Schloss Rankelstein or Castel Roncolo is a medieval castle on the outskirts of Bolzano, Italy. It…read moreis located on a protected porphyry rock along the Val Sarentino Road. Castel Roncolo is particularly famous for its frescos dating back to Mediaeval times. It illustrates authentic knight sagas, literature scenes, court ladies and life on the farm as well as hunting scenes. There's also a castle tavern in the courtyard. I was told there would be a shuttle bus from the city center to the castle parking lot (beneath the castle hill) by the hotel concierge (This turned out to be a misinformation. We were told when we made it to the castle, it was discontinued during the COVID pandemic, and it never got resumed). No problem, we just followed the trail next to the Talfer River, and enjoyed our two-hour easy hike (except from the bottom of the castle hill to the top; about 20 mins of climbing, I don't recommend strollers) to and from the castle. The trail besides the river turned out to be very pleasant. We saw some castles and mansions along the way, mountains in distance, we crossed the river on several bridges. I'd recommend this short easy hike. Here's some history of the castle: In 1237, the original complex was built by the Lords of Wangen, and in 1385, the wealthy merchants Franz and Niklaus Vintler purchased it. This family had it decorated with frescoes and equipped with components that facilitated life in those times, e.g. a pivy and a cistern for water storage. From the 15th century on, it continually kept changing hands, the castle was repeatedly modified and frescoes and paintings were added. A gunpowder explosion in the southern part of the castle destroyed parts of it in 1520, including a circular wall and a donjon, which had to be reconstructed. In 1672, a lightning bolt caused a fire which destroyed the east part of Castel Roncolo, which has no longer been renovated. From the 18th century on, it was no longer inhabited and kept deteriorating. Only when Josef con Görres recognized the value of the frescoes and reported it to Ludwig I of Bavaria, architects and artists started examining the paintings. This continues to the present day.

One of the best garden around Italy. you can see the magic flowers from different seasons, that…read morewill make you happy. Takes time to discover and show all nice nature monuments.I will come back. (Bericht den ich fuer einen englischen Gast geschrieben habe)

Overwelmingly beautiful experience, every time! I must say I…read morelive here since a couple of years but every time I come the Gardens are totally different. I love it. To visit these Gardens you need at least half a day. You must also be prepared to walk up a few steep steps to reach every corner but you will be rewarded; there are two viewing platforms that offer a breath taking view over the Gardens, the valley and the mountains. The variety of landscapes is wide. I saw cactuses and asian rice terraces next to a Japanese Garden. A forest with ferns and ginko's followed by a bamboo forest. On the sunny side I loved the olive grove (there is a 700 year old olive treeand the water lily pond with the lotus flowers and the Japanese Koi carp fish (some are huge!). Pretty amazing for me also the palm trees with the 10.000 feet high snowcapped mountains in the background. In the summer the place hosts a series of World Music concerts around the water pond; that is a quite spectacular experience. If you get the chance... Highly recommended!

This is by far the most amazing place I've ever been. The food blew my mind over and over and was…read moreless expensive that the average burger. The service was immaculate and the vibe made me feel at home. Would give 10 stars if I could, highly recommend.

Just off of Piazza Kraus is one a Guido Martello's Gallery. This is the German part of Country so I…read moreimmediately noticed the Italian name and distinctive (and sometimes grey) style that included original and unique paintings, sculpture, ceramics, and jewelry. Very cool stuff and it was definitely worth a good look.