Along the road leading to Passo Palade, the mountain pass connecting Merano with Val di Non, stands Castel Leone, perched on a rocky spur overlooking the valley that descends towards the Adige and the entire town of Lana. Built around 1200, it soon became a highly coveted stronghold due to its strategic position.
Castel Leone in Lana was built by the Counts of Brandis, whose descendants still own the castle today — a rarity among South Tyrolean castles and perhaps the reason why the structure has largely preserved its original form, despite part of it being destroyed by a fire in the 13th century.
Its commanding position over the valley attracted the interest of Count Meinhard II, who attacked Castel Leone. Before a second assault could take place, Count Brandis decided to hand the castle over to his adversary, and it thus passed into the hands of the Counts of Tyrol‑Gorizia, only to return to the Brandis family between 1461 and 1463.
The fortress features two imposing three‑storey towers and a stately residential building.
It is privately owned and not open to visitors.
