Burg Taufers is a 13th-century medieval castle perched in the Ahrntal Valley, perfectly preserved with period furnishings and authentic atmosphere. Guided tours in Italian and German reveal historical details and interesting anecdotes, ideal for families and history enthusiasts.
- Complete Armory with swords, armor, halberds, and a medieval bombard
- Late Gothic frescoes in St. George’s Chapel perfectly preserved
- Original furnished halls like the Knights’ Hall with a coffered ceiling
- Spectacular location in the Dolomites with views of the Tures Valley
Burg Taufers – Tures Castle offers a journey into South Tyrolean medieval times with furnished halls, ancient weapons, and late Gothic frescoes. Visit St. George’s Chapel and the complete Armory, surrounded by the Dolomites.
- Burg-Taufers-Weg – Via Castello di Tures, Bolzano (BZ)
- +39 0474 678053
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- View on Google Images Burg Taufers – Castello di Tures a Bolzano
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Introduction
Burg Taufers takes your breath away at first sight. Perched on a rocky spur at the entrance to the Val di Tures, this medieval castle dominates the landscape with its imposing towers and massive walls. It’s not just a monument, but a true journey through time: crossing its threshold means immersing yourself completely in the atmosphere of medieval South Tyrol. The emotion is palpable from the drawbridge, with the sound of the Aurino river flowing below and the view of the Dolomite peaks all around. Here, history isn’t read in books—it’s breathed in every stone.
Historical Overview
The history of Burg Taufers is inextricably linked to the powerful Lords of Taufers family, who made it their primary residence. The first written records date back to 1224, but the current structure owes its form to the significant renovations of the 15th and 16th centuries, when the castle took on the majestic appearance we see today. It was never conquered militarily but changed hands through inheritance, eventually coming under the control of the Bishops of Bressanone. In 1977, it was purchased by the Autonomous Province of Bolzano, which oversaw its restoration and opening to the public.
- 1224: First documented mentions of the castle.
- 14th-15th centuries: Period of greatest splendor under the Lords of Taufers.
- Around 1500: Major expansion and embellishment works.
- 1977: Acquisition by the Province and start of restoration.
- Today: Open as a museum, it is one of the most visited historical attractions in the Ahrntal Valley.
Hidden Treasures Within the Walls
Beyond its external majesty, the interior holds the most beautiful surprises. The Chapel of St. George, with its perfectly preserved late Gothic frescoes, is a jewel of sacred art. But the real gem for enthusiasts is the Armory, one of the most complete collections in Tyrol. Here you won’t find just swords and armor, but rare pieces like halberds, crossbows, and even a small medieval bombard. Climbing the main tower, the view stretches across the entire Tures Valley, a reward for those who tackle the wooden staircase. Pay attention to the Knights’ Hall: the coffered ceiling and large fireplace tell stories of banquets and important meetings.
A Living and Accessible Castle
Burg Taufers is not a dusty museum. It’s a living place, designed to be explored. Guided tours (available in Italian and German) are engaging and full of anecdotes, perfect for families. Children are fascinated by the torture chamber (with original instruments) and the legend of the knight’s ghost said to still wander within the walls. In summer, the inner courtyard often transforms into a stage for historical reenactments and concerts, bringing the medieval atmosphere back to life. Access is convenient, with a parking lot nearby and a paved path leading directly to the drawbridge, suitable for strollers too.
Why Visit
For three concrete reasons. First: it’s authentic. Not a reconstruction, but a castle that has lived through centuries of history, with original furnishings and weapons that let you touch the past firsthand. Second: it’s complete. In a single visit, you see military architecture (walls, towers, moat), art (frescoes, ceilings), daily life (kitchens, bedrooms), and even the darker aspects (dungeons). Third: the location. The natural setting of the Tures Valley, with sheer mountains, makes the experience even more epic. It’s the perfect mix of culture and landscape.
When to Visit
The most magical moment is undoubtedly on a clear autumn day. The larch trees surrounding the castle turn golden, creating a spectacular contrast with the grey stone and the blue sky. The air is fresh and clean, perfect for enjoying the view from the towers without the summer crowds. Even in winter, with a dusting of snow whitening the rooftops and the mountains in the background, the castle takes on a fairytale atmosphere. Avoid the midday hours on the hottest summer days if you don’t like crowds.
In the Surroundings
The castle visit can be perfectly combined with a relaxing thermal experience. Just a few minutes’ drive towards Campo Tures, you’ll find the Tures Thermal Baths, a modern wellness center with indoor and outdoor pools offering mountain views. For those wanting to continue the medieval theme, a short detour leads to the picturesque Lake Neves (Nevessee), an artificial basin nestled among the peaks, reachable via an easy walk and ideal for a picnic in a breathtaking alpine setting.
💡 Did You Know…?
A local legend tells of the ghost of a lady, Margarethe von Taufers, who haunts the castle, having died of a broken heart after her beloved was killed in battle. The caretakers report unexplained noises in the chapel and doors that close by themselves. Historically, the castle was the residence of the powerful lords of Taufers, who controlled the Ahrntal Valley, and later passed to the bishops of Brixen. The armory preserves a complete 15th-century suit of armor, extremely rare for its state of preservation. During restoration work, frescoes hidden under the plaster emerged, including a Saint George slaying the dragon in the chapel, dating back to around 1400.