# Prösels Castle

- **Country:** Italy
- **Coordinates:** 46.505434, 11.495637
- **Location Text:** Völs am Schlern

Prösels Castle, known locally as Schloss Prösels or Castello di Presule, is a striking example of Gothic architecture situated on a high plain beneath the Schlern mountain in South Tyrol. Located within the municipality of Völs am Schlern, the site was first documented in 1279, though historians believe the original fortress was constructed by the lords of Völs around the year 1200. While the central palace and a Romanesque archway remain from this initial structure, the castle's current grand appearance is largely the result of extensive expansions undertaken in the late fifteenth century. These renovations transformed the medieval stronghold into the impressive residence seen today, blending earlier defensive elements with later stylistic flourishes.

The castle holds significant historical interest due to its association with Leonhard of Völs, a wealthy administrator of the Hall in Tirol salt mines who rebuilt the estate starting in 1458. Leveraging his considerable fortune and three advantageous marriages, Leonhard expanded the property and cultivated a mysterious connection to the powerful Roman Colonna family, occasionally styling himself as Leonhard Colonna. This link is visually preserved in interior frescoes depicting combined family coats of arms. Leonhard's close friendship with Holy Roman Emperor Maximilian I further elevated the castle's status, evidenced by artistic tributes to the emperor within the newly built arcade. The site also witnessed turmoil during the German Peasants' War of 1525, when revolting farmers briefly occupied the grounds and burned documents in a failed attempt to erase evidence of their feudal debts and tithes.

Today, Prösels Castle stands as a well-preserved monument to Tyrolean nobility and architectural evolution. Having survived centuries of political upheaval and social unrest, it remains a prominent landmark in the region. The structure serves as a tangible record of the Völs family's ambition and their unique claimed lineage connecting them to Italian aristocracy. While specific modern commercial uses are not detailed in the provided records, the castle endures as a key historical site, offering visitors insight into the lives of medieval governors and the complex social dynamics of the Holy Roman Empire era. Its survival and maintained condition make it an essential destination for those studying Gothic design and local heritage.

![Photo of Prösels Castle](http://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/Special:FilePath/Schloss%20Proesels-1.jpg)

**Source:** https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Prösels_Castle (Wikipedia, CC BY-SA)