Castello di Casanova

The Castello di Casanova, also known as Burg Neuhaus in German, stands on a wooden hill near Gais in the Valle di Tures. Its origins date probably back to 1240-1245, when it was built by the Lords of Tures. Following the extinction of this noble family, the fortress was passed on to the Counts of Görz-Tirol. Its pilgrimage chapel was added only in 1601. As the Lords of Tures were not satisfied with the reduced dimensions of the original structure, they decided to build a "casa nova" (new house in Latin).

From the 12th the castle began to decay which is why the then owner, the Count of Künigl, erected a Baroque refuge, known as Pflegerhaus. The castle's current appearance dates back to 1924 when the Count Dr. Cäsar Straßaldo-Grafenberg had it completely renovated.

The castle served as a residence for some culturally important people, including the famous minnesänger Oswald von Wolkenstein who lived there for a few years to write some of his poems, with one of them being "Die Jetterin von Lanebach". Also the famous Bacher family, a family of artists who churned out several painters and sculptors for more than 300 years, used to live here. American poet Ezra Pound and his family took refuge in the fortress during World War 2.

The castle can be easily reached on foot by taking path no. 5 which starts in the village of Gais. If you pass the fortress you will first arrive at an access path and then a forest path leading to Villa Ottone. Return to the starting point by following the signposts no. 1 (walking time: 1.5 hours).