Velturno Castle

Velturno Castle (Schloss Velthurns) sits on the edge of Velturno village. The building boasts a rich history, constructed in the Renaissance style between 1577 and 1587 by Cardinal Christof Madrutz and Bishop Johannes Thomas Spaur. It served as the summer residence of the prince-bishops of Bressanone until 1803. In 1978, the Province of South Tyrol acquired the cultural monument and undertook a four-year restoration. Today, Velturno Castle is managed by the South Tyrolean Department for Cultural Heritage. It houses the Velturno Local Museum in the old chancellery.

Once renowned for its deer park, fish pond, and large aviary, the building itself is now the main attraction. Particularly impressive are the St. Catherine's Chapel on the ground floor, with its altarpiece by Hans Schmid, and the Renaissance panelling on the upper floor.

Carved portals, stoves, frescoes, secco paintings, and inlaid work, such as the gilded coffered ceiling in the Prince's Chamber, are among the highlights. They are considered some of the most significant examples of Renaissance artistry in southern Germany. There's also an archaeological collection with finds from the Archeoparc Velturno to discover.

All this is complemented by South Tyrolean artworks from the 15th to the 20th centuries. How to get there: Velturno Castle rises directly on the village road of Velturno and has parking available. You can also reach it on foot via various hiking trails, e.g. along one stage of the Chestnut Trail.