Colz Castle: Legends and Renaissance charm in Alta Badia

Nestled among the majestic peaks of Alta Badia, Colz Castle is a Renaissance manor steeped in history, mystery, and architectural beauty. Perched on a Dolomite rock spur, it overlooks the landscape of La Villa with its imposing cubic structure, defined by four towers—two round and two rectangular—that give it its noble and unmistakable profile.

A residence commissioned by the emperor

In 1536, Hans von Rubatsch received permission from Emperor Ferdinand I to build a noble residence on these lands. In just one year, a manor originally named “Rubatsch” was completed, leaving a lasting mark on the history of Alta Badia.

Later, the castle was purchased and restored by the Colz family, from whom it takes its current name. Between the 18th and 19th centuries, the manor passed first to the Winkler and then to the Mayerhofer families, but over time it was abandoned and fell into ruin. Only at the end of the 1980s did Colz Castle shine again, thanks to a meticulous restoration that transformed it into an exclusive residence, now used as a luxury hotel.

The legend of the Gran Bracùn

Among the stones of Colz Castle lingers the legend of the Gran Bracùn, or Franz Wilhelm Brack (also known as Brach): a knight who lived in the second half of the 16th century, whose name remains etched in the popular memory of Val Badia. An ambiguous figure, he was described by some as cruel and ruthless, by others as brave and generous. According to legend, his life ended tragically within the castle walls, at the hands of a member of the Colz family.

A symbol between myth and reality

Today, Colz Castle stands as a remarkable example of Alpine Renaissance architecture and a historical landmark for all of Alta Badia. Its elegant silhouette and the legends surrounding it make this residence a fascinating place, able to tell centuries of history and mystery to all who cross its gates.