Zumelle Castle, located in the municipality of Mel (now Borgo Valbelluna), is one of the best-preserved castles in the province of Belluno and represents one of the most fascinating architectural and historical testimonies of the Valbelluna. Perched on an overhanging hill above the Terche stream, near the confluence of the Maòr and Rui rivers, the castle stands out with its solid and striking bulk, telling a story that spans centuries of battles, dominations and legends.
Ancient origins and the legend of the twins
The castle’s origins are rooted in Roman times, when an outpost apparently arose here to defend the Via Claudia Augusta Altinate, an important communication and trade route. According to a popular legend, it was the Goth king Genseric who breathed new life into the castle around 540 AD, after the barbarian invasions, settling here with his handmaiden Eudosia, from whom he had twins. From this episode would originate the place name “Zumelle,” or “of the twins.”
From Byzantine bastion to medieval bulwark
In the 7th century, the castle appears among the possessions donated by the Lombard king Liutprand to the bishop of Ceneda, Valentine. From that time, Zumelle underwent extensions and reconstructions, especially during the early medieval period, when it assumed a central strategic role in feudal struggles. During the 12th century, it was contested by noble families such as the da Camino, who turned it into one of the main strongholds of territorial control on the left side of the Piave River. The most important rebuilding took place in 1311 by Rizzardo da Camino, lord of Treviso, Belluno and Feltre, who strengthened its defensive structure.
Structure and environments
The main core of Zumelle Castle, which can still be visited today, consists of a 36-meter quadrangular tower on five floors, surrounded by crenellated walls and a deep moat dug into the living rock. Inside the walls are the courtyard, the small church of St. Lawrence (which stands over a Byzantine chapel rediscovered in 1965), and various immersively reconstructed historic rooms.
The tower is now set up as a medieval tower house, with period furnishings, noble rooms, an impressive scriptorium with library, and an archaeological area set up in the ancient dungeons. From its upper floors there is a panoramic view of the surrounding valley, the same view that was once used to spot incoming enemy armies or caravans.
A living castle
Today, Zumelle Castle is managed by the Sestiere Castellare Association, which takes care of its enhancement with reenactment events, guided tours, workshops for schools and families, as well as medieval dinners, weddings and private parties. Visiting the castle means taking a real leap into the Middle Ages, among artisans, ladies, knights and pilgrims. An experience that combines history, legend and a touch of magic.
Surroundings and heritage
Also near the castle are the early medieval church of San Donato, with three apses and remnants of Gothic frescoes, and the ruins of the fortress of Castelvint, a probable Byzantine settlement built in the opposite position to counter the Lombard presence in Zumelle.