Tures Castle

Embedded between the highest peaks of the valle di Tures, Castel Tures overlooks the village of Tures from a hill. The Lords of Tures, the then owners of the complex, were first mentioned in written documents from 1130. Following the extinction of the noble family around 1340 the castle above Campo Tures changed hands several times before being left to decay.

Ludwig Lobmayr renovated Castel Tures for the first time in the early 20th century. Around 1945 the fortress underwent renovation works again, this time commanded by Hieronymus Gassner. The castle's Romanesque part dates back to the times of the Lords of Tures, whereas the Gothic part was built by the bishops of Bressanone. The keep, the residential tower with its bifore windows and the Romanesque chapel were added in the 13th century.

The well tower, the drawbridges and the tunnels were added in 1500. In 1977 the castle was acquired by the South Tyrolean Castle Institute. A third of the complex is now visitable. The 64 rooms are heated by fully functioning majolic stoves and the original furniture is entirely preserved. Here you can admire wooden Swiss pine panels, Romanesque and gothic artworks and wardrobes from different time periods. In the Knight's hall children can touch the armour used at that time, whereas art lovers will definitely appreciate the famous frescoes by Pacher. The keep houses a restaurant.

The impressive Tures Castle above the village of in the Valle di Tures fits very well into the surrounding mountain scenery. Since 1315 the castle had been in the possession of the Lords of Tures. However, after the Tures family died out around 1340, it started to decline.

At the beginning of the 20th century, Ludwig Lobmayr restored Tures Castle for the first time. Around 1945 the second restoration was funded by Hieronymus Gassner. Today, Tures Castle can be divided into a Romanesque part dating back to the time of the Lords of Tures (keep, residence tower with mullioned windows, castle chapel) and a Gothique part built by the Bishops of Bressanone (fountain house, drawbridges, parapet walks, ecc.). In 1977 Tures Castle finally entered into the possession of the South Tyrolean Castle Institute (Südtiroler Burgeninstitut).

Today, one third of the castle can be visited. The furniture and the tile stoves in the 64 rooms are original. Moreover, the castle exhibits Swiss pine panelling, Gothic and Romanesque artworks and several cupboards of different styles. Children are particularly attracted by the armoury, while art lovers want to see the famous Pacher frescoes. Moreover, Tures Castle hosts a very cosy tavern.