Castel Kampenn (sometimes Italianised as Castel Campegno; in German Burg Kampenn) is a medieval castle near Bolzano, today a private residence.
What to see
The core of the castle is the 14th-century keep, with the residential palace on the left and the chapel on the right; the whole is enclosed by a low curtain wall. The palace has a Renaissance style, recognisable also in the portal and the corner turrets. It is reached by following the road that starts from the valley station of the Funivia del Colle, and it stands opposite Castel Cornedo, on the other side of the Val d'Ega.
The construction probably dates from 1200, although not much information has come down about the first owners. In 1325 the castle became the property of the Benedictine monastery of Sonnenburg in the Val Pusteria; various noble families followed, such as the Lichtenstein in the 15th century, the Maretsch in the 16th and the von Kuepach from 1599 to 1801. In 1896 it was bought by Johann Weithaas, who carried out deep restorations and gave it its present appearance. After the Second World War the castle passed to the journalist and translator Felix Gasbarra, who continued the work of recovery.
Visiting
The castle is a private residence and, according to the source, cannot be visited; it can be seen only from outside. To reach the area you follow the road that starts from the valley station of the Funivia del Colle.
Our editors' tip
The castle cannot be visited: look for the 14th-century keep with the palace on the left and the chapel on the right, and remember that across the Val d'Ega Castel Cornedo stands facing it.
