Arriving at The Court of Marga It's impossible not to be drawn to the sight of Castelbrando, the imposing castle that rises above the town of Cison di Valmarino; on these stones rests not only a castle, but a millenary stratification of power.

History of the nameIt owes its name to the family Brandolini, who held lordship over it for centuries (from 1436 to the mid-20th century) before it passed to the Salesians.

To understand Castelbrando, it's necessary to start from its foundations: a Roman fort. In technical terms, the castle it was the fortified military camp, the logistical hub that allowed Rome to control the Via Claudia Augusta Altinate. Here, the original rectangular structure dictated the shape of what would become an impregnable bulwark.

From the Curia to the Brandolinis: The Shadow of Venice The castle's history is a game of mirrors between the Church and the Sword. For centuries, the fortress was under the administration of the Bishop's Curia (the fief of Valmareno was ruled by the Bishop-Count of Ceneda), until in 1436 the Republic of Venice, to reward the fidelity of the condottieri Brandolino Conte e Gattamelata, granting them jurisdiction over the castle. Under the wing of the Most Serene Republic, the Brandolinis transformed the face of the fortress: no longer just a defensive “Stone,” but the “Silk” of Renaissance luxury, expanding the noble wings and creating that architectural jewel we admire today.

The Miracle of Modern Restoration After a period of abandonment in the post-war era, the castle risked becoming a glorious ruin. The turning point came with the current owner, Massimo Colomban, who purchased and restored the castle in 1998, spearheading one of the most impressive private monumental restorations in Europe. It was not merely a cosmetic job, but a scholarly restoration that brought to light ramparts, ancient dungeons, and noble halls, converting the structure into a luxury hotel that today allows guests to sleep within history, preserving the intact charm of a manor that has witnessed emperors and poets.

The castle today houses the’Hotel CastelBrando, a 4-star hotel with a conference centre, various museum areas, restaurants, and the Princess Spa & Royal Wellness, proposes guided tour routes that take visitors to discover all the areas of the castle open to the public.

Guided Tour Routes:

The internal areas and the main museum sections are accessible Only by guided tour.

• Route A (Duration: 1 hour)Includes the internal and external areas of the castle and the “CastelBrando in Arms and Music” and “Power and Justice” sections.
• Route B (Duration: 1 hour 15/30 minutes)It includes the entire Path A with the addition of the “Customs of Power” section and the Church of San Martino.

Main Museum Areas:

1. CastelBrando ArmiAn archaeological area with an exhibition of weapons and armour ranging from the Roman period to the 18th century.
2. Power and JusticeLocated in the ancient prisons, it reconstructs the atmosphere of a 17th-century trial with rooms dedicated to the administration of justice and punishments.
3. The Garments of PowerSet up in the sacristy of the 18th-century Church of San Martino.
4. Historic CarriagesExhibition of 18th and 19th-century carriages located in the cryptoporticus, freely accessible.
5. Via Claudia AugustaIconographic section on the history of the ancient Roman road, viewable free of charge during the restaurant's opening hours.

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