Tyrolese Architecture , II 
pile of rock overlooking several valleys, for 
they had a watch tower there long before 
Runkelstein itself was reared. In 1237 
history begins to relate the vicissitudes of 
the present budding. It was then that the 
Bishop of Trent gave permission to build 
the castle to Sir Frederick and Beral, sons of 
Adalpera of Wanga, under condition that 
the house should always be open to the 
bishops of that city. It had stood but fifty 
years, however, when it was taken by the 
violence of Meinhard and left a ruin. 
Having reverted to the see of Trent it was 
given about the year 1390 as a feudal tenure 
to the brothers Niklas and Franz Vintler of 
Botzen. By these lords Runkelstein was 
22 
