Appiano Castle Festival / Burgfest Eppan

A dive into the Middle Ages above the Wine Road

The Appiano Castle Festival (in German Burgfest Eppan) is one of the most beloved events on the calendar of Appiano sulla strada del vino (Eppan an der Weinstraße), in the heart of the Bassa Atesina, in the province of Bolzano and the Trentino-Alto Adige region. For one day, the two fortresses perched on the Missiano plateau, Castel d'Appiano (Hocheppan) and Castel Boymont, return to the atmosphere of the Middle Ages, complete with knights, ladies, artisans, and horses.

The Knights of Andriano

The heart of the festival is the Knights of Andriano company, which offers continuous performances at Castel d'Appiano throughout the event. The program alternates between refined dances inspired by the past, demonstrations and explanations of medieval armor, thrilling sword duels, and a highly anticipated equestrian tournament featuring mounted knights. The castle's setting, with its pentagonal tower and famous Romanesque chapel, makes every scene even more immersive.

For families and children

The Castle Festival is designed as an event for the whole family. Children can enjoy creative workshops where they can craft wooden medieval jewelry and participate in a children's tournament to test their courage and dexterity, becoming little knights for a day. Activities run on a rotating schedule throughout the day.

Gastronomy at Castel Boymont

A short distance away, Castel Boymont welcomes visitors with its tavern: here, you can savor hearty rustic dishes paired with wines from the Appiano area, one of the most renowned wine-growing regions in South Tyrol, all in a medieval atmosphere that completes the experience.

Two castles, one heritage

Castel d'Appiano, built around 1130, houses one of the best-preserved cycles of frescoes in Tyrol in its Romanesque chapel, earning it the nickname "Sistine Chapel of the Alps": among the scenes, the famous dumpling eater stands out, the first known depiction of the typical South Tyrolean dish. Castel Boymont, nearby, is a charming ruin nestled in the woods. Together, they form part of the so-called "castle triangle" of Appiano, an ideal destination for a walk through history with views over the Adige Valley and the Dolomites.

How to experience the day

The event, organized by the Appiano Tourist Association, is easily accessible thanks to a free shuttle service and various bus lines, as parking at the foot of the castles is limited. A perfect trip to combine history, nature, good food, and fun just a stone's throw from Bolzano.