Castelbello-Ciardes

The name of the municipality, nestled in the lush countryside that colours the central section of the Vinschgau, is inextricably linked to its main monument, the castle of Castelbello. The fortress, built around the 13th century and positioned for defensive purposes on a steep rock face, has a view of both sides of the valley, offering a surprising view of the surrounding area. Inside the fortress, amidst austere medieval halls and spaces reserved for prayer, are frescoes of great historical and artistic value.

The municipal territory of Castelbello-Ciardes also includes another significant 13th century manor, Juval Castle. In 1983, the famous South Tyrolean mountaineer Reinhold Messner bought this fortress, which was in a state of ruin at the time. After renovating it and making it habitable again, Messner reopened a section of Juval Castle to the public, installing an exhibition that tells the myth of the mountains, including art, legends and traditions. The Juval Castle Museum is now part of the Messner Mountain Museum, a cultural circuit spread over six different locations in South Tyrol and entirely dedicated to mountain science and knowledge.