Zumelle Castle is located in the municipality of Borgo Valbelluna, in the province of Belluno, specifically in the hamlet of Tiago. Standing on a hill overlooking the Terche stream, it is the best‑preserved castle in the entire Valbelluna and offers visitors a rich and varied historical and cultural heritage.
The castle is open to the public and offers a one‑hour tour, during which you can explore several rooms: the tower house with its apothecary, the medieval bedroom, the banquet hall and kitchen, the scriptorium, the Church of San Lorenzo, the museum area and the former military outpost. Throughout the year, Zumelle Castle hosts numerous events for all ages, including jester shows, themed workshops, nature and sports activities, and seasonal events.
For an authentic experience, the castle also offers three rooms furnished in medieval style. In addition, Zumelle Castle is a dream venue for weddings, providing an atmospheric and historic setting.
For information about Zumelle Castle and upcoming events, please fill out the request form at this link
History of Zumelle Castle
The origins of Zumelle Castle date back to Roman times (46–47 A.D.), when the tower, moat and palisades were built. Thanks to its highly strategic position, the structure served as a fortification controlling the Claudia Augusta Altinate military road.
During the period of barbarian invasions, the castle became the main point of reference for local defence between Belluno, Feltre and Ceneda, reinforcing its role as a crossroads between the three areas.
Throughout the Middle Ages, the castle was at the centre of complex events involving emperors, bishops and popes. Continuous conflicts between the people of Treviso and Belluno gradually led to its decline. In 1311 it was rebuilt thanks to Emperor Henry VII of Luxembourg, but it was used only as a residence for a small garrison. Removed from major historical events, the castle slowly lost its original prestige.
After three centuries under the Zorzi Counts, lords of Mel, the fortress was sold in the early 19th century by its new owners—the powerful Venetian Gritti family—to the municipality of Mel for 16,000 lire.
In the second half of the 20th century, Zumelle Castle underwent restoration, and in 1999 it was completely renovated.
What to do around Zumelle Castle in every season
The Belluno area is an ideal destination for sports enthusiasts, offering activities all year round. In winter, skiing takes centre stage: the ski areas of Cortina, Arabba‑Marmolada with the Sellaronda tour, Falcade‑San Pellegrino, Auronzo‑Misurina, Civetta and Nevegal offer slopes for all levels, with ski schools for beginners and advanced skiers. There are also snowshoeing and ski‑mountaineering trails, 360 km of cross‑country skiing tracks, snow playgrounds for families and ice stadiums for skating and hockey.
In summer, visitors can enjoy high‑altitude hiking, climbing, cycling along the Dolomites cycle path from Calalzo di Cadore to Dobbiaco, MTB tours on the Sellaronda, horse riding, walks around the lakes of Alleghe and Misurina, rafting on the Boite, Caorame and Cordevole streams, and windsurfing or kitesurfing on Lake Santa Croce. The Alpago area is also ideal for mountain biking and paragliding from Mount Dolada.
Blue Grotto: the hidden gem
The walk to the Blue Grotto—a turquoise jewel set in the woods of Valbelluna—starts from Zumelle Castle. The walk takes about 20–30 minutes.
See also the Blue Grotto di Mel itinerary.
Opening hours and prices
Zumelle Castle is open:
Tuesday - Sunday and public holidays all day long.
Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Friday, Saturday and Sunday from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m.
Full € 8.00
Residents of the municipality of Borgo Valbelluna € 4.00 with presentation of identity document
Reduced € 3.00 for children 2-8 years (not completed)
Reduced 7.00 euro for children 8-18 years (not completed)
Free for children 0-2 years (not yet turned)
Groups of more than 20 people € 7.00
Members of the police force 7.00
Disabled persons 5.00 euro
Reduced price € 7.00 for over 65
University students and journalists € 7.00 upon presentation of badge
Night parking camper van area € 10.00
Tavern hours
On Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays the tavern will open subject to reservations for groups of at least 10 people.
Fridays, Saturdays, Sundays and public holidays
Open from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m.
During the summer period, opening hours may be subject to change and there may be special openings.
How to get there
The castle is located in the municipality of Mel along 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
