This castle in the most beautiful Renaissance style also served as a summer residence until 1803, showing that the Catholic bishops were certainly not averse to the pleasant aspects of life. Extensive gardens surrounded the castle, especially the deer garden was famous beyond the borders of the diocese. As in a proper pleasure palace, there was also an aviary and a free-range enclosure for birds and of course a fish pond.
In the 19th century, Velthurns Castle was initially in imperial possession, then in private ownership. In 1978, the Province of South Tyrol 'inherited' the castle and had it extensively renovated. Since then, it has served as a museum, exhibition, and event venue. Particularly worth seeing is the interior with original paneling and Renaissance furniture, fine marquetry, frescoes, stoves, and carved portals. The so-called Scribe's House contains the local history museum, which shows local history and historical objects from peasant everyday life. The museum also houses a collection of South Tyrolean artworks from the 15th to the 20th century.
However, Feldthurns is also an ancient settlement area. Archaeological finds date back to the Stone Age. From the Copper Age (5th millennium BC), there is a significant cult site made of large, mostly uncut stones. This cult site also included a figurative stone stele and a menhir with depictions of an axe, a dagger, and presumably a bow. This cult site in the Tanzgasse in the center of the village is the starting point of the freely accessible Archeoparc Feldthurns. In a historical hike, you roam through the epochs of prehistory and early history from the Mesolithic period to the Romans and the upheavals of the Migration Period.
An archaeological permanent exhibition has now also been opened at Velthurns Castle, dedicated to the rich finds here. 'Archaeology in the Eisack Valley' provides a highly interesting overview of the excavations with many valuable exhibits and, together with the Archeoparc, forms an exciting excursion into history.
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