Prince’s Castle Merano

Sigismund, Archduke of Austria, had this modest castle - "Landesfürstliche Burg Meran" in German, "Castello Principesco Merano" in Italian - built in central location of Merano in the second half of the 15th century. He probably used this fortress behind the town hall, at the foot of Mt. Benedetto, as his private town 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 finally, the spa town 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 in the old town of Merano was opened also to 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. And how to reach it? It is located in the centre of the spa town, with access from Via Galilei road or from the Arcades of Merano. There are also some parking lots in the surroundings. Right in front of the castle, the Tappeiner Promenade starts.