Castel Colz

Also known as Rubatsch Residence and Gran Ciasa (big house) in Ladin, Castel Colz is a poorly structured, robust monument with four corner towers and a curtain wall with bretèches and loopholes.

The origins of the castle date back to 1536 when the emperor Ferdinand I authorised Hans von Rubatsch to build a noble residence in the municipality of La Villa. At the end of the 16th century the fortress was in the hands of the Winkler and Mayerhofer families and was turned into a hospice before being acquired by a family of farmers. Over the centuries however, the castle was left to decay and was eventually restored in the late 80s.

Castel Colz gained its fame thanks to the adventures of Franz Wilhelm Prack zu Asch, also known as Gran Bracün, a knight who acted as a hero for the Ladin valleys. Prack zu Asch was famous for both his dreadful, bloody battles and his heroic acts. The adventures of the knight can be retraced thanks to the images displayed in the hall of the Hotel Cappella in Colfusco. The recently renovated Castel Colz is nowadays a meeting point for culture lovers.

Colz Castle, also called Rubatsch Residence, is a very massive building, which boasts a curtain wall with two rectangular and two round towers as well as many embrasures.

The castle dates back to 1536, when Ferdinand I gave Hans von Rubatsch the permission to build a residence in the municipality of La Villa. At the end of the 16th century the castle entered into the possession of the Lords of Colz who modified it. In the course of time, the building served many functions and was even designated as a poorhouse. Finally, it entered into the possession of a farmer's family. Unfortunately the castle began to decline and was restaurated only in the late 1980's. In Ladin language, Colz Castle is called "Gran Ciasa", which literally means "big house".

Colz Castle gained some popularity thanks to the knight Franz Wilhelm Prack zu Asch, also called "Gran Bracün", who lived in the Ladin valleys between 1573 and 1581 and was known for his cruel but heroic battles. His adventures can be seen in the hall of the hotel Cappella di Colfosco. Nowadays Castel Colz is a popular venue for cultural events.