The castles of Tesimo and Prissiano: Living history within noble walls

Amid the gentle vineyard-covered slopes and silent woods between Tesimo and Prissiano, three castles rise that tell centuries of history, art, and transformation. Once noble fortresses, today these residences are accessible, lived-in, and even habitable, thanks to their transformation into cultural or hospitality venues.

Wehrburg Castle

Built in the 13th century by the von Wehrburg-Andrian Lords, Wehrburg Castle still preserves its medieval grandeur. The renovation of 1520 affected only the upper floors, leaving the lower ones intact, which still retain their authentic charm today.

Inside the Chapel of Saint Erasmus, built in the 15th century and renewed in the 17th, visitors can admire a fresco and a Pietà sculpture from 1420—precious examples of sacred art from that era. Since 1957, the castle has housed a hotel, offering the perfect blend of historical atmosphere and modern comfort.

Katzenzungen Castle

Between 1500 and 1700, Katzenzungen Castle was home to some of Tyrol’s most influential families. With the decline of the Breisach family, the fortress also fell into disuse. In 1978, it was purchased by Josef Pobitzer and later restored by his son Ernst, who turned it into a prestigious venue for cultural, culinary, and corporate events.

The castle is also famous for a unique botanical treasure: the “Versoaln” vine, considered the oldest and largest grapevine in the world, which still thrives at its base.

Fahlburg Castle

Once known as “Turm in der Vall”, Fahlburg Castle is today one of the best-preserved Renaissance castles in the region. Purchased in 1597 by Jakob Andrä von Brandis, it was transformed from a fortress into a noble residence. Today, it is owned by Count Jakob von Brandis, a direct descendant of the historic lineage.

The castle interiors are a true time capsule: majolica stoves, carved wooden ceilings, and Baroque artworks by painter Stefan Kessler recount centuries of noble life. The castle chapel, arranged on two levels, is dedicated to All Saints.

Three castles, one spirit

Wehrburg, Katzenzungen, and Fahlburg are guardians of a past that still lives on, blending elegant hospitality, culture, and ancient traditions. Visiting them means discovering not only the elegance of their architecture but also the human and artistic stories these walls have preserved over the centuries. An unmissable stop for anyone wishing to experience the most authentic side of South Tyrol.