Castel Novale

As you drive from Bolzano's Talvera Meadows towards the Val Sarentino, you'll pass Castel Novale, called "die Sill" by locals. It lies just beyond the allotments and Roncolo Castle. This small area consists of a few houses nestled between Novale (or Ried) Castle and the animal shelter, already within the municipality of Renon. Novale Castle stands somewhat hidden beside the road, overshadowed by Roncolo Castle, known throughout Europe for its frescoes.

Novale Castle is a private residence and not open to the public, but, like most castles, it harbours an interesting history. The basin at the entrance to the Val Sarentino was strategically important, so the complex was built as a moated castle. The Talvera River once flowed around its walls - it is one of the few fortifications in South Tyrol that was never conquered.

Today, the Talvera River, which lends its name to the Talvera Meadows recreational area, flows a few metres past the castle. In the 16th century, Petru Rareș, known as "the Lame", Prince of Moldavia, resided here. Having fled the Ottomans on several occasions, he was sent by Vienna to Novale Castle. His tombstone is located in the Franciscan Church in Bolzano.

Until recently, Bolzano's residents used the covered ice rink in the hamlet for ice skating and training. This is to be replaced in the coming years by a new facility in a more central location near the Palermo Bridge. Until then, the small, uncovered ice rink within the same complex will open. Beyond Novale Castle, the road winds into the Sarentino Valley. Shortly after the "Sarner Imbiss" snack bar, a small mountain road branches off to the right, leading up to the Renon plateau.