was built in the 15th century. Following a flood in the 18th century, several parts of the building were destroyed. The remainder of the Rio Pusteria Fortress (Mühlbacher Klause) survived but fell into disrepair when the complex ceased to function as a fortress and customs post. Today, the complex consists of a round tower, underscoring its defensive character, a curtain wall over a metre thick, a guardhouse, and the so-called "Residence" with supply and weapons stores.

Anyone wishing to pass through had to go through the gate tower, whose passageway was equipped with embrasures. The Rio Pusteria Fortress Association restored the complex in collaboration with the province, the Department for the Preservation of Historic Monuments, the Cassa di Risparmio Foundation, and the municipality of Rio di Pusteria.

Today, it is once again open to visitors. How to get there: You can reach the Rio Pusteria Fortress directly via the Val Pusteria state road, where parking is available. The Val Pusteria Cycle Path between San Candido, Brunico, and Fortezza also passes by here.