Located in the village of the same name in the Isarco Valley, just a few kilometres from Bressanone, Castel Velturno is one of the most fascinating examples of Late Renaissance and Mannerist architecture in South Tyrol. Inside the castle, visitors can admire precious Renaissance furnishings, majolica stoves, artworks, and splendid wooden ceilings with gold inlays, all reflecting the elegance and refinement of the period.
Built between 1577 and 1587 at the request of Cardinal Cristoforo Madruzzo and Bishop Johann Thomas von Spaur, Castel Velturno served as an episcopal residence until 1803. It is one of the rare examples of a late‑Renaissance manor, conceived more as a noble residence than as a defensive structure.
From the outside, the castle appears sober and essential, but within its crenellated walls lie two courtyards: the larger once hosted the famous deer park, renowned throughout the region.
The interior rooms still evoke the splendour of the residence. In the celebrated Prince’s Room, visitors can admire unique wooden wall coverings and the magnificent coffered ceiling with golden inlays crafted by the Merano master Hans Spineider. Other rooms preserve authentic treasures: a rare octagonal stove decorated with noble coats of arms and biblical scenes from the Old and New Testament, as well as sacred and secular fresco cycles by the Brescian painter Pier Maria Bagnadore (1584).
The rich interior decorations were created by craftsmen from German, Tyrolean, and Northern Italian schools, who used nine varieties of fine wood to achieve extraordinary shades and contrasts.
Since 1978, Castel Velturno has been owned by the Autonomous Province of Bolzano and today houses an important historical‑artistic museum. In the nearby Casa dello Scrivano, visitors can also explore the Local Museum of Velturno, which offers insights into the culture and daily life of the region.
Opening times
The castle is open from 2 April to 9 November 2025, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Closed on Mondays and Tuesdays.
Reservations are required ONLY for schools and groups.
Admission prices with guided tour or audio guide:
- Single ticket: € 6.00
- Family ticket (2 adults with children under 16): € 12.00
- Mini family ticket (1 adult + child under 16): € 6.00
- Reduced ticket for students up to 27 years, people with disabilities, civil service volunteers, visitors aged 65+, groups of at least 15 people: € 5.00
- School groups: € 3.00
- Children under 6 years: Free
For further information:
Castel Velturno
via Paese 1
I-39040 Feldthurns/Velturno (BZ)
Tel. (+39) 0472 855525
