Karneid Castle, Medieval castle in Val d'Ega Gorge, South Tyrol, Italy
Karneid Castle is a fortress built on a steep cliff face above a valley and contains a keep, residential tower, and an inner courtyard with fountain. The structure is completed by a two-storey loggia that overlooks the surrounding landscape.
The lords von Greifensteiner built the structure in the 13th century and originally called it castrum de Curniet. The Lichtenstein family took over the building in 1378 and contributed to its later development.
The chapel inside the fortress contains frescoes from the 14th century, including The Triumph of Death, which reflects medieval artistic skill. These works offer a window into the religious and artistic world of that era.
The building is reached by a walking path that takes about 15 minutes starting from a parking area in Cardano. Guided tours are offered on Friday afternoons between April and October, so it is best to check in advance when visits are available.
The fortress sits on an inaccessible cliff where two major rivers meet below. This remote position allowed those inside to control the valleys while remaining nearly impossible to attack.
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