Runkelstein Castle
Schloss Runkelstein / Castel Roncolo
“Castle of Pictures,” home to the largest surviving collection of secular medieval frescoes in Europe, depicting knightly legends and courtly life.
The castle was built in 1237 on a rock at the mouth of the Sarentino Valley, just north of the city center. In the late 14th century, wealthy merchants, the Vintler brothers, bought it and commissioned painters to create a large body of secular frescoes. Subjects include Tristan and Isolde, the Knights of King Arthur's Round Table, hunting, dances and tennis, making it a precious record of medieval court life. Admission is about €10. You can walk from Walther Square along the Talfer River path in about 30 minutes, or take the free shuttle bus. There is a traditional restaurant inside the castle.
Opening hours
Tue–Sun 10:00–18:00; closed Mondays
Nearby sights
- Oswald Promenade
- Franciscan Friary
- Via dei Portici / Laubengasse
- Piazza delle Erbe / Obstplatz
- Piazza Walther / Waltherplatz
- Bolzano Christmas Market
- South Tyrol Museum of Archaeology (Ötzi)
- Bolzano Cathedral