Castle Runkelstein.
First mentioned in 1237, Schloss Runkelstein is
situated in a picturesque position on a massive
mound of porphyry rock at the entrance to the Sarntal
valley. It has become famous for its superb secular
fresco cycles painted around 1400 (Tristan and Isolde,
Garel, Wigalois) which are unique. After an eventful
history Runkelstein’s golden age was the Romantic
period, when the ‘beautiful ruin’ became
a favourite haunt of artists and poets. This enthusiasm
led to the castle being renovated and donated to
the town of Bolzano by Emperor Franz Josef (it had
been inherited by the Austrian Archduke Johann in
1844). Following extensive restoration work the
castle has been open to the public together with
the castle tavern and restaurant since April 2000.
Apart from being immensely interesting in its own
right, Schloss Runkelstein is a venue for all kinds
of events, exhibitions, concerts etc.
