Castle Welsperg: The sentinel of Val Pusteria

In the green heart of South Tyrol, in Monguelfo, stands the majestic Castle Welsperg, one of the many medieval castles that dot the region. Built on a rocky hill overlooking the Val Pusteria, this ancient fortress is a silent witness to nearly a thousand years of history.

Origins in the distant Middle Ages

The construction of the castle began in 1126, commissioned by the brothers Schwikher and Otto von Welsperg, members of one of Tyrol’s most influential noble families. The oldest part is the keep, completed in 1140. Shortly afterward, the palace, farm buildings, and chapel were also built.

From the very beginning, Castle Welsperg was designed as a fortified noble residence, with both defensive and administrative functions. Its strategic position allowed control over the valley’s trade routes and served as a stronghold against possible invasions.

Architecture and restoration

The current structure develops around the tall Romanesque tower—the symbol of the castle—flanked by a courtyard, crenellated walls, and residential buildings added over the centuries. After suffering a devastating fire in 1765, many upper parts were destroyed, but the lower sections and the tower survived, preserving their original charm.

Thanks to careful restoration work carried out in recent decades, Castle Welsperg is once again open to visitors and hosts exhibitions, cultural events, and historical reenactments. Every corner of the fortress tells a story—from the dungeons to the old bread oven, from the Gothic chapel to the knights’ hall.