Firmiano Castle MMM

Overlooking Frangarto, near Bolzano, Firmiano Castle (Schloss Sigmundskron) sits enthroned on a porphyry crag. The extensive complex is one of the largest castle complexes in South Tyrol, and its original name, "Formigar" - from the Latin "formicaria" - is among the oldest known castle names in South Tyrol. The castle is first mentioned under this name around 945 AD. Later, the name changed to "Firmian" - the Italian name for Sigmundskron is still "Firmiano" today.

From 1027 onwards, the complex was owned by the Bishop of Trento. It passed to Sigismund, known as "the Rich in Coin", in 1473. Only then did the castle receive its present name, "Sigmundskron", derived from its crown-like shape (Sigismund's crown). Firmiano Castle is also a political symbol for many South Tyroleans. In 1957, the large public rally "Away from Trento" took place here under Silvius Magnago. The aim of the rally was to demand autonomy for South Tyrol and to protest against the non-compliance with the Paris Treaty. The "White Tower" tells this story.

Since 1996, Firmiano Castle has been owned by the Province of Bolzano. Ten years later, in June 2006, Reinhold Messner opened the MMM Firmian here, one of his Messner Mountain Museums. Firmiano Castle houses the fourth and central building of the museum concept. After extensive renovations, the permanent exhibition "The Enchanted Mountain" now tells the story of the significance of mountains for humankind. How to get there?

You can reach Firmiano Castle via a small road that branches off to the left before Frangarto and leads up the hill to a large car park. From there, the castle is only a few minutes' walk away. Below the castle runs the Oltradige Cycle Path from Bolzano to Appiano and Lake Caldaro.