The castles of Nalles: Elegance, tradition, and memory

The area of Nalles, surrounded by the orchards and vineyards of the Oltradige, boasts the presence of four castles, each with its own fascinating history and distinct identity. Three of these manors are perfectly preserved, while the fourth, the ruins of Kasatsch, stand as an evocative reminder of the distant past.

Schwanburg Castle: Between nobility and wine

Located at the foot of Payersberg Castle, Schwanburg Castle is one of South Tyrol’s most iconic private residences. Since the 14th century, it has belonged to the Boymont-Payersberg family, and its current appearance dates back to the 16th century, when it was officially renamed “Schwan” (swan) in honor of the family symbol.

Today, this elegant residence is still inhabited and serves as a landmark for South Tyrolean viticulture: it houses the region’s oldest private winery, where tradition and quality blend with noble heritage.

Stachelburg Castle: A jewel of the Early Renaissance

Stachelburg Castle is a splendid Renaissance residence, inhabited by the same family for generations. Today, it has been transformed into a traditional winery that proudly tells the story and culture of local winemaking.

The residence stands out for its erker (bay windows), carved wooden ceilings, painted decorations, and an open staircase with a loggia. In the past, it was protected by crenellated walls and towers, clear signs of the site’s strategic importance.

The Kasatsch ruins: Memory among the woods

Above the hamlet of Schernag, overlooking the surrounding woods, lie the ruins of Kasatsch Castle, built in 1194 by five men from Tesimo with the approval of Bishop Conrad II of Beseno.

Over the centuries, it was leased to servants of the Counts of Appiano, but from the 1600s onward it was no longer inhabited and fell into ruin. Between 1999 and 2002, Verena Jordan, the current owner, promoted a meticulous conservation restoration to safeguard its remains.

Payersberg Castle: Sentinel on the rock

Perched on a rocky prominence curiously shaped like a nose, Payersberg Castle was built in the 13th century by Knight Payr, a minister of the Count of Appiano.

In the 16th century, Jakob von Boymundt-Payersberg had it renovated and added new fortifications. After its abandonment in the 1600s, it remained in the hands of the Counts von Payersberg until their extinction in 1791. Today, the fortress is privately owned by the Malpaga family.

Nalles: One village, four castles

Few municipalities can boast four castles within such a compact area. Walking among vineyards, apple orchards, and ancient walls, every path in Nalles seems to lead to a piece of history. From noble wine cellars to ruins reborn as heritage sites, each castle tells a different chapter of South Tyrol’s identity.