Trauttmansdorff Castle and Gardens, Meran, Italy

The origins of Trauttmansdorff Castle go all the way back to the Middle Ages. The structure was first documented in 1300 as Neuberg Castle. The medieval walls are still visible on the southwest side, and the crypt dates from that period. The fresco room has also been preserved from the Renaissance period.

In the mid-19th century, Count Joseph von Trauttmansdorff bought the dilapidated building and renovated it using neo-Gothic elements. Trauttmansdorff Castle is thus Tyrol’s earliest example of a neo-Gothic castle. The next owner, Baron Friedrich von Deuster raised the east wing of the castle one level by adding the grand Rococo Hall in 1899, significantly altering the shape of the castle. The castle, which had been neglected after the world wars, was renovated again between 2000 and 2003: the siding, chapel, crypt, Rococo Hall, and Empress Elisabeth’s second floor living quarters have all been restored to their former splendor.

The gardens were initially laid out circa 1850 by Count Trauttmansdorff during the castle's restoration. Empress Elisabeth of Austria was a frequent visitor to Meran and the gardens. A bronze bust in her memory was placed in the gardens after her assassination in Geneva in 1898.

References:

Die Gärten von Schloss Trauttmansdorff

Castles and fortifications in Italy

User Reviews

Hebatallah Atef (6 months ago)
Very nice walks and views, the flowers weren't so special (I visited in mid October).

Matteo Zampatti (7 months ago)
An afternoon in the park. Really relaxing and amazing views of different habitats and landscapes.

Joël Grandchamp (7 months ago)
Amazingly done gardens. You can actually feel the difference in the air inbetween the different simulated botanical zones. Despite the heat walking around was very comfy because most of the paths are in the shadows. My highlight was the garden for people in love. Beautiful combination of art and flowers. Also the two viewpoints that are in the gardens are very well worth the walk up there. There are also a few animals to see. The voliere was especially nice. Understandably a few attractions are closed because of covid - still a shame - but entrance fees for 2020 were lowered because of it.

Alex van Hooijdonk (8 months ago)
A lot of biodiversity, it makes this place quite unique and it has amazing viewing spots.

Maria Bond (8 months ago)
Beautiful plants and flowers from all over the world. Some fun things for kids including wading pool, little labyrinth, adventure bridge. Many places are not wheelchair or stroller accessible, including the picnic area (we went anyway because we had to eat and they didn't tell us when we entered; it's up a steep ramp).

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