Casanova Castle

Casanova Castle is located on a wooden hill near the village of Gais in the Valle di Tures and was probably built by the Lords of Tures between 1240 and 1245, meanwhile the small pilgrimage church was added only in 1601. When this noble family died out, the castle entered into the possession of the Counts of Gorizia-Tyrol. 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” (new house).

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

Casanova Castle is well-known among those who are into culture and art, as many culturally important personalities lived here. During his stay in this castle, Oswald von Wolkenstein 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 which churned out new painters and sculptors for more than 300 years. Last but not least, the American poet Ezra Pound lived there with his family during World War II. Nowadays the castle is of private property and you can find a restaurant near it.

Casanova Castle can be reached from the village of Gais following trail no. 5. From the castle you can continue on a road and then on a forest trail, leading to the village Villa Ottone. Take trail no. 1 to return to your starting point. Walking time: approx. 1.5 hours.