Varco Castle

Castel Varco in Vadena, or Laimburg, gave its name to the agricultural and forestry research centre of the region

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View from Vadena on Varco Castle which rises on the Novale al Varco Mountain Saddle (382 m a.s.l.).
Foto: AT, © Peer
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The castle ruin can be reached from the village of Vadena and from Lake Caldaro.
Foto: AT, © Peer
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Its history dates back to the year 1230, later on it served as the seat of the Caldaro Court.
Foto: AT, © Peer
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In 1269, however, the castle was first mentioned under Meinhard, Duke of Carinthia.
Foto: AT, © Peer
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In the 14th century, the castle was in the hands of the Rottenburger, a noble family from Caldaro.
Foto: AT, © Peer
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Already in the 17th century, the castle complex was abandoned and fell into decay.
Foto: AT, © Peer
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The current owner, the Province of South Tyrol, had it archaeologically examined.
Foto: AT, © Peer
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The view from Varco Castle, located on the Monte di Mezzo ridge, opens on the Bassa Atesina area.
Foto: AT, © Peer
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Information and facts: An information panel recounts the 800-year history of the castle.
Foto: AT, © Peer
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Also the agricultural and forestry research centre bears the (German) name “Laimburg”.
Foto: AT, © Peer
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The meadow with the castle ruin is a popular resting place for hikers and cyclists alike.
Foto: AT, © Peer

Varco Castle - offers nearby:
4 nights from 216 € per person

Slightly beneath the Novale al Varco Mountain Saddle (382 m a.s.l.), the passage which leads from Vadena to Lake Caldaro on the other side of the Monte di Mezzo ridge, rises the ruin of Varco Castle. It was built around 1230 by the Lords of Laimburg as "vest Layenburg" and served for a short time as the seat of the Caldaro Court. The heyday of the castle lasted relatively short - during that period it was conquered and heavily damaged twice by the troops of the Bishop of Trento. Varco Castle was abandoned in the 15th century, and already in the 17th century it was dilapidated.

Between 1999 and 2001, the complex was archaeologically examined and consolidated by the current owner, the Province of South Tyrol. Not only the agricultural and forestry research centre below it, but also the South Tyrolean Province Winery and the technical school for gardeners and farmers were named "Laimburg" after the castle. Today, the ruin represents a special location for cultural events. Furthermore it is a popular rest point for hikers and cyclists on their way to Lake Caldaro which offers a stunning view on the Bassa Atesina area with parts of the Wine Road.