Castle Hochnaturns, Medieval castle in Naturns, Italy

Castle Hochnaturns sits on elevated ground with thick stone walls, multiple grand rooms, and decorated interiors featuring coffered ceilings and paneled surfaces. The structure combines defensive features with residential elements typical of medieval design.

Officials of the Counts of Tyrol built this fortified structure in the 13th century at a strategic location. The fortress shaped the region for centuries, dominating the landscape above the village.

The castle's name comes from the nearby village of Naturno, which takes its name from the castle. Abundus von Tschötsch, who rebuilt it after the 1538 fire, furnished a hall with portraits of Luther, Hus, Calvin and Zwingli; legend says he died in a hunting accident and was turned into a black dog doomed to roam the earth for abandoning the Catholic faith.

The castle is privately owned and cannot be visited; it has served as the Mastropaolo family's residence since 1992. It stands on the Sonnenberg slope amid vineyards above Naturns, and the tower and walls can be seen from the surrounding paths through the vines.

From 1952 to 1992, the site operated as a hotel run by the Mastropaolo family, offering guests stays in its historic rooms. After closing its commercial activities, preservation of the structure became the primary concern.