Roncolo Castle

The medieval Roncolo Castle (Schloss Runkelstein), also known as the "Illustrated Castle", sits enthroned on a porphyry cliff high above Bolzano. It's located on the town's edge towards the Val Sarentino, between the districts of Centro-Piani and Castel Novale, the latter already belonging to Renon. Roncolo Castle is famed for its extensive fresco cycle - arguably the largest surviving secular fresco cycle of the Middle Ages. The frescoes depict scenes from literature, knightly sagas, courtly life, hunting scenes, and ladies of the court. The building also serves as a backdrop for events.

In the inner courtyard, you'll find a castle tavern. The original fortifications were erected in 1237 by the Lords of Vanga. In 1385, the wealthy Bolzano merchants, Franz and Niklaus Vintler, acquired the castle. To display their wealth, they commissioned the decoration with frescoes. For the time, unusual building features, such as a latrine and a cistern, provided increased comfort.

Ownership changed frequently from the 15th century onwards, and the castle was repeatedly altered - the paintings were also added to. In 1520, a gunpowder explosion destroyed parts of the south wing. From the 18th century, the castle fell into disrepair. It wasn't until the 19th century that Josef von Görres recognised the value of the historical paintings and informed Ludwig I of Bavaria. The King subsequently commissioned architects and painters to study the artworks.

In 1868, parts of the north wall collapsed, destroying a large section of the frescoes. In 1883, Archduke Johann Salvator of Austria gifted Roncolo Castle to Franz Joseph I of Austria, who, in turn, ceremonially presented it to the citizens of Bolzano in 1893. Today, it is open to the public. How to get there: A paved path leads from the car park at the end of the Talvera Meadows up to the castle in just a few minutes. Castelronda - The Castle Path also passes by Roncolo Castle.