Zumelle Castle is located in the municipality of Borgo Valbelluna in the province of Belluno, more precisely in the locality of Tiago. From the top of the hill overlooking the Terche stream, the best-preserved castle in the entire Valbelluna has a rich and varied historical and cultural heritage that has much to say to its visitors.
Zumelle Castle is open to the public and offers a tour of around one hour, during which you can explore various rooms, the tower house with the apothecary's shop, the medieval bedroom, the banquet and kitchen, the scriptorium, the Church of San Lorenzo, the museum area and the military shed. Throughout the year, the castle organises numerous events for young and old, including jester shows, themed workshops, nature and sports activities and themed events.
For an authentic experience, the castle offers three rooms furnished in medieval style. In addition, Zumelle Castle is a dream location for weddings in an atmospheric and historic setting.
To receive information on Zumelle Castle and scheduled events, please fill out the information request at this link
The history of Zumelle Castle
The history of the Castle of Zumelle in the Valbelluna dates back to Roman times (46-47 A.D.) when the tower, moat and palisades were built. Thanks to its highly strategic position, they were intended to act as a fortification to control the military road Claudia Augusta Altinate.
During the period of the barbarian invasions, Zumelle Castle became the main point of reference in the area between Belluno, Feltre and Ceneda for the local defence against foreign incursions, thus increasing its importance as a "crossroads" between the three areas.
Throughout the Middle Ages, the intricate events surrounding the Castle of Zumelle involved emperors, bishops and popes: continuous struggles and disputes between the people of Treviso and Belluno that slowly brought the castle to ruin. In 1311 it was rebuilt, thanks to the intervention of Henry VII of Luxembourg, but was used as a residence by a small number of soldiers. Excluded from fundamental historical events and disputes, Zumelle Castle lost its original prestige.
After three centuries of rule by the Zorzi Counts, lords of Mel, at the beginning of the 19th century the new owners of the fortress - the powerful Venetian Gritti family - sold the ancient structure to the municipality of Mel for 16,000 lire.
In the second half of the 20th century, Zumelle Castle was restored and completely renovated in 1999.
What to do around Zumelle Castle in every season
The Belluno area is the ideal destination for sports enthusiasts, offering a wide range of activities all year round. In winter, skiing is king: the ski areas of Cortina, Arabba-Marmolada with the Sellaronda ski tour, Falcade-San Pellegrino, Auronzo-Misurina, Civetta and Nevegal offer slopes for every level, with ski schools available for beginners and advanced skiers. There are also several trails for snowshoeing and ski mountaineering, 360 km of cross-country skiing trails, snow playgrounds for families and ice stadiums for ice skating and playing hockey.
During the summer, you can go hiking at high altitude, climbing, cycling along the Dolomites cycle path from Calalzo di Cadore to Dobbiaco, MTB tours along the Sellaronda (the famous four-pass tour), horse riding in the various stables available in the area, walks around the lakes of Alleghe and Misurina, rafting on the Boite, Caorame and Cordevole torrents, windsurfing or kitesurfing at Lake Santa Croce. The Alpago is also perfect for mountain biking, with routes around Chies and Lamosano, and for paragliding from Mount Dolada.
Blue Grotto: the hidden jewel
The walk to discover the Blue Grotto, a turquoise-coloured treasure chest set in the woods of the Valbelluna, begins at Zumelle Castle. It takes about 20/30 minutes on foot to reach the destination.
See also the Blue Grotto di Mel itinerary.
Opening hours and prices
Zumelle Castle is open:
Tuesday - Sunday and public holidays all day long.
Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Friday, Saturday and Sunday from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m.
Full € 8.00
Residents of the municipality of Borgo Valbelluna € 4.00 with presentation of identity document
Reduced € 3.00 for children 2-8 years (not completed)
Reduced 7.00 euro for children 8-18 years (not completed)
Free for children 0-2 years (not yet turned)
Groups of more than 20 people € 7.00
Members of the police force 7.00
Disabled persons 5.00 euro
Reduced price € 7.00 for over 65
University students and journalists € 7.00 upon presentation of badge
Night parking camper van area € 10.00
Tavern hours
On Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays the tavern will open subject to reservations for groups of at least 10 people.
Fridays, Saturdays, Sundays and public holidays
Open from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m.
During the summer period, opening hours may be subject to change and there may be special openings.
How to get there
The castle is located in the municipality of Mel on the "Sinistra Piave" road between Belluno and Feltre.
Coming from the plain (Province of Treviso, Padua, Vicenza) at the big crossroads before the Ponte di Busche you turn right, signposted Belluno, and continue along the state road "Sinistra Piave". Shortly after the village of Lentiai, a sign on the right indicates the village of Villa di Villa and the Castle of Zumelle.
Coming from Belluno, take the "Sinistra Piave" road as far as the municipality of Mel, where a sign indicates Villa di Villa on the left and then Castello di Zumelle.
After the village of Villa di Villa continue for a couple of kilometres until you come to a fork where you can see the small church of San Donato, turn left and descend briefly to the large car park.
For further information
Castello di Zumelle
Via San Donà 4
2026 Mel (Belluno)
Tel.: (+39) 0437 548122 / (+39) 339 8437269
