Castello di Mezzocorona

Castello di San Gottardo - Höhlenschloß Kronmetz

Useful Information

Location:	Mezzocorona (Kronmetz), between Bozen/Bolzano and Trento/Trentin. Leave Brennero Motorway A22 at exit Mezzocorona, turn right to Mezzocorona. Following the main road through the town towards Mezzo.
Open:	n/a
Fee:	n/a
Classification:	Cave Castle
Light:	none
Dimension:
Guided tours:
Photography:
Accessibility:
Bibliography:
Address:	n/a
As far as we know this information was accurate when it was published (see years in brackets), but may have changed since then. Please check rates and details directly with the companies in question if you need more recent info.

History

1480	abandoned, inhabitants moved to Castle Firmian.

Description

In the valley of the Adige (Etsch) river, the small village Mezzocorona (Kronmetz) is located. The Castello di San Gottardo is located above the village and the Piana Rotaliana (Rotaliana plain), the plain area north of Trentino. The view from the castle is extraordinary, and the position of the castle in a cave in the cliff face is almost inaccessible for enemies.

However, it seems life in the castle was a little strenuous, so the owners abandoned it very early in 1480 and moved to a less secure but more comfortable castle.

Today the castle is just a ruin, some demolished walls sitting in the cliff face just above Mezzocorona. There seems to be no path up to the ruin, and so it is not possible to visit it. The closest look is possible from the road Mezzocorona to Mezzo. At the old hydroelectric power station is a possibility to stop the car and have a look at the ruin.

Although the castle is not accessible, the view from below is rather impressive. So if you are travelling through the Adige valley, you should definitely spend an hour (or less) to get there and have a look. If you plan a holiday in South Tyrolia (which definitely is a good idea), it is definitely a "must" on every day trip to this area.

• See also
• Trentino Castles ( )