The “Painted Castle” with one of the largest profane fresco cycles of the Middle Ages towers above the entrance of the Val Sarentino
A medieval castle rises northwest of Bolzano high above the entrance of the Val Sarentino valley. It is Roncolo Castle (Schloss Runkelstein, in German) which houses a real treasure: a stunning fresco cycle with knight's tales and profane scenes of court life and during hunting. The history of the castle dates back to 1237 when it was erected by the Lords of Vanga as a fortress and control point of the trading routes. The name, however, derives from the porphyry rock called "runchenstayn" on which it was built. In 1385, the brothers Franz and Niklaus Vintler, rich tradesmen from Bolzano, purchased the property and hat it decorated with precious frescoes. In the course of time it saw many different owners and survived expansions, fires, lightning strikes and explosions.
In the 19th century, Josef von Görres recognised the value of the historical paintings and told Ludwig I of Bavaria, who had them examined. In 1868, the northern wall collapsed and destroyed a great part of the valuable frescoes. In a spectacular operation the wall with the frescos was rebuilt. Finally in 1893, the then owner Franz Joseph I of Austria solemnly handed it over to the citizens of Bolzano (Bozen). Today Roncolo Castle which features also a tavern is in the hands of the town of Bolzano and can be reached in a half-hour walk from the town centre.
Contact info
- Via S. Antonio / St. Anton Weg 15 - 39100 - Bolzano / Bozen
- +39 0471 329808
- roncolo@roncolo.info
Opening times
Despite careful control we cannot guarantee the correctness of the provided data.
Admission
€ 10.00 adults
€ 7.00 students (from 14 years on)
€ 7.00 seniors 65+
€ 7.00 people with disabilities
€ 7.00 groups (more than 10 persons)
€ 3.00 school classes (per person)
free for children under 14 years
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family ticket:
€ 20.00 2 adults with children under 14 years
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guided tour:
€ 3.00 per person
€ 20.00 per school class
More information
Roncolo Castle is accessible from the central square by bus no. 12 on weekdays and no. 14 on Sundays and public holidays (stop "stazione a valle Funivia San Genesio"). From the bus stop resp. the parking space at the foot of the hill, the ascent to the castle requires 5-10 minutes by foot.
Guided tours are offered every day at 2.30 pm in German language and at 3.30 pm in Italian language, approx. 50 minutes (aimed at an adult audience), limited number of participants, reservation recommended: runkelstein@runkelstein.info.
Free audio guide. The castle stays open every year from February to early January, Monday rest day (except public holidays). Winter closure in January.
