Maultasch Castle, Terlano, Italy

The ruins of Castel Neuhaus, also known as Maultasch Castle, are located above Terlano (Terlan). Castel Neuhaus is almost imperceptible from the bottom of the Adige valley, only its donjon rises into the sky. The castle was first mentioned in 1228, and was probably constructed as border fortress for the Counts of Tyrol as shelter from the Counts of Bolzano. In the second half of the 13th century slightly below the castle a custom station was built. However, soon the buildings started dwindling in importance, as Bolzano was occupied by Meinhard, Duke of Carinthia, without cease.

It is presumed that Margaret, nicknamed Margarete Maultasch, loved to spend some time at this castle when she was Countess of Tyrol, but unfortunately this is undocumented. For this reason, in common parlance this ruin is also referred to as “Maultasch Castle”.

In the period of time between 1382 and 1559 the Lords of Niedertor of Bolzano resided in the castle, while the Lords of Wolkenstein, owners of Castel Trostburg, did so until 1733. The Counts of Enzenberg, however, had the castle consolidated and in parts renovated. Today Castel Neuhaus is a popular excursion destination, as it is easily reachable also for families with children on the Margarete Trail in Terlano.

References:

suedtirolerland.it

User Reviews

Sandra Zimmerle (5 months ago)
Looks totally unspectacular from below! But what a view!!! The climb is also wonderfully shady and not all that strenuous!

Nikita Khudov (8 months ago)
Wow, unbelievably beautiful views of the vineyards! The hike takes around 30-40 min, and the route is moderately easy

Mike Schiller (2 years ago)
Beautiful castle ruins with great views over the valley. The ruins can only be reached on foot via a small path from the climbing park at the foot of the mountain. From there it is about a 30 minute hike/challenging walk. The ruin is completely accessible, especially the vault, which can be reached through a small cave passage, is worthwhile.

miriana bazzanella (2 years ago)
Nice castle. The ruins could be better cared for as there are some dangerous passages (unfenced holes in the floor, open gates that lead to a jump of several metres).. but they are precisely "ruins"...so there it is. The building itself is quite large and there are various places to visit... You park at the side of the road to go to Meltina and then there are two ways to get there: a first very short walk of 20 minutes that takes you from under the toll booth, or you have to go up a nice path in the woods and then go down.. here however the descent has some exposed and quite steep points and the walk is quite long. Both routes are beautiful.

Spacy Traveler (3 years ago)
Wonderful view of the Adige Valley and towards Meran! A half-hour hike from the car park on Möltner Strasse is well worth it!

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Sigmaringen Castle was first mentioned in the year 1077 in the chronicles of Petershausen monastery. The oldest parts of the castle are concealed beneath the alterations made during the 17th and the 19th centuries. The secret of the earliest settlement built on this defendable rock will never be fully revealed: large-scale excavation work would be necessary, which the extensive land development renders impossible. Judging from the many Roman remains unearthed in the area around Sigmaringen, the 12th century keep known as the 'Roman Tower' could be traced back to a Roman predecessor.

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These remains give us a good idea of how the castle might have looked during the 12th century.

Maultasch Castle

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