Nova Ponente Territory Museum

Religious art and local history at the venerable Thurn Castle in Nova Ponente

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The Nova Ponente Territory Museum shows a valuable collection of religious artworks.
© Gemeinde Deutschnofen
Besides altar leaves and statues, there is also an old book from Cologne which dates back to 1583.
© Gemeinde Deutschnofen
In most liturgical traditions, the priest washes his hands after vesting in a lavabo, a small pot.
© Gemeinde Deutschnofen
The venerable residence of Thurn Castle in Nova Ponente houses the interesting museum.
© Gemeinde Deutschnofen
Besides religious objects, also some archeological finds of the Middle Stone Age can be admired.
© Gemeinde Deutschnofen
The statue of the Mother of Sorrows from the 18th century is a loan to the museum.
© Gemeinde Deutschnofen

In the heart of Nova Ponente stands Thurn Castle, a former Romanesque residential tower dating back to the 13th century, which has been expanded over time. This stately manor house served as a courthouse around 1341 and was owned by the Lords of Niederthor.

In the past, nobles performed the duties of presiding judges. In 1849, the Nova Ponente court was incorporated into the Bozen judicial district. In 1911, Nova Levante acquired the grand white building and renovated it in 1985. Today, it houses the municipal offices. In addition, it also accommodates the noteworthy Nova Ponente Territory Museum (Gebietsmuseum Deutschnofen).

On the tower floor, you'll find a collection of religious art: altarpieces from the 16th century, early Baroque statues of saints, consecration documents, and holy pictures. You can also admire artefacts that document the settlement history of Nova Ponente and the Val d'Ega. Traces from the Mesolithic period demonstrate that people lived here as early as between 5000 and 5700 BC.

How to get to the museum? Thurn Castle is located in the village centre, with parking available behind the building. You can reach Nova Ponente from Bolzano by public transport in 45 minutes, for example, using bus route 181. Barrier-free access to the museum is available (side entrance).