Location: Bolzano-Bozen Map
Constructed: 1250
Brunnenburg Castle, also known as Schloss Brunnenburg or Castel Fontana, is a 13th-century medieval castle located in the South Tyrol region of northern Italy. Perched dramatically on a glacial crag above the town of Merano, it was originally constructed as a defensive outpost to protect the nearby Tyrol Castle. Over the centuries, the castle has undergone periods of ruin, restoration, and transformation, evolving from a military fortification into a cultural and educational hub. Today, it houses the South Tyrolean Agricultural Museum, focusing on the history and traditions of mountain farming in the Alps, and serves as a memorial site for the American poet Ezra Pound, who resided there in his later years. The castle's romantic, ivy-clad appearance, surrounded by vineyards and orchards, makes it a picturesque symbol of South Tyrol's blend of natural beauty, history, and literary legacy. Managed by the de Rachewiltz family, descendants of Pound, it attracts visitors interested in alpine culture, medieval architecture, and modernist poetry, while offering insights into the region's agricultural heritage.
Brunnenburg Castle is situated in the municipality of Dorf Tirol (Tirolo), just above the city of Merano in the South Tyrol province (Alto Adige/Südtirol) of northern Italy. It lies on a steep mountainside formed by glacial debris, at an elevation providing sweeping views into the valleys of Merano and Vinschgau. The castle's coordinates are approximately 46.6994° N, 11.1447° E, nestled between the village of Dorf Tirol and the larger Tyrol Castle. This location, on a craggy slope flanked by terraced vineyards, orchards, and forests, enhances its fairy-tale-like isolation while being easily accessible from nearby urban centers. Visitors can reach it via scenic walking paths from Dorf Tirol, such as the Falknerweg (Falconers’ Path), which connects to Tyrol Castle, or more adventurous routes like the Algunder Waalweg or Tappeiner Promenade from Merano. These paths wind through the landscape, leading to Gnaidweg or Via Gnaid, then to the steep but safe Brunnenburgsteig trail. For drivers, parking is available in the center of Dorf Tirol, with the castle a short uphill walk away. The nearest major city is Bolzano (about 30 km north), and Merano is just below, making it a convenient stop for those exploring South Tyrol's wine routes or alpine trails.
Brunnenburg Castle's history begins in the 13th century, with
construction around 1250 by the noble Tarants family from Tyrol or the
Counts of Tyrol, who built it as an additional defensive layer for the
prominent Tyrol Castle. Positioned on a glacial scree with steep slopes,
it served as a watchtower with a focused view into the valley openings,
providing protection during the Middle Ages. The castle was owned by the
diocese of Brixen and enfeoffed by Bishop Bruno Graf Meinhard II, giving
it a key defensive function. It suffered significant damage during a
14th-century siege by the Bohemians and gradually fell into decay,
passing into farmers' hands by the early 19th century.
In 1904, a
wealthy Rhinelander named Karl Schwickert purchased and refurbished the
castle, giving it its current romantic appearance. Tragedy marked this
period when Schwickert’s wife fell to her death from a balcony in 1904,
and he remained there until his own death in 1925. The castle stood
empty for over 20 years, spawning tales of hauntings. In 1948, it was
acquired by Prince Prof. Boris de Rachewiltz, an Egyptologist and
archaeologist, and his wife Mary de Rachewiltz, daughter of the American
poet Ezra Pound and violinist Olga Rudge. They saved it from further
ruin and restored it in the mid-20th century. Ezra Pound, released from
a mental institution in the United States, stayed at the castle from
1958, tending the grounds and completing the last six cantos of his epic
poem "The Cantos" before his death in 1972. The castle became one of
Pound's last refuges and a site tied to his literary legacy.
Since
then, it has been owned and directed by Dr. Siegfried de Rachewiltz, the
current owner and grandson of Ezra Pound. In the modern era, Brunnenburg
has been transformed into a cultural center and museum, with periodic
special exhibitions on Tyrolean history and agriculture. It is
surrounded by legends such as "The golden calf," "A stream of gold," and
"The golden snake," adding to its mystical allure.
Brunnenburg Castle features a medieval architectural style adapted to its rugged location on a steep glacial crag, with crenelated walls, an ivy-mantled tower topped with stone teeth, and balconies that create a romantic yet somewhat menacing appearance. Built around 1250, the structure was originally a defensive outpost with steep slopes enhancing its fortification. The refurbishment in 1904 by Karl Schwickert gave it a "bizarre" and romantic outlook, including modifications that emphasized its fairy-tale charm. The castle includes a large guesthouse on the grounds for student housing, reflecting its modern educational role. Its architecture is characterized by stone construction suited to the mountainous terrain, with elements like terraced vineyards and orchards integrated into the surrounding landscape. The overall design blends medieval robustness with 20th-century romantic restorations, making it visually striking and unique in South Tyrol.
As an agricultural museum and cultural center, Brunnenburg Castle's
"decorations" primarily consist of exhibits related to Tyrolean farming
traditions rather than elaborate frescoes or artworks. The South
Tyrolean Agricultural Museum displays historical agricultural equipment,
folk art from South Tyrol, and life-size figures of "Saltner,"
traditional vineyard protectors dressed in distinctive attire. The
museum focuses on the everyday life and history of mountain farmers,
with periodic special exhibitions that highlight regional customs and
tools. Farm animals such as goats, sheep, pigs, chickens, and geese are
kept on the grounds, adding to the immersive agricultural experience.
There are no notable frescoes mentioned, but the castle serves as the
Ezra Pound Memorial Center, featuring artifacts and memorabilia related
to the poet's life and work, including items from his time there in the
late 1950s and early 1960s. The castle is also associated with local
legends like "The golden calf," "A stream of gold," and "The golden
snake," which may be explored through guided tours or displays.
As of August 25, 2025, Brunnenburg Castle is open to the public and
functions as the South Tyrolean Agricultural Museum and Ezra Pound
Memorial Center, offering a blend of history, culture, and scenic
beauty. It remains in private ownership under Dr. Siegfried de
Rachewiltz but is accessible for visits, serving as a memorial site and
educational center focused on Tyrolean agriculture and Pound's literary
legacy. The castle is in good condition, with its vine-drenched,
medieval spectacle continuing to enchant visitors.
Visiting hours are
from early April through October, Sunday to Thursday, 10:00 AM to 5:00
PM. Admission details are not specified but typically involve a small
fee for the museum. Guided tours are available, allowing visitors to
admire the architecture, wander through the medieval structures, learn
about its history, and enjoy the views. The castle offers insights into
traditional South Tyrolean farming and features life-size "Saltner"
figures and farm animals. It is particularly recommended in early
October for the grapes on the vines and vibrant autumn colors.
Access
is primarily on foot via paths from Dorf Tirol, such as the Falknerweg,
Algunder Waalweg, or Tappeiner Promenade, leading to the
Brunnenburgsteig—a steep forest path flanked by vineyards and orchards.
Parking is available in the center of Dorf Tirol, and the castle is in
close proximity to Tyrol Castle for combined visits. Contact
information: Ezra Pound Str. 3, I-39019 Dorf Tirol; Tel.: +39 339
1803086; Email: info@brunnenburg.net; Website: brunnenburg.net. The site
is suitable for those interested in history and culture, though the
steep paths may challenge accessibility—visitors with mobility issues
should inquire in advance.