Jaufenburg, Castle ruin and military museum in St. Leonhard in Passeier, Italy.
Jaufenburg is a castle ruin and museum located on a hilltop in St. Leonhard in Passeier, overlooking the valley below. The five-story stone structure has internal staircases connecting its levels, and Renaissance frescoes remain visible on some of its walls.
The Lords of Passeier built this defensive structure around 1200 at a strategic location along the route to Giovo Pass. Over the centuries it served various purposes before being abandoned and gradually falling into disrepair.
The museum housed here displays documents and objects that show how people lived in the valley during medieval times. You can see how the castle fit into the daily life and concerns of the communities around it.
The ruins can be reached on foot from St. Leonhard in Passeier with a walk of about 30 minutes uphill. Bring sturdy shoes for the mountain path, and note that entry is free for visitors under 18 years old.
After World War II, artworks from Florentine galleries were discovered hidden here by retreating German soldiers. The discovery revealed how cultural treasures found refuge in unexpected locations during the conflict.
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