Giovo Castle: The austere charm of the past

Located on a panoramic hill overlooking the village of San Leonardo in Passiria, Giovo Castle is one of the most evocative medieval fortresses in the valley. Built in the 13th century by the Lords of Passiria — ministerials of the Counts of Tyrol — the manor stands on a site inhabited since prehistoric times, testifying to the region’s long history of settlement.

From nobility to Renaissance splendor

In 1385, the fate of the castle changed when Barbara of Val Passiria married Christoph Fuchs. The Fuchs of Giovo transformed the fortress into a flourishing noble residence, frequented by artists, minstrels, and distinguished guests. During this period of great prosperity, the manor was expanded and richly decorated, as confirmed by ancient documents describing it as “magnificently frescoed.”

Decline and cultural revival

In 1738, the Fuchs family fell into disgrace, and with them, the castle began to decline. Abandoned to its fate, it was purchased in 1828 by a farmer who converted it into a farmhouse, giving it a more practical and rural function.

Today, part of the castle — particularly the tower — has been restored and now houses a branch of the Passiria Museum. Inside, visitors can explore the history of the castle and the valley while admiring splendid frescoes dating back to 1538. From the fifth floor of the tower, there is a breathtaking view over the Val Passiria — a panorama that alone makes the visit worthwhile.

One castle, one valley, one story

Giovo Castle is now a window into the past, combining the charm of medieval architecture with the evocative power of historical memory. A symbol of a flourishing era and a culturally rich territory, it is an unmissable stop for those who wish to discover the authentic soul of Val Passiria.