Thurn Castle, Castle ruin in Welsberg-Taisten, Italy
Thurn Castle is a ruin on a wooded hill in the Gsies Valley, featuring preserved walls, a residential tower, and a distinctive tall keep. The remains show the typical layout of a medieval Alpine fortress with defensive structures.
The keep was constructed in the 1120s-1140s and remained under control of the Füllein family before passing to the Welsperg family. A fire in 1765 destroyed much of the structure and led to its abandonment.
The ruins reflect how local nobility expressed their authority through stone construction and territorial control. The hilltop position allowed residents to monitor the valley while maintaining a defensive advantage.
The ruins are accessible via hiking trails starting from Taisten and leading uphill through the forest. Sturdy footwear is advisable, as the path can be steep and surfaces are uneven.
The keep is unusually tall for its era and was originally used as a residential tower rather than just a defensive last resort. This function as living quarters for the family sets it apart from many other keeps in the region.
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