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

Manuel Maffessoli (2 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

Luisa Duri (2 years ago)
The castle is located in Monguelgo, on a rocky hill, overlooking the Casies stream. It was built, starting with the mastiff, between 1126 and 1140 by the Welsperg brothers and was subsequently enlarged in the 15th and 16th centuries; in addition, another castle was built nearby: the Thurn castle. In 1765 both castles were destroyed by arson. Castel Welsperg was subsequently restored and can now be visited.

Raffaele Guidolin (2 years ago)
Little gem in the heart of Val Pusteria. It is a small castle well preserved both inside and outside. It can be reached by walking for about 15 minutes from the center of Monguelfo. The ticket costs 3 euros and allows a visit that lasts about an hour. We visit the various rooms of the structure, many of which are embellished with furnishings, animal skins, medicinal plants, all in order to make the experience of the visit more interesting and realistic. Highly recommended place.

Andrea Marasca (DeusExMachina) (2 years ago)
If you pass by these parts you cannot miss them. The state of conservation and the interior are beautiful. It has been inhabited for about 800 years, and shows all its signs and history. Admission in 2020 is 3 euros per person. It's worth it.

Peter Totka (3 years ago)
Easily accessible, not much or little. So pleasant

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