Castelbrando: A Castle Between History and Wellness on the Prosecco Hills

When you think of a castle, you might imagine ancient walls and towers. But Castelbrando is much more. Perched on a hill among the Prosecco hills in Cison di Valmarino, it is one of the largest and oldest castles in Europe. Today it is a 4-star hotel with a spa, restaurants, and museums. I take the panoramic funicular (€1 per ride) and the view over the vineyards is already breathtaking. The castle is surrounded by a 50-hectare park. It’s not just history: here you can sleep in an elegant room, relax in the spa housed in the ancient Roman baths, or taste a glass of Prosecco. A unique place where past and present merge.

The history of Castelbrando begins in Roman times, when it was a castrum. In the Middle Ages it became a stronghold of the Serenissima Republic of Venice. For 500 years it was the residence of the Brandolini family, who embellished it with frescoes and noble halls. After careful restoration, today it is a luxury hotel. Here are the key moments:

• Roman era: construction of the castrum.
• Middle Ages: stronghold of the Serenissima.
• 500 years of Brandolini rule.
• 2000s: restoration and opening as a 4-star hotel and spa.

The New Princess Spa is a true gem. Imagine a 2000 m² wellness center carved into the wing of ancient Roman baths. There’s an indoor pool, whirlpools, saunas, a Kneipp path, and even a salt grotto. The Roman bath is the highlight. After a day exploring the hills, a massage is just what you need. And the best part is you can book treatments on request. A rejuvenating experience, suspended between history and relaxation.

Castelbrando is not just about relaxation: its historical museum traces 2000 years. You’ll find weapons, musical instruments, ancient prisons, and the Via Claudia Augusta. Outside, a collection of 18th-century carriages, including a reconstruction of a Roman chariot. And then there’s the wine: here you can taste Prosecco and local reds. The location, in the heart of the UNESCO hills, invites you to combine culture with gastronomy. Perfect for those who love discovering stories and flavors.

Three good reasons? 1) The breathtaking view over the Prosecco hills, a UNESCO World Heritage site. 2) The chance to stay in an authentic castle with all modern comforts. 3) The spa in the ancient Roman baths: a unique blend of history and wellness. And if you’re a wine enthusiast, the on-site tastings are top-notch.

Any season works, but autumn is magical: the hills are painted yellow and red, and the vineyards exude the scents of the harvest. Early in the morning, as the mist rises over the hills, the castle seems suspended in time. And if you love tranquility, avoid the crowded weekends.

Don’t miss the Prosecco hills of Conegliano and Valdobbiadene, a UNESCO World Heritage site. Just a few kilometers away, Cison di Valmarino and Follina are worth a visit. If you love hiking, the Via Claudia Augusta trail passes nearby. And for food lovers, local wineries offer tours and tastings.