Castel Prösels

The first mention of a medieval fortification is found in a document dating from 1279, which refers to a “Castrum Presil”. Built by the Lords of Völs, the ministerials of the Bishops of Brixen, it served them for many centuries as their ancestral castle and place of retreat. The most prominent member of this family, Leonhard von Völs-Colonna (1458–1530), who served for many years as Governor of the Etsch region and Burgrave of Tyrol, expanded the fortress into a castle complex. The complex was equipped with the most advanced defensive technology, entirely in keeping with the tastes of the era of Emperor Maximilian I. Since 1981 the castle has been owned by the Kuratorium Schloss Prösels. It has been refurbished and is open for guided tours, special events, concerts, weddings and exhibitions.