Runkelstein Castle, castle in South Tyrol
Runkelstein is a medieval castle on a rocky hill near Bolzano with rooms decorated throughout with large, colorful frescoes from the 14th century. The building houses Europe's largest collection of secular medieval wall paintings, showing scenes of hunts, tournaments, courtly games, and love stories from legends.
The castle was built in 1237 by the Wangen family to control trade routes and protect their territory in the valley below. In 1385, the wealthy merchant family Vintler purchased it and decorated the interior with large frescoes that displayed their wealth and way of life.
The castle walls display medieval frescoes showing courtly life, tournaments, and hunting scenes that reflect how wealthy merchant families lived here. These paintings reveal what mattered to people in the 14th century, from fashion to entertainment and adventure stories from old legends.
The castle is about 8 minutes walk from the parking area along a marked path, and is also easy to reach by bus from Bolzano. There is a tavern on site serving regional dishes, and summer months bring concerts and other events throughout the castle grounds.
The castle contains frescoes depicting scenes from Arthurian legend, including the tale of Tristan and Isolde and the knight Garel of the Blooming Valley, showing what stories captivated people in medieval times. The outer wall also features paintings of warriors, giants, and mythical creatures that reflect the imagination and beliefs of that era.
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