Firmiano Castle MMM

In the south-west of Bolzano, above Frangarto, there is Firmiano Castle - "Schloss Sigmundskron" in German, "Castel Firmiano" in Italian -, sitting enthroned on the back of a mountain. It is one of the largest castles of the region: Its original name "Formigar" dates from the Latin "formicaria", which is one of the oldest castle names of South Tyrol. It has been mentioned for the first time in 945 AD and later on changed into "Firmian". Since 1027, the building was in possession of the Bishops of Trento, in 1473 it changed hands and was passed to Sigismund, Archduke of Austria and territorial lord of Tyrol. Only then the castle received the German name "Sigmungskron" - this name as well as the form of the castle complex reminds the owner ("Crown of Sigismund").

Moreover this castle is a political symbol for many inhabitants of South Tyrol, as in 1957 the historical event "Los von Trient" was held in this place. This was a huge manifestation with participation of Silvius Magnago, calling for autonomy and protesting against the non compliance of the Agreement of Paris. Since 1996, Firmiano Castle is in possession of the Province of Bolzano.

In June 2006, Reinhold Messner inaugurated the Messner Mountain Museum MMM Firmian in the castle. It gives an insight into the importance and significance of mountains for humans with the permanent exhibition "The enchanted mountain". The so-called "White Tower", however, is dedicated to the history of the castle and the struggle for the autonomy of South Tyrol. And how to reach Firmiano Castle? A small road takes you from Frangarto up the hill where a large parking space is located (subject to charge). From there, in a few minutes walk you reach the castle gate. Beneath it, the Oltradige Cycle Path leads from Bolzano to Appiano and to Lake Caldaro.