Juval Castle: Messner’s fortress between ancient history, spirituality, and art
Amid the sunny hills of the Val Venosta, on a promontory overlooking the entrance to Val Senales, stands the fascinating Juval Castle. This place of strong magnetism is now one of South Tyrol’s most distinctive cultural destinations, thanks to the passion and vision of Reinhold Messner, who made it both his summer residence and a museum dedicated to art and the mountains.
A castle between heaven and earth
The history of Juval Castle dates back to 1278, when it was built at the request of Hugo von Montalban. Over the centuries, it changed hands several times until 1983, when Reinhold Messner became its owner. He restored it with care and respect, preserving its authentic character.
Located in the small hamlet of Juval, in the municipality of Castelbello, the castle can be reached on foot or by shuttle bus departing from the parking area along the Val Venosta state road. Not far away, visitors will also find the “Farmers’ Shop,” where they can buy genuine local products.
Inside the castle
Crossing the threshold of Juval Castle means entering a world where spirituality, art, and nature intertwine. The interior halls host some of Messner’s most personal collections:
- an extraordinary collection of Tibetan art
- a gallery of paintings dedicated to the mountains
- a collection of ritual masks from around the world
The exhibition extends outdoors as well: the surrounding botanical garden is open to visitors and offers an immersive walk among Alpine flora.
A prehistoric archaeological site
Juval Castle stands in an area steeped in history: beneath the fortress, remains of settlements dating back to 4500 BC have been found. These traces reveal how prehistoric peoples climbed up from the valleys to settle in these sheltered spots. The discovered artifacts, such as square-rimmed ceramic vessels, show cultural influences from both the Po Valley and the transalpine world.
The area remained inhabited until the Bronze Age but was abandoned at the beginning of the Iron Age, leaving behind valuable clues to understanding the ancient Alpine civilizations.
A castle that speaks to the heart of the mountains
Juval Castle is not just a historic residence but a place where nature, spirituality, and Alpine culture converge. Every corner tells an ancient or modern story, and every visit becomes a profound experience. If you love mountains, history, and art, here you will find a small universe that speaks directly to the soul.
