Welsberg Castle

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

Address

Via Parrocchia, Welsberg-Taisten, Italy

Details

Founded: 1140
Category: Castles and fortifications in Italy