Welsperg Castle, Medieval castle in Welsberg-Taisten, South Tyrol.
Welsperg is a mountain castle perched on a rocky outcrop northeast of Welsberg village, commanding views of the Gsies valley entrance. The fortress comprises a solid keep and adjoining residential buildings that integrate with the natural stone and remain visible from considerable distances.
The castle was founded in 1140 by the Schwikher brothers and Otto von Welsperg as a military outpost controlling mountain trade routes. Over the centuries, the structure underwent several expansions and additions that reflected its enduring importance for regional control.
The courtyard and residential buildings reflect how a noble family organized daily administration and defense from this fortified location. The preserved rooms reveal how people lived and worked within these stone walls across different periods.
The walk up takes about 25 minutes from the parking area in Monguelfo along a marked trail with steady inclines. Summer months offer the most visitor-friendly conditions, with guided tours available and better access to the grounds and buildings.
A fire in 1765 damaged much of the castle, leading builders to remove upper floors and lower the roof structure permanently. These changes altered the building's silhouette in ways still visible when viewing the castle today.
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