The castle complex from the late Middle Ages once guarded the route over the Jaufenpass/Passo Giovo. The oldest part, the free-standing keep, is the only remaining structure of the original castle. It was built in the mid-13th century by the Lords of Passeier as a residential tower. All later additions, including several buildings and a defensive wall, began to fall into ruin from the 18th century onwards.
The five-story tower has been beautifully restored and has served as a satellite of the MuseumPasseier since 2003. Each floor hosts small exhibitions about the history of the castle, the "Schildhöfe" farms typical of the Passeiertal Valley, and two influential families: the Lords of Passeier and the Counts Fuchs. These families served as judges, magistrates, and church overseers, shaping life in the valley for centuries. On the fourth floor, visitors are impressed by Renaissance paintings created in 1538 by the well-known artist Bartlme Dill Riemenschneider.
Finally, on the top floor, which offers a stunning view over the entire valley all the way to Merano/Meran, there's an audio station featuring numerous legends surrounding Jaufenburg.
Just below Jaufenburg stands the small Church of the Holy Cross, a delicate late Gothic structure commissioned by the lords of the castle. The frescoes date back to around 1550.
Accessible from the village bridge in St. Leonhard/S. Leonardo via the Gerichtsweg or the "Sonnenrundgang".
Walking time: approx. 30 minutes