The Fahlburg

The original Fahlburg, which was probably built in the 12th century, must be imagined as a defensive tower with an attached residential building. This tower in Prissian, also called "die Vall," was a typical village castle, built by minor nobles who did not have the financial means for a high castle. By the way, the tower has practically remained completely preserved on the north side of the present castle.

The first documented owners of Vall were the lords of Zobel. Later owners were the lords of Andrian and the Schlandersberger, who also owned the nearby Katzenzungen Castle. In 1597, the barons or counts of Brandis finally acquired the castle. It still belongs to them today.

In the 17th century, there was a major renovation or reconstruction that gave the castle its present appearance. A magnificent Renaissance castle in a square layout with two facade towers was built, incorporating the medieval tower. Much of the interior is still in its original state, especially the valuable paneling, furniture, tiled stoves, and ceiling paintings with biblical and mythological scenes.

The Fahlburg is also significant because of an episode from the late Middle Ages: At that time, the Fahlburg was owned by Barbara Jäger, an alleged former lover of the minnesinger Oswald von Wolkenstein. However, because he apparently repeatedly poached on her property around Hauenstein Castle at Schlern, a dispute arose, during which Oswald was captured and abducted to Fahlburg in 1421. To force him to give in, Barbara Jäger had him tortured, as he reported in several of his songs. The conditions of his imprisonment only improved when Oswald von Wolkenstein was brought to Burg Forst near Merano about two months later.

Since the last restoration, Fahlburg has been operated as a hotel, but is partially accessible to the public. A restaurant is located in part of the building, and many cultural events take place here. In addition to exhibitions and art auctions, these include the awarding of the internationally renowned "Petrarca Prize" by the German publisher Hubert Burda and the Austrian poet Peter Handke, as well as the Lananer Cultural Days with the awarding of the "Norbert C. Kaser Prize."

Fahlburg
39010 Prissian Fraction
Mobile: +39 335 659 43 55
Phone: +39 0473 92 09 30
www.fahlburg.com