Zumelle Castle is located in the municipality of Mel in the province of Belluno, more precisely in the locality of Tiago. From the top of the hill overlooking the Terche stream, the best preserved castle in the entire Valbelluna has a rich and varied historical and cultural heritage that has much to say to its visitors.
The history of Zumelle Castle
The history of the Castle of Zumelle in the Valbelluna dates back to Roman times (46-47 A.D.) when the tower, moat and palisades were built. Thanks to its highly strategic position, they were intended to act as a fortification to control the military road Claudia Augusta Altinate.
During the period of the barbarian invasions, Zumelle Castle became the main point of reference in the area between Belluno, Feltre and Ceneda for the local defence against foreign incursions, thus increasing its importance as a "crossroads" between the three areas.
Throughout the Middle Ages, the intricate events surrounding the Castle of Zumelle involved emperors, bishops and popes: continuous struggles and disputes between the people of Treviso and Belluno that slowly brought the castle to ruin. In 1311 it was rebuilt, thanks to the intervention of Henry VII of Luxembourg, but was used as a residence by a small number of soldiers. Excluded from fundamental historical events and disputes, Zumelle Castle lost its original prestige.
After three centuries of rule by the Zorzi Counts, lords of Mel, at the beginning of the 19th century the new owners of the fortress - the powerful Venetian Gritti family - sold the ancient structure to the municipality of Mel for 16,000 lire.
In the second half of the 20th century, Zumelle Castle was restored and completely renovated in 1999.
Discovering Zumelle Castle
Zumelle Castle is open to the public. The visit lasts about two hours and you can visit the medieval village, the re-enactment rooms, the tower house with the apothecary's workshop, the medieval bedroom, the banquet and kitchen, the scriptorium, the Church of San Lorenzo, the museum area and the military shed.
There are many initiatives throughout the year for adults and children: juggling shows, themed workshops, nature and sports activities and themed events.
For those who want to get to grips with the medieval era and spend a night out, the castle offers 3 rooms with rustic furniture and frescoes from the period. Alternatively, you can try the adventure of glamping, sleeping in tents and huts set up in the clearing in front of the castle, with bonfires burning.
If, on the other hand, you are looking for a fairy-tale location for the best day of your life, Zumelle Castle is the ideal setting to celebrate your wedding in style.
Blue Grotto: the hidden jewel
The walk to discover the Blue Grotto, a turquoise-coloured treasure chest set in the woods of the Valbelluna, begins at Zumelle Castle. It takes about 20/30 minutes on foot to reach the destination.
See also the Blue Grotto di Mel itinerary.
Prices
Full price € 7
Residents in the municipality of Borgo Valbelluna € 3, with proof of identity
Reduced € 3 for children aged 3-8 (not yet turned)
Free for children aged 0-3 (not yet turned)
Groups of more than 20 people € 5
School groups € 3
Touring Club members € 5
Reduced € 5 for the over 65s
University students up to 26 years of age € 5, with proof of university card
How to get there
The castle is located in the municipality of Mel on the "Sinistra Piave" road between Belluno and Feltre.
Coming from the plain (Province of Treviso, Padua, Vicenza) at the big crossroads before the Ponte di Busche you turn right, signposted Belluno, and continue along the state road "Sinistra Piave". Shortly after the village of Lentiai, a sign on the right indicates the village of Villa di Villa and the Castle of Zumelle.
Coming from Belluno, take the "Sinistra Piave" road as far as the municipality of Mel, where a sign indicates Villa di Villa on the left and then Castello di Zumelle.
After the village of Villa di Villa continue for a couple of kilometres until you come to a fork where you can see the small church of San Donato, turn left and descend briefly to the large car park.
For further information
Castello di Zumelle
Via San Donà 4
2026 Mel (Belluno)
Tel.: (+39) 0437 548122 / (+39) 339 8437269
