In our journey of exploration among the most fascinating fortresses of the Prealps, there is a destination that for me, as a sommelier and lover of beauty, holds a special place in my heart. It is an unmissable stop for anyone staying in The Court of Marga: il Conegliano Castle.
Situated just 22 kilometres from Miane (about a 25-minute scenic drive through the vineyards), this manor house is not only an extraordinary historical testimony, but the gem that crowns the queen city of wine, home to Italy's first School of Oenology founded in 1876.
Perched on top of the Colle di Giano, the castle overlooks the red roofs of the ancient village from above and offers a privileged view of the Prosecco Hills of Conegliano and Valdobbiadene, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It is the perfect place for a half-day immersed in Renaissance painting, medieval architecture and postcard views.
What we admire today of Conegliano Castle is the surviving core of a vast fortified citadel, erected around the 10th century and expanded under the rule of the Republic of Venice to defend the plains from northern incursions.
Beyond the charm of the tree-lined gardens surrounding the top of the hill, the principal element of the complex is the majestic Bell Tower (also known as Master Tower).
Crossing the threshold of the tower means entering the Conegliano Civic Museum, a museum space spread over multiple floors that encapsulates the artistic and archaeological soul of the city:
If you love walking and want to experience something truly romantic, I advise you not to drive straight up to the castle.
Parked in the historic centre of Conegliano, at the foot of the splendid Via XX Settembre (the ancient Contrada Granda, famous for its frescoed Renaissance palazzos). From there, take the charming Calle della Neve: a historic flight of steps winding its way through ancient stone walls, cobblestones and lush vegetation. A ten-minute stroll in the shade will take you up to the hill, where you’ll find yourself immersed in an atmosphere that seems frozen in time.
After visiting the rooms of the tower, treat yourself to a break in the castle's centuries-old park. Inside the walls stands a renowned bar-restaurant with a panoramic terrace surrounded by greenery.
As the air cools, why not order a glass of Conegliano Valdobbiadene Prosecco Superiore DOCG Rive. You will taste in the glass all the savouriness and structure typical of grapes grown on the clayey soils of this hillside: intense notes of green apple, wisteria and a sharp minerality that pairs magnificently with the landscape you are admiring from above.
| You | Practical Guest Information |
| Distance from Miane | Approximately 22 km (25 minutes by car). |
| How to Get There | From Miane follow the signs for Pieve di Soligo and then Conegliano. Head up towards Viale Gorizia / Piazzale San Martino to reach the top of the hill. |
| Civic Museum Opening Hours | The museum and the tower have different opening hours depending on the day: Monday 10:00-14:00; Tuesday and Wednesday 14:00-18:00; Thursday and Friday 10:00-13:00 and 14:00-18:00; Saturday, Sunday and public holidays 10:00-13:00 and 14:00-19:00. We recommend checking for any changes on 0438/22871 before your visit. |
| Tickets | Admission to the Civic Museum and Tower: €3 full price, €2 concession (children and young people aged 6–18, university students up to the age of 25, over-65s, groups of more than 10 people, disabled visitors and their carers), €1 for schools. Info: 0438 22871. |
| Where to Park | Ample free parking just a few metres from the castle entrance (Piazzale San Martino) or in the historic centre car parks if you prefer to walk up along the Calle della Neve. |
| Accessibility | The outdoor park is flat and accessible to all. The interior of the Bell Tower spans multiple floors connected by internal stone and wooden stairs, which are not accessible by wheelchair or pushchair. |
After filling up on art, history and scenic views in Conegliano, the return to Miane will welcome you like a private pampering session.
All you need to do is leave your car in our car park, put on your swimming costume and take a dip in the cool water of our private swimming pool. And to top off the day nicely, I look forward to seeing you in our wine shop to recommend the perfect bottle for your apartment dinner: perhaps that rare Bronner PIWI by Giol which I told you about, to continue to toast to the wonders of our region.
Book your apartment at La Corte di Marga now and treat yourselves to a fairy-tale break among castles, hills and fine wine.
Access to the castle's outer park is completely free. Entry to the Civic Museum and the top of the Bell Tower has a modest cost: €3 for a full-price ticket, €2 for concessions (children and young people aged 6–18, university students up to 25, over-65s, groups of over 10 people, disabled visitors and their carers) and €1 for schools. Opening hours vary depending on the day of the week: we advise you to check on 0438/22871 before your visit.
From the historic centre of Conegliano (Via XX Settembre) just follow the signs for the “Calle della Neve”, a wonderful and ancient stepped pedestrian path that climbs the hill between historic boundary walls and centuries-old trees, leading to the castle in about a 10-15 minute walk.
Most definitely. Inside the castle complex there is a bar-restaurant featuring a large outdoor panoramic terrace. It is the ideal location to enjoy a glass of Prosecco Superiore DOCG aperitif or a relaxing lunch surrounded by the greenery of the park.