Top 10 Castles around Mel

Climbing up the steep path from the parking lot.

unique landscape to observe

The picturesque village of Cison di Valmarino, dominated by the imposing Castelbrando, is an excellent destination for mountain biking, with routes immersed in the Prosecco hills and lush woods. The itineraries offer challenging climbs and technical descents, with passages through ancient paths and historic mule tracks. The Via dell’Acqua route and the tracks towards Monte Cesen offer breathtaking views and complete immersion in nature.

Castelbrando, a grand medieval castle, sits on a dolomitic limestone rock at an altitude of 370m above sea level, overlooking the villages of Cison di Valmarino and Valmareno. The name is due to the Brandolini family from Forlì, who were the lords of the castle. The castle was originally built in Roman times to protect the Via Claudia Augusta, which connected the Po valley to Rhaetia (modern Austria). The original castrum from 46 AD is still visible. A recent archaeological dig has uncovered a bread oven and the original Roman baths, as well as the original pipes of the aqueduct that supplied water from three nearby natural springs. These springs still provide water for the castle. Later the fortress became an important defensive position against barbarian invasions. During the 13th century the castle was significantly enlarged and the imposing battlements and central tower were added. The castle was awarded by the Republic of Venice to the condottieri Giovanni Brandolino and Erasmo da Narni, better known as "Gattamelata". After the fall of the Venetian Republic it became the property of the Brandolini Counts. In 1700 the castle was expanded with the southern part and the castle chapel, the church of San Martino. During World War I, the castle was invaded by Imperial Austrian troops and used as a military hospital. After 10 years of restoration work, the castle was reopened as a residence in 1929. In 1959, the castle was sold by the Brandolini family to the Salesian Fathers, who used it as a monastery and as a center for spiritual studies. In 1997, CastelBrando was purchased by Quaternary Investments SpA, who transformed it into a 4-star hotel, museum and theater. Visitors can take the cable car to the castle from the village.

simple track between the castle and the town

Lots of flow

According to historical evidence, the Castrum di Serravalle should date back to Roman times. It was built between the hills of Sant'Antonio and Santa Augusta, on the territory that depended on the city of Opitergium, the current Oderzo. It was a point of vital importance for the control of goods that passed on well-known communication routes such as the Claudia Augusta Altinate, the Julia Pedemontatan, the Opitergina-Concordienis. It also represented a point of strategic importance for the subsequent dominions of the Lombards and Franks. The first document attesting its presence dates back to 1170, under the effigy of the Colfosco-Da Camino. Starting from this period, up to 1400, various modifications were made to the fortified complex. In the 17th century the area lost importance and gradually the Castrum fell into disrepair, becoming a quarry for the recovery of building materials. In 1925 it was purchased by the engineer Trojer who for 10 years dedicated himself to the restoration and conservation improvement of the structure. Since 1935 it has belonged to the Marcantonio family. Today the Castrum is a charming and elegant B & B for cultural activities and initiatives that revive its ancient walls. Just like in the past, when it was the hub of the city below. www.castrumdiserravalle.it/it

Vineyards as far as the eye can see.