Description
Castel Thun, also known as Thun Castle or Thun Palace, is located in the Non Valley in the Trentino-South Tyrol region of Italy. The castle was once the ancestral seat of the powerful Thun family and is now an important cultural heritage site.
The castle is surrounded by a picturesque landscape characterized by apple orchards, giving it a charming and idyllic atmosphere. Visitors can stroll through the well-kept gardens and enjoy the beauty of the surrounding nature. The castle features numerous rooms furnished with rich original furniture. A notable attraction is the "Stanza del Vescovo", the bishop's room from the 16th century. This room is known for its complete covering with pine wood.
In addition to the "Stanza del Vescovo", Castle Thun offers various other rooms for exploration. These include kitchens, an armory, living rooms, and bedrooms. These rooms provide insight into the daily life of the castle's inhabitants and showcase architectural and interior design styles of past centuries.
Another interesting aspect of Thun Castle is the family gallery. Here, portraits and paintings of the Thun family are displayed, highlighting their significant role in the region's history over the centuries. This gallery offers an opportunity to trace the family's history and their relationships with other influential figures.
The castle also has an impressive library.It is a valuable place for the preservation and research of the cultural heritage of the region. You can find books from various epochs and subjects in the collection. The collection includes both handwritten and printed books, providing a wide range of sources and information. The library's premises are lovingly designed and offer a quiet environment for reading.
Guided Tours
Thun Castle also offers guided tours for visitors. During a tour, you have the opportunity to explore the castle, admire the rich art collections, the library, and the archive, as well as learn more about the history and architecture of the castle.
You can also ask for themed tours that focus on specific aspects of the castle or delve deeper into particular subjects. Some tours also provide interactive elements such as workshops and activities for both children and adults.
Thun Castle also provides audio guides for visitors, allowing you to explore the castle at your own pace and receive interesting information about the various rooms, the history of the castle, and the artworks it contains.
Historical Information
The history of Castel Thun dates back to the 12th century when the Thun family built the castle. It served as a residence and strategic stronghold for the family, playing an important role in the history of the region. Over the centuries, the castle underwent several renovations and expansions, acquiring its current Renaissance-style residence form in the 16th century.
The Thun family was an influential noble family closely connected to political and military events in the region. After the family's extinction, the castle changed hands multiple times but gradually fell into disrepair. In 1992, it was acquired by the municipality of Thun and extensively restored. This step allowed the castle to be opened to the public and preserved its cultural significance.
Castle Museum
The castle features a museum where visitors can immerse themselves in the rich history and culture of the Thun family and the region. It showcases historical artifacts, paintings, furniture, and other exhibits that bring to life the heritage of the Thun family and the history of the castle.
How to get there
By car:
If you are traveling by car, you can take the San Michele all'Adige exit from the A22 highway (Brenner Autobahn). From there, follow the signs towards Cles and then continue to Thun. The castle is located near the town of Thun, and there are parking facilities in the area where you can park your vehicle.
By public transportation:
- If you are arriving by train, you can travel to Cles train station. From there, there are regular bus connections to Thun.
- You can take the bus and get off at the stop near the castle.
- It is also possible to use a taxi or shuttle service from the surrounding cities or the airport to reach Castel Thun.