Castle Neuhaus: Poetry, art, and history in Val Pusteria

Nestled in the silence of a wooded hillside near Gais, Castle Neuhaus rises among the branches like a timeless presence. Built between 1240 and 1245 by the Lords of Tures, its name – literally meaning “new house” – already reveals the ambition of its first owners: to create a solid, though modestly sized, residence capable of protecting and overseeing the surrounding land.

After the extinction of the family line, the castle passed to the nobles of Gorizia-Tyrol, who maintained ownership for several centuries. Starting in 1601, a small church was erected on the hill, which over time became a pilgrimage site, bearing witness to the deep connection between the local population and this place imbued with spirituality and legend.

Between decline and rebirth

In the 17th century, the manor began a slow decline. Count Graf von Künigl commissioned the construction of a baroque residence at the foot of the hill for his caretaker. It was only in 1924, thanks to the efforts of Count Cäsar Straßsaldo-Grafenberg, that restoration work began. Today, from the original Romanesque complex, the keep, a section of the perimeter walls, and a defensive outwork with a moat remain well preserved.

A castle that inspires

Castle Neuhaus was not only a noble residence but also a retreat for artists and intellectuals. Among its most famous guests was Oswald von Wolkenstein, a late medieval poet and minstrel, who composed one of his most renowned works, “Jetterin von Lanebach”, within these walls.

During the 19th century, the Bacher family — composed of painters and sculptors — transformed the caretaker’s house into a true art studio. Later, during World War II, the great American poet Ezra Pound also found refuge here with his family.

Today, Castle Neuhaus tells stories of knights, pilgrims, and artists. Its ruins do not speak of abandonment but of a cultural legacy that continues to resonate among the stones. Visiting it, one can feel how history — even when fragmented — still inspires those who walk its paths.