Juval Castle

Juval Castle towers high above the entrance to Val Senales in the municipal area of Castelbello-Ciardes. The rocky plateau where it is located, has been already settled in the New Stone Age. The castle was built in 1278 by Hugo von Montalban (Hugo de Juval) and passed into the hands of the Lords von Starkenberg in the 14th century. In the centuries to follow the castle changed hands several times. After the enlargement by Hans Sinkmoser in the 16th century, the building fell into decay. In 1913 the Dutchman William Rowland finally restored Juval Castle. During WWII, Italian prisoners worked at the castle.

The word "Juval" probably derives from the Latin "iuvalis" and means "part of the mountain pass". What is worth mentioning is the east tower and the Gothic hallway, boasting historic pictures of Juval Castle. Also Renaissance frescoes can be admired. A botany nature trail proceeds around the ancient walls and the Senales Waalweg path ends at the castle.

Since 1983 Juval Castle has served as the summer residence of extreme mountaineer Reinhold Messner and his family and houses the world-famous Messner Mountain Museum Juval. The MMM Juval hosts four different art collections: masks from all over the world, Tibetan pieces of art, equipment used during his expeditions and various findings and items originating in distant mountain areas and exotic cultures. The property includes also a vineyard and a farm with accommodations. The own products from the Oberortlhof farm can be enjoyed in the Schlosswirt tavern.