Perched on a hill near the hamlet of Pruno in the municipality of Campo di Trens just a few kilometers from Sterzing, Castel Tasso (Burg Reifenstein in German) is considered one of the most authentic and best-preserved medieval castles in all of South Tyrol. Its thousand-year history, rooted in at least the year 1104, is intertwined with that of noble families, bishops, knights and emperors.
A castle with a long history
Initially a fief of the Bavarian counts of Lechsgmünd, the castle passed to the Lords of Stilves, who gave it the name Reifenstein. After a series of changes of ownership, it was entrusted to the Teutonic Knights in 1469 by Duke Sigismund of Austria, known as the Moneymaker, as payment for a debt. The Teutonic Knights expanded and strengthened the castle, which became one of their most prominent settlements in Tyrol.
In 1813, following the dissolution of the Teutonic Order and the suppression of the Sterzing Commandery by the Bavarian government, Badger Castle was donated to the noble Thurn und Taxis family as compensation for the guaranteed postal service in the territories of the Empire. The family still owns the fortress, which is maintained in excellent condition and with great respect for its original structure.
What to see at Castel Tasso
Visiting Castel Tasso means immersing yourself in the everyday life of an authentic medieval castle. The ten halls that can be visited hold period furnishings, extraordinary architectural details and rooms full of charm:
-The Green Room, decorated with splendid late Gothic frescoes and a fine wooden latticework;
-The Smoke Kitchen, which has remained almost intact and tells the story of domestic life at the time;
-The soldiers’ and servants’ dormitories, austere and functional;
-The court room, torture chamber, and underground dungeon, which give the fortress a strong and evocative atmosphere;
-The bathroom and rooms lined with carved wood, fine examples of historical craftsmanship.
Not far from the main body is the small Church of San Zeno, built on an ancient Lombard site. Tree coffins dating from the period between the fourth and eighth centuries have been found here, testifying to the long-standing use of the site.
How to get there
Castel Tasso is reached on foot via a short scenic trail from the parking lot below. Proper footwear is required, as the castle still retains its original medieval structure, with stairs, narrow corridors and unevenness.
A journey through time
Perfect for families, history buffs and the curious, Castel Tasso offers a unique experience to discover the life and architecture of the Alpine Middle Ages. The castle is open year-round with guided tours that tell, room by room, the secrets and events of one of South Tyrol’s most fascinating fortresses.