Nestled between Bolzano and the Oltradige area, Frangarto is dominated by Firmiano Castle
A turn-off from the outskirts of Bolzano leads you to the small village of Frangarto (Frangart) and onwards to Cornaiano. Its landmark, the mighty Firmiano Castle, is visible even from Bolzano. It houses the MMM Firmian, one of Reinhold Messner's mountain museums dedicated to the theme of "The Enchanted Mountain", and is easily reachable on foot from Frangarto.
Another intriguing artwork is located on the wooded hill near the Hochfrangart Manor: The sphere, glittering from afar, is by the artist Karl Nicolussi-Leck and stands on private property. The village centre comprises the neo-Gothic Parish Church of St. Joseph, the village square, the community centre, the kindergarten, and the school. The large area next to the playground belongs to the "Fruma" fruit market which includes also a small grocery store.
The village's name indicates its favourable location near important transport routes: Frangarto was formerly called Fronegarte, meaning the landlord's garden. Among the former landowners were the Counts of Tyrol, the bishops of Trento, the Wilten Abbey at the southern entrance of Innsbruck - Tyrol's oldest monastery - and the Holy Spirit Hospital of Bolzano.
Frangarto is an excellent starting point for active holidaymakers. The Valle dell'Adige Cycle Path runs from here to Merano, and the Oltradige Cycle Path leads to Lake Caldaro. By mountain bike, you can conquer the Passo della Mendola or explore the Monticolo Forest nature reserve. For those arriving by public transport or for excursions to Bolzano, the Firmiano - or Sigmundskron - train station, named after the imposing castle, is located on the edge of the village.
