Maretsch Castle (Castel Mareccio) is a picturesque 13th century castle surrounded by vineyards. The oldest tower of the castle has been built in 1194 by Berthold von Maretsch - according to documents he was a commissary of the Lords of Tyrol and lawyer in Bolzano. In the beginning there was only the massive donjon, which can still be seen today.
In the 13th and 14th century different owners kept amplifying the castle complex. Also the defensive corridor and the crenellations date back to these times. In 1477 Sigmund Römer purchased the complex. The Römer family started rebuilding the castle, changing the medieval complex into a Renaissance building between 1560 and 1570. Four round towers were added in the course of these works which lasted for several decades. Also frescos were commissioned illustrating philosophers of these days.
In the 1980s the building has been restored but is no longer inhabited. Today this castle is merely venue for fairs, concerts, weddings and various other events. From the old town of Bolzano, capital city of the province of South Tyrol, you can reach Castel Mareccio within a few minutes’ walk.
References:The Temple of Edfu is one of the best preserved ancient shrines in Egypt. It was built in the Ptolemaic Kingdom between 237 and 57 BC.
Edfu was one of several temples built during the Ptolemaic Kingdom, including the Dendera Temple complex, Esna, the Temple of Kom Ombo, and Philae. Its size reflects the relative prosperity of the time. The present temple initially consisted of a pillared hall, two transverse halls, and a barque sanctuary surrounded by chapels. The building was started during the reign of Ptolemy III Euergetes and completed in 57 BC under Ptolemy XII Auletes. It was built on the site of an earlier, smaller temple also dedicated to Horus, although the previous structure was oriented east–west rather than north–south as in the present site.