Casanova Castle

Casanova Castle is located on a wooden hill near the village of Gais in the Valle di Tures and was most probably built by the Lords of Tures in the time period from 1240 to 1245. When this noble family finally died out, the castle entered into the possession of the Counts of Gorizia-Tyrol. The small pilgrimage church was built in the year 1601. The name of the castle means “new house”, since originally the castle was quite small and simple and therefore the Lords of Tures decided to built a “casa nuova”.

In the 17th century Casanova Castle started to decline since Count Künigl, the possessor of that time, built a so-called “Pflegerhaus” in Baroque style, which served as his refuge. Finally, in the year 1924 the castle entered into the possession of Count Dr. Cäsar Strasssaldo-Grafenberg, who entirely restored it.

Casanova Castle has a strong connection with many famous artists. In fact, the poet Oswald von Wolkenstein lived here for some years. During that time, he wrote the poem “Jetterin von Lanebach”, one of his masterpieces. Moreover, Casanova Castle was the residence of the Bacher family, an artist family of painters and sculptors. Last but not least also the American poet Ezra Pound lived at Casanova Castle with his family during World War II. Nowadays, near Casanova Castle you will also find a restaurant.

Casanova Castle can be reached from the village of Gais following trail no. 5. From the castle you can continue on an access road leading to a forest trail, on which you will reach the village Villa Ottone. Following trail no. 1, you will finally return to your starting point. Walking time: approx. 1.5 hours.