Castles and palaces in the spa resort Merano
Not for nothing the neighbourbood of Merano is called Burggrafenamt. Enthusiats of fortresses and palaces will find a huge number of such well preserved castles and palaces, which can be visited too.
Landesfürstliche Burg in Merano
The Landesfürstliche Burg at Galileistrasse behind the town hall of Merano houses a museum. The castle is often being used for weddings.
The Landesfürstliche Burg is more of an estate than a castle, it was used as the town domicile of Archduke Sigismund dem Münzreichen ("rich in coins"). In the 16th century it served the sovereign of Tyrol as seat of administration, afterwards it dilapidated noticeably.
The construction presumably dates back to the 2nd half of the 15th century, it should have been dismantled in 1875. However, the buildung was renovated, restoring it back to its original gothic style. Today the Landesfürstliche Burg houses a museum.
Castle Rametz in Merano
Already in 1227 the historic estate was documented. Later on the castle resulted from the winery mentioned in the document.
Even today Castle Rametz has a vineyard. Furthermore, it houses a winegrowing museum. And of course, while visiting the castle it is also possible to taste the wine pressed at the premises.
Trauttmansdorff Castle in Merano
In 1300 Castle Neuberg had been documened for the first time. In the 16th century it had then been extended by the aristocrat family Trauttmansdorff, who bought it in 1543.
The castle, as it can be seen today, had been erected out of the ruins of the fortress in the 19th century. Parts of the “old fortress”, like the crypt and some walls of the fortress are still preserved.
Trauttmansdorff Castle became famous due to the Austrian Empress Elisabeth’s stays at the health resort Merano. The Empress, generally known as “Empress Sissi”, then chose the castle for her accommodation.
Trauttmansdorff Castle houses also the South Tyrolean Museum of Tourism.
Especially worthwile seeing is the botanical garden around the castle. It is open from 1. April till 15. November and offers a special kind of museum scencery. Allow yourself a few hours and explore more than 60 different garden worlds!
Concerts, theatre performances or wine tastings take place during summer and autumn in the botanical garden.
- Left: Castle Trauttmansdorff with its botanical garden of Merano became famous due to the Austrian Empress “Sissi’s” stay at the health resort in 1870.
- Centre: The botanical garden of Merano is every gardener’s dream. Take some time to stroll through the marvellous garden landscape.
- Right: Castle Goyen can be seen on the route from Merano to Schenna and is one of the oldest fortresses in the vicinity of Merano.
More castles & palaces in Merano
More castles, palaces and estates can be found in Merano itself, which emphasises the historic importance of Merano as seat of administration till the Tyrolean sovereigns moved to Innsbruck in 1420. Below some examples:
- Castle Pienzenau, Pienzenauweg 6
- Castle Rundegg, Schennastraße 2
- Zeno Castle at the beginning of the Tappeiner promenade above the Gilfschlucht
- Castle Goyan at the Goyenweg along the slopes of the Naif valley
- Castle Fragburg, Fragsburg Strasse 3
- Castle Fragburg, Christomannosstraße 38
- Castle Planta at the corner Plantastrasse / Schönblickstrasse
- Castle Katzenstein above Merano’s district Sinich, at Katzenssteinstrasse
These ancient buildings characterise the townscape of Merano, especially the district Obermais, where many castles can be found. Some of the castles have been adapted to hotels, where you can spend a very special holiday in Merano.
