Maretsch Castle

Bolzano, Italy

Maretsch Castle (Castel Mareccio) is a picturesque 13th century castle surrounded by vineyards. The oldest tower of the castle has been built in 1194 by Berthold von Maretsch - according to documents he was a commissary of the Lords of Tyrol and lawyer in Bolzano. In the beginning there was only the massive donjon, which can still be seen today.

In the 13th and 14th century different owners kept amplifying the castle complex. Also the defensive corridor and the crenellations date back to these times. In 1477 Sigmund Römer purchased the complex. The Römer family started rebuilding the castle, changing the medieval complex into a Renaissance building between 1560 and 1570. Four round towers were added in the course of these works which lasted for several decades. Also frescos were commissioned illustrating philosophers of these days.

In the 1980s the building has been restored but is no longer inhabited. Today this castle is merely venue for fairs, concerts, weddings and various other events. From the old town of Bolzano, capital city of the province of South Tyrol, you can reach Castel Mareccio within a few minutes’ walk.

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Founded: 1194
Category: Castles and fortifications in Italy

Rating

4.3/5 (based on Google user reviews)

User Reviews

Miza069 (4 years ago)
Nice view
MAURIZIO COPPO (4 years ago)
You can take all the time you need for a self guided tour, with the pamphlet on which you can read the descriptions of all the castle.
B H (BH) (5 years ago)
Great castle tour. Beautiful location. Friendly people. Worth it!
Dawid Kowalski (5 years ago)
Best place in bolzano for me =)
Paffycat (5 years ago)
A neat little castle with gorgeous wallpapers. I didn't know you need a book a tour to actually get in but I ended up getting in anyways. My major complaint about this place is that all the descriptions in the castle itself are all in either German or Italian. So either you know one of the two languages or you won't know what's going on. Also the restrooms look like they're straight out of a spaceship.
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