On the banks of the Piave River, in Ponte nelle Alpi, stands an imposing building that, with its crenellated towers and dominant position over the gorge, evokes medieval atmospheres.
We are talking about the Bortoluzzi Castle, a building that, despite its ancient appearance, dates back to the early 20th century. Built in the early 20th century on behalf of the Ciga hotel chain, the castle was later purchased by the Venetian nobleman Bortoluzzi who transformed it into his summer residence. Its location, on the edge of the Piave gorge, made it an ideal place to enjoy the tranquility and beauty of the surrounding landscape. After a period of neglect, the castle underwent a careful restoration that preserved its original features and returned it to its former glory.
The building is distinguished by its complex structure, with crenellated towers extending over several levels and circular corner turrets. The openings, with their varied shapes (double lancet windows, triple lancet windows, and pointed single lancet windows), contribute to creating a suggestive and mysterious atmosphere. The entire complex is made of exposed stone and the openings have brick frames, a detail that underlines the attention to detail and care with which the building was constructed. The garden, located on the west side, is a true gem. It houses a kind of "ruins" arrangement with columns, round arches, and triple lancet windows, creating a romantic and suggestive atmosphere. A crenellated wall surrounds the garden, from which a staircase leads down to the river.
A bridge between past and present A short distance from the castle, there is the Piave Bridge, an engineering work of great historical interest. Built in 1871, the bridge was destroyed in 1917 by the retreating Italian army to prevent the advance of Austrian troops and rebuilt in its current form.
The Bortoluzzi Castle and the Piave Bridge are two fundamental stops for those who wish to discover the beauties of the territory of Ponte nelle Alpi. Their history, their architecture, and their panoramic position make them unique and fascinating destinations.
