Dominating Lagarina valley since the 11th century, the Noarna castle was a possession initially of the Castelbarco family and later of the Lodrons.
The ancient Castel Noarna served as a setting for witch trials. Located at Noarna di Nogaredo, the Castle overlooks Lagarina valley since the 11th century and probably used to be a former Roman fort. The 13th century keep consists of the main tower, topped by Guelph embattlements, two guardrooms and the prison. Rounded arches testify to the building's Medieval origins.
In this castle a notorious witch trial was held, involving dozens of people from Lagarina valley, which ended with five death sentences to as many local women. Today, it houses a renowned wine cellar boasting about 35,000 bottles.
In 1177 the Castle was damaged during violent fighting and later on became the property of the Castelbarco family. In 1486 it passed to the Lodron family and developed its current look, as it got transformed into an aristocratic mansion. After 1876 the Lodrons moved out and started using the castle only as a summer residence. The castle was eventually abandoned towards the end of the 19th century.
References:Kakesbeck is one of the largest medieval fortifications in Münsterland and the oldest castle in Lüdinghausen. The imposingly grown complex originated in 1120 as a motte, a small hilltop tower castle. After numerous changes of ownership, the castle was extended onto two islands, but it was not until the 14th century that it underwent significant alterations and extensions under the von Oer family. The estate experienced its heyday in the middle of the 18th century, when it covered an area of almost one square kilometre and consisted of five further outer castles in addition to the core castle, which were secured by ramparts and moats.
The well-maintained condition of the castle today is thanks to the late Wilfried Grewing, the former lord of the castle. The foundation named after him has been particularly committed to preserving the property since 2020.