Velthurns Castle

Velthurns (Velturno) Castle was built by Cardinal Christof Madrutz and Bishop Johannes Spaur in Renaissance style between 1577 and 1587. It was used as summer residence of the archbishops of Bressanone (Brixen) until 1803.

Once the castle was known for its deer garden, the fish pond and the huge aviary for birds, today the complex itself is a sight on its own. Worth mentioning is above all the St Catherine’s Chapel on the ground floor and its altarpiece by Hans Schmid and, on the upper floor, the Renaissance panelling, carved portals, ovens, frescoes, secco paintings and inlayings such as the gilded waffle-slab ceilings in the Prince’s Room. They are one of the most significant cabinet makings of the Renaissance period in the Southern German area. Open to the public are also an archaeological collection and a collection of South Tyrolean artworks of the period between the 15th and the 20th century.

In the so-called Schreiberhaus of Castel Velturno, there is an interesting collection of farmers’ items and objects of everyday life for vine-growing and wood processing.

References:

• suedtirolerland.it

Address

Oberdorf 1, Feldthurns, Italy

Details

Founded: 1577-1587
Category: Castles and fortifications in Italy