Schloss Kastelbell
Medieval castle on a rock above the Adige in the Val Venosta, open for guided tours and hosting exhibitions and concerts.
Have only individual sections read aloud
About the museum
The castle, first mentioned in 1238 but probably of earlier origin, was built by the lords of Montalbano. It later passed to the princes of Tyrol and from the 14th century was also a seat of jurisdiction. In 1531 it came as a pledge to the Hendl family, who expanded and transformed it until it took on its present appearance, with rondels and reception halls.
Fires in 1813 and 1824 largely destroyed it, and the Hendl counts rebuilt only a small part for residential use, leaving the rest to decay. In 1956 the Italian State bought the complex, and from the 1960s, under the direction of the heritage authority (Soprintendenza) of Verona, restoration work began, concluded in 1995.
In 1999 the castle was entrusted by concession to the Comune di Castelbello-Ciardes, which delegated its management to the Kuratorium Schloss Kastelbell, and in 2008 ownership passed to the Provincia autonoma di Bolzano. Today the castle hosts art exhibitions, concerts and other cultural events, and provides access to the monument through guided tours.
Highlights
- Castle kitchen of very ancient appearance
- Romanesque portal and narrow courtyard with external stairs
- Oriel room with Gothic beamed ceiling
- Castle chapel
- Spring and autumn art exhibitions and concerts
Permanent exhibition
- Via Claudia Augusta – Permanent exhibition devoted to the ancient Roman road Via Claudia Augusta, in the castle rooms.
- Operated by
- Kuratorium Schloss Kastelbell Genossenschaft
Admission & discounts
| Adults | €8 |
|---|---|
| Reduced | €6Over 65s, members of the Kuratorium, students, pupils from age 14, civil invalids and people doing civil service |
| Children & teens | freefree up to age 13 · Free admission for children under 14; primary and middle school pupils with a companion are free during opening hours. |
| Seniors | €6 |
| Visitors with disabilities | €6Civil invalids. |
| Students & apprentices | €6 |
| Groups (15+ people) | –10% discount for groups of 15 people. |
| Guided tour outside opening hours (supplement on the ticket) | €50 |
| 50-minute specialist art guided tour (supplement on the ticket) | €50 |
Same rates for exhibitions and castle visits; discounts cannot be combined. Concerts cost more, from €15 to €20. Price list dated 15 March 2023.
Accessibility
The museum hasn’t published any information on this.
Kids & families
The museum hasn’t published any information on this.
Getting there & parking
By car
Parking available
Car park in the centre of Castelbello or at the station, with a short walk to the castle.
The castle can also be reached by bicycle along the Val Venosta cycle path, or on foot via the Via Vinum Venostis and the Waalweg Latschander.
Get directionsAmenities & dining
The museum hasn’t published any information on this.
Events & venue rental
The museum hasn’t published any information on this.
Plan your visit
| Guided tours | yes |
|---|---|
| Good to know | The castle rooms are accessible only as part of a guided tour, led by an art historian. |
