Brunnenburg Castle: Where history meets poetry

Set on a hill in the municipality of Tirolo, Brunnenburg Castle – or Castel Fontana in Italian – is a fascinating residence where different eras, noble legacies, and even poetic memories intertwine. Its origins date back to 1241, when it was built by Wilhelm Tarant, in the service of Count Albert III of Tyrol. The name “Fontana” most likely comes from a spring of water located nearby.

One castle, many owners

Over the centuries, the manor has changed appearance and ownership multiple times, undergoing renovations that profoundly altered its original structure. One of the most curious historical events took place in 1889, when the steward Michael Sonnenburger, then mayor of Tirolo, organized the opening of a shooting range here, attended by Archduke Franz Ferdinand, whose assassination in Sarajevo would later trigger the First World War.

In 1903, Karl Schwickert, a German industrialist, purchased the castle and began an ambitious Neo-Gothic restoration, giving the structure the romantic appearance it still retains today.

The poet and the fortress

A new chapter began in 1955, when Prince Boris de Rachewiltz, an archaeologist and scholar, became the new owner of the residence. Two years later, Ezra Pound, one of the most influential American poets of the 20th century, moved in and lived here from 1958 until his death in 1972. Within the ancient walls of Brunnenburg, Pound wrote the last six of his 116 “Cantos”, making the fortress a silent witness to art and introspection.

The agricultural museum of Brunnenburg

In 1974, the castle was transformed into an agricultural museum dedicated to rural life in South Tyrol. Today, through the use of multimedia exhibits and original artifacts, visitors can explore traditional farming and craft techniques, rediscovering the deep connection between humans, the land, and natural cycles.

A place to experience with different eyes

Brunnenburg Castle is much more than a castle. It is a window into South Tyrol’s history, a literary residence, and a living museum of rural culture. Whether you are passionate about history, poetry, or simply curious to discover a new perspective on Val Venosta, Brunnenburg is a place that leaves a lasting impression.