There is a precise moment, during the journey from The Court of Marga gateway to the Valbelluna, where history stops being a memory in books and becomes rock, stone and legend.

Just head up from Miane along the scenic and spectacular road of the San Boldo Pass — the famous “100 Days Road” with its tunnels carved into the living rock — before descending through the enchanted woods of Mel (now Borgo Valbelluna). There, perched on a rocky spur overlooking the Terche torrent, stands the Zumelle Castlethe best-preserved medieval manor in the entire Prealps.

Just 30 minutes from your apartment in Miane, Zumelle is not simply a ruin to be photographed from afar, but a living, pulsating fortress capable of projecting adults and children straight into the 10th century.

A story woven with blood, love and legend

The origins of Zumelle are lost in the obscurity of the Early Middle Ages. Founded according to tradition around the 1st century AD as a Roman outpost guarding the Via Claudia Augusta Altinate, the castle owes its current name (Zumelle or “the twins”) to an intense and tragic Gothic-era legend.

It is said that the Gothic king Gunderit, having fallen in love with the very beautiful Aturia, took her as his wife and rebuilt the destroyed castle to make it their home. From their union twin boys were born, but jealousy and power struggles led to bloody clashes for possession of the fortress.

Even today, when the mist rising from the stream envelops the great 25-metre-high keep, there are those who swear they can hear the breath of the noble ladies and knights who defended this garrison against the assaults of the people of Treviso and Belluno.

 The Zumelle experience: The Middle Ages to be lived with the five senses

What makes visiting Castle Zumelle an extraordinary experience for guests of The Court of Marga it is his immersive approach:

• The Climb to the Master Tower: Crossed the drawbridge and passing through the ancient gateway, you can climb the five levels of the keep. Each floor houses accurate reconstructions of the daily life of the time: from the armoury with swords and chainmail to the master bedroom, up to the apothecary’s shop. From the top of the tower, the view sweeps across the entire Valbelluna.
• The Medieval Tavern Inside the castle's ancient kitchens sits a period tavern lit by torches. Here you can take a step back in time to enjoy mead, hippocras (medieval spiced wine), grain soups, platters of local cured meats and spit-roasted meats.
• The Village and the Enchanted Wood Along the outer courtyard and the paths surrounding the walls, there is a themed trail dedicated to period crafts and the world of fairy tales. Children will find educational workshops to learn how to shoot a bow, forge small objects, or dress as young squires.

🚗 The Author's Itinerary: How to combine your visit to Zumelle

To give our guests an unforgettable day starting from Miane, we recommend structuring the trip as follows:

1. The Thrilling Climb (Morning): Depart from La Corte di Marga and tackle the hairpin bends of the San Boldo Pass. The view of the engineering architecture of its multi-level tunnels is worth a photo stop.
2. Castle Life (Late Morning & Lunch): Arriving at Zumelle, visit the tower and gardens and have lunch in the Castle Tavern or in the picnic area surrounded by nature.
3. An afternoon between water and villages:
   • Nature & Freshness Option: Continue for another 20 minutes towards the wild Mis Valley and the Cadini del Brenton for an afternoon in the cool of the waterfalls.
   • Art & Villages Option: Come down to visit the historic centre of Mel, listed among the “Most Beautiful Villages in Italy”, with its Renaissance stately homes and the splendid Piazza Luciani.

Map Logistics Sheet: Useful Info for the Trip

The return to the present at La Corte di Marga

After walking along the battlements, listening to stories of ladies and knights, and exploring the gorges of the Valbelluna, returning to Miane will bring you back to your charming retreat.

Waiting for you at The Court of Marga there will be the relaxing green of our hills and the rejuvenating silence of our private swimming pool. Drop by our wine shop, choose a bottle of Prosecco Superiore DOCG or a rare one Bronner PIWI Giol and toast to the sunset on your terrace. After all, today's kings and queens also need their own little slice of heaven.

Book your stay at La Corte di Marga now and let yourselves be guided to discover the most fascinating secrets of our region.

Marga's tips for your visit to the Castle (FAQ)