Explore Appiano Castle near Appiano: a majestic fortress and highlight of the Three Castles Walk
Image gallery: Appiano Castle
Above Missiano, perched on steep cliffs, stands the mighty Appiano Castle (Burg Hocheppan). Its fortified character is particularly impressive, especially its pentagonal keep. Count Ulrich II of Appiano built the fortress between 1125 and 1130 AD. Even then, it was considered one of the most powerful castles in the region. Previously, the counts resided at Altenburg Castle near San Paolo Appiano. However, after a dispute with the Counts of Tyrol, they felt this location was too insecure and chose the steep cliff as their new seat of power.
In 1158, the Counts of Appiano attacked a papal delegation. As a result, Appiano Castle was destroyed during a punitive expedition led by Henry the Lion, but it was soon rebuilt and handed over to the sovereign of Tyrol in 1315. From 1911, the fortress was owned by the Counts of Enzenberg. Later, the Regional Heritage Office renovated the complex. Since 2016, the castle has belonged to the municipality of Appiano. Particularly worth seeing are the unique pentagonal keep and the castle chapel, also known as the "Sistine Chapel of the Alps".
Inside, a fresco cycle awaits, considered among the best preserved in Tyrol. The Romanesque frescoes from the 13th century depict everyday scenes (including the famous dumpling-eater and a hunting scene) from the time the castle was built. The Chalk Tower, known as Kreideturm, located slightly below, also belongs to the complex. The whitewashed tower has been preserved in its original height and is surrounded by a small curtain wall.
Appiano Castle offers a castle tavern and an archery course. How to get there: You can reach it from Missiano in about half an hour on foot. Alternatively, a castle shuttle is available. It is also a highlight of the Three Castles Walk - besides Boymont Castle and Corba Castle.
Contact info
- Via Castel d'Appiano / Hocheppanerweg 16 - 39057 - Missiano Appiano / Missian Eppan
- +39 0471 662206
- hocheppan@eppan.com
Opening times
Despite careful control we cannot guarantee the correctness of the provided data.
Admission
guided castle tour:
€ 6.00 adults
€ 5.00 young people (15-18 years)
€ 5.00 seniors
€ 5.00 students
€ 5.00 people with disabilities
€ 4.00 children (6-14 years)
free for children under 6 years
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family ticket:
€ 16.00 three and more persons
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groups (per person):
€ 5.00 15 and more persons
€ 2.50 school classes (6-19 years)
More information
On Sunday, May 25, 2025, from 10 am to 5 pm, the Appiano Castle Festival will take place. At Appiano Castle and Boymont Castle, you can enjoy a diverse programme of medieval dances, sword fighting, armor displays, interactive workshops, and an exciting jousting tournament.
Appiano Castle, including the chapel, is only accessible as part of a guided tour: The opening hours refer to the castle tour, which is offered from 11 am to 4 pm at every full hour. The art history tour of the chapel is available on the half hour until 4.30 pm.
Special tours for larger groups or outside these times are available upon request. The tours are conducted in English, German, and Italian.
The courtyard with the castle tavern is freely accessible: The tavern is open from 10 am to 6 pm, serving hot food from 11 am to 3.30 pm, Wednesday rest day. The menu focuses on dumplings. Reservations can be made by calling +39 333 6698212.
Appiano Castle and the castle tavern stay open every year from April to early November, rest days depend on the season. They remain closed in winter. Season start 2025 on April 5.
