Thanks to its varied and yet peaceful history, Vinschgau valley in South Tyrol is richly endowed with monuments dating from many periods. Some of the
40 castles and fortresses in the valley are now ruins, many others have been preserved through ongoing use and restoration.
One of the best preserved is the
Churburg Castle in Schluderns/Sluderno, which was founded in the 13th century and subsequently – much like the nearby
Goldrain Castle and
Schlandersburg Castle – converted to a richly-decorated residential palace in Renaissance style.
Kastelbell Castle is a mighty fortress situated above the rocks at the
Via Claudia Augusta. The ruins of the
Lichtenberg Castle near Prad am Stilfserjoch/Prato allo Stelvio.