Castelbrando

Castelbrando is a fortress rich in history and charm located along the famous Via del Prosecco in the territory of Cison di Valmarino, a small municipality in the province of Treviso. Castelbrando rises right on the slopes of Monte Castello and is a complex with an ancient and sometimes troubled history. Its name derives from the Brandolini family who owned the manor for centuries and transformed it into a stately home inspired by the style of the Venetian villas.

In the mid-20th century, Castelbrando was sold by the Brandolini family to the Salesians, who used it for years as a centre for spiritual studies. In 1997, the complex was then purchased by the Colomban family, who carried out various restoration works, restoring it to its former charm and making it a high-level accommodation facility. Now, in fact, Castelbrando is not only a museum site but also houses a hotel, a spa and several restaurants.

Things to do in Castelbrando

Visiting Castelbrando means taking a real journey through time, retracing the history that has characterised this area. Guided tours in Italian and English are also organised at weekends and on special occasions to allow visitors to learn more about the entire complex. The development of this fortress is in fact linked to the different owners who have succeeded one another here and who have changed its architectural appearance and function several times.

Museum areas of the Castle

Inside the castle, it is possible to visit various museum areas that tell the history, customs and traditions of different eras.“Castelbrando in Arms and in Music”, for example, is a site that houses a collection of weapons and musical instruments. The section on armour houses exhibits ranging from the Roman period to the 16th century. As for the musical instruments, on the other hand, some have been restored while others are part of an interactive itinerary dedicated to the different musical styles that have affected this area over the centuries. Another interesting museum area is the one entitled ‘Power and Justice’. Here you can visit the castle’s old prisons, which are housed in three ancient barrel-vaulted cells, and you can relive the atmosphere of a court case as it took place in the late 16th and early 17th centuries.

‘The Costumes of Power’ is another museum site that houses the costumes of historical figures who played an important role in the history of the castle and the region. Opened in the exhibition space of the sacristy of the Church of St. Martin, the museum also provides an insight into the history and traditions of this area over a period of time from the Roman Empire to the 19th century. For example, busts of historical figures such as Emperor Claudius Augustus, who built the Via Claudia Augusta, Doge Marin Falier, the Da Camino family, Casanova and many others can be found here.

‘Along the Via Claudia Augusta’ is a route that tells the story of the ancient Via Claudia Augusta, recounting its construction, route and strategic importance. Linking the Adriatic coast to the Danube, this road played a decisive role in the creation of new economic, commercial and cultural relations. ‘Historic Chariots’, on the other hand, is the section located in the 18th century cryptoporticus and boasts a collection of original chariots and carriages. Starting with a reconstruction of a Roman chariot from the imperial age, the museum takes the visitor on a journey through the evolution of the means of transport and racing used by mankind in different eras.

History of Castelbrando

Thanks to various finds in the area, it is known that these territories were inhabited since prehistoric times. The first ‘Roman castrum’, however, was built in Roman times as a control and defence structure for the Via Imperiale Claudia Augusta. Later, the building underwent various extensions and renovations. Earlier, between the 12th and 14th centuries, the castle was the residence of the Da Camino Lords, who enclosed it within a wall with Guelph battlements and erected a central tower. In the mid 14th century, the property came under the control of the Republic of Venice, which granted it as a feud first to Marin Faliero and then to the captains of Giovanni Brandolino and Erasmo da Narni, better known as Gattamelata.

In the 16th century, thanks to the Brandolini family, the Castle underwent major extension works, especially in the central part, which echoed the style of many Venetian villas of the time. The construction of the last horseshoe-shaped body, designed by architect Ottavio Scotti of Treviso, dates back to the 18th century. The castle was the property of the Conti Brandolini until 1959, when it was sold to the Salesian Fathers, who adapted it for use as a centre for spiritual studies. In 1997 Castelbrando was purchased and completely restored by the Colomban family, who have largely restored it, making it an important historical and tourist site .

Castelbrando Hotel

Castelbrando was transformed in the 2000s into an important accommodation facility that also houses a hotel with rooms and suites, a SPA with wellness centre, a conference centre and several bars and restaurants. In particular, the Hotel Castelbrando boasts sumptuous rooms and flats furnished with period furniture. These have retained their original size and structure as they have been restored under the supervision of the Beni Culturali. One of the most romantic experiences is definitely staying in one of the rooms inside the Torre Gaia, a medieval tower named after Gaia the favourite daughter of Gherardo da Camino, lord of the castle who is also mentioned by Dante in the Divine Comedy.

For a day of relaxation, it is possible to book the Gaia Spa, located in the oldest wing of the castle, amidst marvellous mosaics and Roman artefacts. The water used comes from three uncontaminated springs at an altitude of around 800 metres, which were already discovered by the ancient Romans. At guests’ disposal are a swimming pool, saunas carved out of the rock, whirlpools, a Turkish bath, a fitness room, chromatic-aromatic showers, a relaxation area and a sun terrace with Jacuzzi.

Castelbrando is also a Municipal House, so the bride and groom can celebrate their wedding here with a civil ceremony or a religious ceremony at the 18th-century Church of San Martino. There are two halls that can host wedding receptions: the Hall of Coats of Arms, dating back to the 16th century, and the Gaia Hall with original 18th-century stuccoes and Venetian-style decorations. Not only weddings at Castelbrando can also be organised for company parties, hen and stag parties or other celebrations thanks to the presence of two restaurants: Sansovino and La Fucina. There are also several bars and wine bars, such as the Lounge Bar Donatello and the Bar- Gelateria artigianale. On summer days it is possible to take advantage of the Garden Bar Orangerie with its panoramic terrace that offers all visitors a breathtaking view.

How to reach Castelbrando

Castelbrando is located in the municipality of Cison di Val Marino, in the province of Treviso. By car, it is easily reached from Venice via the A27 (Venice-Belluno) motorway, exiting at Vittorio Veneto Nord and then taking the road to Follina and Valdobbiadene. After 12 km you reach Cison di Valmarino and in the distance you can see the castle dominating the town from above. Those staying at the hotel can drive up to the top and park in a reserved spot, alternatively other guests can park their car in the car park at the foot of the mountain and take the scenic funicular up to the castle.

The nearest railway station is Conegliano Veneto, which is about 23 km from the castle and can be easily reached from the main cities in Veneto. From Conegliano it is then necessary to take a taxi or ask the Castelbrando staff for a transfer to your destination. The nearest airports are Venice airport, about 70 km away, and Treviso airport, about 50 km away.