Tasso Castle

Tasso Castle (Burg Reifenstein) is located in a cleared marshland, called Sterzinger Moos, in Campo di Trens, near the town of Vipiteno. First documented around 1100 as a fief of the Bavarian Counts of Lechsgmünd, the castle passed to the Lords of Stilves in 1110 AD. They expanded it and gave it the name "Reifenstein". Over the following centuries, the castle changed hands several times until, in 1405, it came into the possession of the Lords of Sabiona through marriage.

After their lineage died out, Tasso Castle fell to Sigismund, Archduke of Austria, who sold it to the Teutonic Order in 1470. The castle remained in the Order's possession until its dissolution in 1813, undergoing continuous expansion and military fortification. As compensation for the abolition of their postal privileges, Tasso Castle then passed to the Counts of Thurn and Taxis, who had previously been responsible for the postal service. Never conquered or destroyed throughout its history, it is considered today to be the best-preserved castle complex in South Tyrol.

It also includes the small Church of St. Zeno - nearby Bavarian tree-trunk coffins dating from the 4th to the 8th centuries were discovered. Ten rooms of the castle are open to the public and in excellent condition. The keep dates back to the 12th century, while the main residential building (Palas) originates from the 15th century. Particularly noteworthy is the Green Room with its ornamental paintings and magnificent late-Gothic wooden grille.

A portcullis, torture chamber, courtroom, and a subterranean dungeon give Tasso Castle the character of a true knight's castle. How to get there: The castle can be reached via a short walk from the car park located directly at the foot of the castle hill and is open year-round.