Welsperg Castle

The Lords of Welsperg were among the most significant Tyrolean noble families. According to their own statements, they descended from the Guelphs and gained great influence through skillful marriage and asset policies. In 1362, they were raised to the rank of counts by Emperor Leopold I.

Welsperg Castle was built by the brothers Schwikher and Otto von Welsperg in the middle of the 12th century and is thus the oldest castle in the Puster Valley. It is a rather unusual complex, as one rarely encounters. In the language of castle experts, this type is called a "core castle". Undoubtedly, the most ancient part is the strikingly tall and slender keep, which was built between 1126 and 1140. At 34.4 m in height, it served both as an observation post and a defensive bulwark. Around this keep, a palas (great hall), a chapel, and economic buildings were subsequently constructed. In the 15th and 16th centuries, the castle was further expanded and made more habitable. By the way, Welsperg Castle remained in family ownership for 800 years and was an important court and administrative seat in the Puster Valley. It was only in the 20th century that it was taken over by public authorities and is now managed by the "Curatorium of Welsperg Castle".

The Thun Castle, located opposite Welsperg Castle, was also built by the Welspergs. Later it fell into the hands of the Lords of Füllein, who were related to the Welspergs. In 1359, Georg von Welsperg bought it back. In May 1765, a devastating fire destroyed Thun Castle, which then fell into ruin. This fire also caused enormous damage to Welsperg Castle. Unlike Thun Castle, however, it was largely rebuilt. The top floor of the palas had to be removed, and the roof structure was lowered to its current level.

Welsperg Castle can, of course, be visited. From the town of Welsberg, it is accessible via an educational trail or the "Great Castle Round". This round, which also leads to the ruins of Thun along the roaring Gsieser stream, is an exciting excursion into the Middle Ages for the whole family. In the summer, high-quality concerts, readings, theater performances, and exhibitions also regularly take place in the atmospheric ambiance of Welsperg Castle.