Personalities from the region

The Guardian of History

Brunhilde Rossi Agostini

I sit in the "Pflegerstube" of Welsperg Castle, surrounded by the creaking of old wooden beams and the soothing warmth of the fireplace. It feels as though the past centuries are still present within these walls. This room once belonged to the "Pfleger", the castle’s administrator, often the only one who could read and write, overseeing the daily operations of the estate. But today, I am not speaking with a caretaker of the past—I am here with Brunhilde Rossi Agostini, the woman who has shaped the castle into what it is today.

Brunhilde tells me about her childhood, playing in the castle with the children of the last tenant family. "It was our adventure land," she says with a smile. The most exciting place was the tower, which seemed like a forbidden treasure. It was always locked, making it even more intriguing. "But somehow, we always managed to sneak in and climb all the way to the top." As I listen, I can vividly imagine what the castle must have been like back then—abandoned, a little run-down, yet full of secrets.

The Beginning of a New Chapter

When the last tenant family moved out, a new chapter began for Brunhilde. She tells me that even as a child, she felt that "the castle should become a real castle again." So, together with the count and some local residents, she worked to restore it and open it to the public. But the beginning was far from glamorous: dusty walls, empty rooms, and an overwhelming amount of work. "We had to get organized, set priorities, figure out what was feasible and where to start," she recalls with a laugh. "It was hard work, all while balancing a job, a family, and raising children. Finding time for this responsibility was a challenge, because the castle has always carried a great deal of responsibility with it."

But it was worth it. Today, Welsperg Castle shines once more. Alongside regular tours, it hosts carefully curated concerts and art exhibitions. "I always wanted to study art," Brunhilde confesses, "but life took a different turn. So instead, I brought art here, to the castle."

The Spirit of the Place

Listening to her, I realize that the castle is more than just a historical building. It is alive. It breathes through people like Brunhilde, who pour their hearts and souls into it. But there’s also a more mysterious side that fascinates me.

One late afternoon in November, she was alone in the castle, retrieving a document from the archives. "Suddenly, I heard desperate screams—a young man’s voice, coming from outside. I rushed to the entrance gate, opened it… but there was no one. Absolutely no one. A shiver runs down my spine as she continues. "The strange thing wasn’t the screams themselves, but the feeling that the danger was outside, not in the castle. I’ve always felt safe here."

I’m fascinated by Brunhilde’s deep connection to this place – and by the secrets hidden within the old walls. Sometimes, you hear footsteps with no clear source, or windows slam shut even though there’s no breeze. “Wood absorbs everything and gives it back,” she says mysteriously. “Not every sound can be clearly explained.” Whether it’s ghosts or just a marten running through the attic – that remains uncertain. But one thing is sure: it never feels frightening.

Looking to the Future

As the sun sets behind the mountains, casting a golden glow over the castle, Brunhilde shares her vision for the future. She dreams of opening the tower—the one she explored in secret as a child—to the public. "Climbing those 40 meters and taking in the view from the top is an incredible feeling," she says with excitement. Just imagining it is enough to captivate me.

As I leave the castle, her stories linger in my mind—her childhood adventures, the eerie encounters, and her vision for the future. I can’t wait to return and experience the magic of this medieval treasure once again.

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