Castle Roncolo: A journey through medieval art and life
Just a short distance from Bolzano, Castle Roncolo (Schloss Runkelstein in German) rises from a rocky spur at the entrance to Val Sarentino. Built in 1237 by the brothers Beraldo and Federico Vanga, it was designed as a strategic stronghold and soon became an elegant noble residence. Today, it is known as the “painted manor” thanks to its extraordinary series of frescoes that vividly depict the chivalric world of the 14th century.
A castle that tells stories
Walking through the rooms of Castle Roncolo feels like leafing through an illuminated medieval manuscript. Every wall, corner, and hall tells stories of love, knightly tournaments, elegant dances, and scenes of daily life among the medieval nobility.
The Hall of Couples – This is where the castle tour begins. The frescoes depict a mace tournament, a chivalric game held to entertain noble ladies. Below the scene appear several noble couples, giving the room its name.
The Tournament Hall – On the third floor, a lively depiction of a jousting tournament comes to life. The nobles, dressed in Gothic fashion, enjoy games and dances in the shade of the forest.
The Hall of Coats of Arms – Once called the Hall of Games, it features the coats of arms of noble families. The frescoes, painted dry, are more worn than in other rooms but still retain their authentic charm.
The Bath Stube – The best preserved: with original wooden ceilings, blue starry decorations, finely painted draperies, and the Vintler family crest, it is a small jewel of the castle. Although its original function is uncertain, recent studies suggest it may have been a representative office.
The Mezzanine – Formerly the knights’ hall, it preserves traces of a Romanesque window and a fresco from 1390, discovered only recently.
The Tristan and Isolde Hall – Here unfolds one of the most famous love stories of the Middle Ages. The scenes flow continuously, linked by landscape elements: a captivating and uninterrupted visual narrative.
The Garello Hall – Inspired by the chivalric poem “Garello of Vallefiorita”, written by Il Pleier in 1230. Unfortunately, part of the fresco was lost when the wall collapsed in 1868.
The Summer House – Summer residence of the Vintler family, built between 1390 and 1393. In late medieval urban style, it preserves significant frescoes depicting triads of historical figures.
The chapel: faith and beauty
The castle’s chapel, originally on two levels, was partly transformed into living quarters. Today it preserves only some of its frescoes, including those depicting Saint Catherine of Alexandria, which survived the 18th- and 19th-century alterations.
A leap into the Middle Ages just outside the city
Castle Roncolo is easily accessible from Bolzano by car or via a free shuttle bus departing from Piazza Walther. A convenient hiking trail also connects the castle to the Talvera promenades.
This castle is a painted chronicle—a living museum where the past comes alive in every room. It is the perfect place for those who love history, art, legends, and the breathtaking landscapes of South Tyrol.