Nestled in the heart of the Italian Alps, a short two-hour drive from Venice, South Tyrol (or Alto Adige) is a beautiful region where medieval castles share cliffsides with terraced vineyards.

In a posh residential neighborhood in Bolzano, Castel Hörtenberg honors 700 years of history with contemporary art, refined good taste and a restaurant in a dungeon.

And risk-taking is a big part of South Tyrol.” General manager Stefano Noviello ... Castel Roncolo, or Runkelstein Castle, is the standout in a region full of grand medieval castles.