Prince’s Castle Merano

Sigismund, Archduke of Austria, commissioned the construction of the small castle in the second half of the 15th century. He used it as his town residence - the building complex is located behind the town hall in the Old Town of Merano, at the foot of the Monte Benedetto, or Küchelberg.

The complex resembled an elaborately designed, fortified house with light surrounding walls, rather than a fully developed castle. Therefore, the impressive building was often referred to as a stately residence in the past. Until the 16th century, the castle served as a princely residence and even hosted Emperor Maximilian I in 1516. After changing hands several times, it fell into disrepair over the centuries until the municipality of Merano acquired it in 1875. From 1878 to 1880, the castle was meticulously restored according to plans by the internationally renowned architect Friedrich von Schmidt, who also directed the restoration of Vienna's St. Stephen's Cathedral.

Afterwards, it was opened to the public. Today, it houses the Prince's Castle Museum. With its tiled stoves, wood-panelled rooms, chambers, and maiden’s rooms, the building offers an excellent insight into late medieval life and is open almost all year round. The furnishings are from the Gothic and Renaissance periods. Some weapons, such as lances and halberds, have also been preserved. The residence also boasts a chapel with beautiful frescoes from the 16th century.

How to get there: The Prince's Castle (Landesfürstliche Burg) is situated in the centre of Merano. You can reach it via the Via Galilei road or from the Arcades. Several pay-to-park car parks are nearby. Opposite the Prince's Castle, on the Monte Benedetto, the Tappeiner Promenade begins.