Castles and Fortresses in the Holiday Resort Plan de Corones

Chela Castle at Gais
The 30th of April 1944 was a black day for the Castle. It went on fire and the flames could be seen from far away and still no one knows what started the fire off. The castle has never been restored since and unfortunately it is now a ruin.

Neuhaus Castle at Gais
You either reach Neuhaus Castle from the main road near Gais in a good quarter of an hour or on a quiet and pleasant forest path from Uttenheim in just under an hour. Prominently set on a rounded hilltop the castle harmoniously blends with its surrounding landscape and the rustling of majestic broad-leaved trees. In the castle yard, from which you can overlook the valley, the Burgschenke (castle inn) invites you to stop and sit down in the shade of wild chestnut-trees, and if you feel pain in the small of your back from ascending the hill, you should put one of the wild chestnuts into your pocket; this is supposed to be very salutary according to popular belief.
Aristocratic banquets and living are long desired wishes for so many. Special occasions, small and large parties can now be celebrated in an original manner in the Neuhaus castle. Be it for weddings or baptisms, here you will find the castle chapel with the adjacent castle garden, wine tavern and excellent restaurant. The festooned table in the hall makes a perfect place for special occasions. Neuhaus Castle is especially in the summer the meeting point of famous international groups of artists. Art exhibitions, concerts and open-air games are scheduled.

Remains of the Castellotto a Villa Ottone
The Castellotto is located on a big rock that inclines on both sides. At the top you see the start of the ring-wall and further down, the building and the chapel can be found.

Castel Ehrenburg (Casteldarne)
The former residence of the Earls of Künigl is located in Puster Valley at the left bank of the Rienza river and at the bottom of the Gezzo mountain. The castle is still property of the Earls of Künigl and it is one of the few castles, that are still fully furnished. Thanks to this meticulous preservation, the castle provides evidence of the life style of the former upper class. This interesting building has two faces: one is the old wing that has barely changed since, and towards the East, the barouque section dating back to 1700. The important court in the shape of an arch, its harmonic architecture and its particularity and beauty make up the centre of the newest part of the castle. On three sides tower arches rest on granite columns with capitells that are designed in the finest manner. Thanks to the help of the Messerschmid Foundation the castle was restored only a few years ago and appears now in its baroque vestments.
Information: Tel. +39 0474 565221

Welsperg Castle
Welsperg Castle is situated on a hill which drops sharply to the Gsieserbach river on three sides. It was built in the 12th century by the Lords of Welsperg who claimed to be descendants of the Guelphs. One thing is for certain - they were amongst the most influential noble families in the Tirol. As bailiffs of the Counts of Görz and Tirol their political and social ascent began with an intelligent marriage policy and clever commercial, mining and administrative activities. Around 1900 the Counts of Welsperg became extinct and the castle now belongs to the Counts of Thun-Hohenstein-Welsperg. In 1765 a large part of the castle was devastated by a fire. In the meantime, however, the castle has been accurately restored, and it has developed into an important cultural centre and become an interesting place to visit. Open in the summer.

Michels Castle (Michelsburg)
A castle built around the year 1000, closely connected to the history of St. Lorenzen and the central Pustertal valley.

Sonnenburg Castle (Castelbadia)
Interesting crypt from the 11th century, prehistoric finds.