Castel Hörtenberg
It seems like an enchanted place from a fairytale book, the 500-year-old Renaissance castle in the middle of the old town of Bolzano. Surrounded by four high towers, Castel Hörtenberg seems to have fallen out of time.
Just a few minutes' walk from the bustling city center, romantics will find a magical oasis of calm here. The architectural style is striking, framed by four high towers. When the Podini family of entrepreneurs from Bolzano acquired Castel Hörtenberg from its last owner Baron Fuchs a few years ago, they did so in keeping with family tradition. In the middle of a romantic garden with old trees and classicist sculptures, the magnificent 5-star hotel enjoys its new purpose between living history, urban coolness and traditional craftsmanship.
The 21 suites on the four floors of the historic main building and the 3 suites in the new garden wing leave nothing to be desired. Original stucco work, delicate frescoes and paintings from the 19th century bring the past back to life, individual antique pieces of furniture correspond with simple designer furniture and individual pieces from the art collection of the owner family Podini.
One of the special offerings is the wine that the Podini host family grows on the 35-hectare family-owned Ampeleia vineyard in the north of Maremma in Tuscany at 450 to 600 meters above sea level. Together with winemaker and good friend Elisabetta Foradori, the Podinis produce excellent wine from strictly biodynamic cultivation. They also cultivate around 500 olive trees on Lake Garda, whose cold-pressed oil is an integral part of the refined dishes served in the historic wine cellar or in the garden.
The wellness experience is not neglected either. In the garden wing there is a sauna with a view of the garden, warm colors and natural materials also create a wonderfully relaxed atmosphere in the relaxation and treatment rooms, and the year-round heated outdoor pool invites you to dive in at any time of year.
Photos: Castel Hörtenberg
Fabulous living
The 21 suites on the four floors of the historic main building and the 3 suites in the new garden wing leave nothing to be desired. Original stucco work, delicate frescoes and paintings from the 19th century bring the past back to life, individual antique pieces of furniture correspond with simple designer furniture and individual pieces from the art collection of the owner family Podini.
Luxurious delicacies
One of the special offerings is the wine that the Podini host family grows on the 35-hectare family-owned Ampeleia vineyard in the north of Maremma in Tuscany at 450 to 600 meters above sea level. Together with winemaker and good friend Elisabetta Foradori, the Podinis produce excellent wine from strictly biodynamic cultivation. They also cultivate around 500 olive trees on Lake Garda, whose cold-pressed oil is an integral part of the refined dishes served in the historic wine cellar or in the garden.
The wellness experience is not neglected either. In the garden wing there is a sauna with a view of the garden, warm colors and natural materials also create a wonderfully relaxed atmosphere in the relaxation and treatment rooms, and the year-round heated outdoor pool invites you to dive in at any time of year.
Photos: Castel Hörtenberg
