Prince’s Castle

Meran, Italy

Sigismund, Archduke of Austria, had this modest castle (Landesfürstliche Burg) built in central location of Meran in the second half of the 15th century. He probably used this fortress behind the town hall as his private city residence. However, this ensemble of buildings rather resembles an artistically designed, solid building with low enclosure than a fully-developed castle. For this reason it is simply often referred to as “residence”.

Up to the 16th century the Prince’s Castle remained a royal residence. In 1516 also Maximilian I, Holy Roman Emperor, resided in the castle. As the building repeatedly changed hands, it started deteriorating in the course of the centuries. In 1875 the city of Merano purchased the building. Between 1878 and 1880 a restoration period followed, based on the drawings of the internationally famous architect Friedrich von Schmidt, who also directed the renovations of the Dome of Vienna. When these renovations came to an end, the castle was opened also for the public. Today it hosts the Prince’s Castle Museum.

Its wood-panelled ancient parlours, tiled stoves, bedrooms and maiden rooms provide an interesting insight into the life in Mediaeval times. The furniture, however, dates back to the Gothic and Renaissance periods. Also some weapons such as lances and halberds have been preserved. Moreover there is a little chapel decorated with frescoes dating back to the 16th century.

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Details

Founded: 15th century
Category: Castles and fortifications in Italy

More Information

www.suedtirolerland.it

Rating

4.8/5 (based on Google user reviews)

User Reviews

Dirkje Abma (10 months ago)
Great experience, fantastic variety of flowers and colours and the aroma and smell was heavenly. Nice walk, almost everything is accessible with a walker. Really loved it.
Lucian Oniscu (11 months ago)
Wonderful place to spend time. Alone or with the family, there is an endless things to see and to do, to get some refreshment or just to relax somewhere. Absolutely worth the €16 ticket (and €5/day parking). Higly recommended.
Noa Schwarzwald- Plesner (2 years ago)
The most beautiful botanical gardens that I've ever seen in my life. We spent almost 4.5 hours admiring it. My kids were thrilled since there are a lot of interesting things there for kids alongside the gardens. I strongly recommend visiting there, just make sure you have extra time. There is also a tourist museum there (inside the castle), unfortunately due to a lack of time and a wonderful weather,we prefer to visit the gardens and not visit the museum.
Michael Blok (2 years ago)
This place is so awesome I don't even want to write a review about it, it might make it busier in this era of overtourism. But anyway: this garden is too beautiful to be true: the location in the Alps, the hilly terrain of the park, and the variety of plants and flowers and artwork. Usually it's sunny here which really helps. We were here in late October which was perfect. Walking around is not really doable for people who don't walk well. Parking is easy, there's also a bus to the station and it's an easy detour from the Brenner tollway.
David naftalis (2 years ago)
Just great. Nice to walk around to enjoy the flowers and trees but also the waterfall and ponds, terraces, and viewpoints above the valley. Also an aviary and some mountain goats and green house with unique species. Lovely and recommended to the whole family.
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