Welsberg Castle, Welsberg-Taisten, Italy

Welsberg Castle (Castel Monguelfo in Italian) lies in a strategic position above Casies Valley. The castle was built in 1140 by the two brother Schwinkher and Otto von Welsberg. This latest wanted the overhanging upon his lands. For more than 800 years the castle had been property of the von Welsbergs, one of the mightiest families in Tyrol, who obtained the title of Prince of the Holy Roman Empire in 1693 by the emperor Leopold I.

The construction can be divided into two main periods: the first Romanesque one in the XII century, and the second one, in the gothic and Renaissance period in the XVI century. The oldest element of the castle is the tall defensive tower built between 1126 and 1140. Around it the old Romanesque chapel, the residential building, and the other buildings had been built.

In 1765 the castle was destroyed by a fire and the upper floor had to be broken up and the roof brought down to the present height. Since then the castle had been forgotten till recent times when the heir of the Welspergs entrusted it to the Kuratorium Committee which completely restored it and made visits available during summer season.

References:

dolomiti.it

User Reviews

Nazarenko Vladimir (2 years ago)
It's really interesting to see castle that is not some King's castle, but just a family nest, it feels different. And knowing that some family have lived there for almost 800 years... Small territory, beautiful place, some rooms decorated "as it was someday"

Antonio Tredanari (2 years ago)
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Stephan Nys (2 years ago)
Beautiful small castle, which invites you to visit. The castle is located above Monguelfo and can be easily reached via two circular routes (small and large castle circuit). Very nice location in the forest. The entrance fees are more than reasonable (3€). We recommend. The interior of the castle is also very interesting and well preserved.

Michal Švec (3 years ago)
Its nice :)

Manuel Maffessoli (4 years ago)
Fantastic place visited on a rainy day, small castle but with everything you need to visit without the need for a guide! pity it is little advertised and I only wait once a week

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