Altenburg Castle, Medieval castle ruins in St. Pauls, Italy.
Altenburg Castle is a medieval ruin perched on a moraine hill overlooking the Val Guardia valley in South Tyrol. Its remaining stone structures are visible from considerable distance and define the local landscape.
Lord Egno I of Appiano began construction in 1189, with the Archdiocese of Trento completing the work over subsequent decades. The castle became a symbol of medieval authority throughout the mountain region.
The castle hosted a court where judges resolved disputes affecting communities across the Appiano territory. Today its ruins reflect this important role in medieval regional governance.
The ruins remain privately owned and closed to public access, though the structures can be viewed from outside the site. The local tourist office can provide information about viewing opportunities and accessibility.
The castle formed a defensive pair with nearby Guardia Castle, together controlling key passages through the Alpine mountain terrain. This shared defensive system was typical of medieval security architecture in the region.
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