Juval Castle, Castelbello-Ciardes, Italy

Juval Castle (Italian Castel Juval) is located at the entrance of the Schnalstal valley. It derives its name from the Latin name of the mountain, Mons Jovis (mountain of Jupiter).

The oldest account of the castle dates to 1278, when it was owned by Hugo of Montalban. It was probably constructed about thirty years before the first account referencing it. In 1368, it was acquired by the lords of Starkenberg, and in 1540, it passed to Sinkmoser. The period from its construction to the mid 1500s was the castle's heyday.

After several more changes of ownership, in 1813, it was sold to a local farmer, Josef Blaas. The castle fell into disrepair, until in 1913 William Rowland carefully restored it.

Since 1983, it is the summer residence (July and August) of famous mountaineer Reinhold Messner, who has partially converted it into a museum displaying works of Tibetan art and a collection of masks from five continents. A later restoration of the castle was presided over by Vinschgau architect Karl Spitaler. It is one of the venues of the Messner Mountain Museum. The museum is closed in the summer months, when Messner resides in the castle.

Around the castle there is a path open to the public along which there are informational signs relating to the botanical features on the grounds. For private individuals, the castle is accessible only on foot with an hour-long walk or by using a special bus service.

References:

Wikipedia

User Reviews

Lars Sp (4 months ago)
This is an absolutely mesmerizing place. Alpinism and Tibetan cultures, hosted in a castle ruin.

Carlos NEVES (6 months ago)
Very interesting place. A lot of beautiful memories from the owner of the place. Didn't know Reinhold Messner before, but he/his story impressed me

Sneezy Fey (3 years ago)
It was a really interesting experience. A glimpse into this man's life. And the castle.... It is amazing what he did to it. A piece is made for tourists, and another kept locked private. It is really amazing. I don't understand german and went with German guide, but I can still say it was amazing. I also experienced a little of Tibet without ever being there :) No pictures in some of the rooms, as they are private. By shuttle from the parking, then about 15min on foot. The landscape is wonderful. In the same building as the toilets there is a small (family business I believe) restaurant where you can order some good food. Really good! I would also recommend going back to parking on foot. 2.5km

Vierka Fliglová (4 years ago)
Wonderful castle with very interesting and unusual religious exponates.

Robert Kraft (5 years ago)
Ok

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