Castel Mareccio, or Maretsch Castle as it is also known, is located on the outskirts of the historic centre of Bolzano and lies nestled like a Renaissance residence amidst the green vineyards. In reality, it is a true medieval fortress with its own city walls, main tower, keep and residential palace. At different stages, the Castle has been transformed into a Renaissance manor house. The combination of medieval architecture and Renaissance paintings at Castel Mareccio represents a harmonious blend of two significant epochs in South Tyrolean art.

With its spacious, beautifully frescoed halls and antique furnishings, the Castle offers an ideal setting for conferences, weddings and banquets. The rooms, which are of different sizes and are variously furnished, can easily be adapted to any requirements.

Maretsch Castle is easily accessible either on foot, via the Lungotalvera promenade or the pedestrian streets of the historic centre, or by car, as there is a large public pay car park just outside the castle.

THE HISTORY OF CASTEL MARECCIO

The oldest core, the main tower, was built by Berthold von Bozen, the progenitor of the Maretsch family, in 1194. Over the following centuries, several extension phases took place, including the construction of the surrounding wall in the 13th century. The Bolzano branch of the Mareccio family died out in 1385, and the Castle passed through marriage to the Reifer family. During the time of Christofer Reifer’s ownership, the latter disobeyed Duke Sigismondo ‘il Danaroso’ (who had been given the nickname of ‘The Moneyed One’ due to his significant wealth) and was subsequently imprisoned and obliged to pay a hefty fine, which included ceding the castle and its surroundings to the duke. Sigismondo sold it to the Mezner family in 1476, who in turn sold it on to the Römer family. The most substantial expansion work was commissioned by the Römer family in the mid-16th century. The four towers and the frescoes in the Knights' Hall, the towers and the chapel all date back to that period, as does the moat with the bridge. The creators of the numerous frescoes are unknown, but they can undoubtedly be traced back to the court of Archduke Sigismondo. The themes of the frescoes are both biblical and heraldic.

Through marriage, the Castle passed to the Hendl family, and then in the 17th century, it was first passed to the Stams monastery, then to Guidobaldo di Thun, the Archbishop of Salzburg. The Thun family owned it until 1851, after which it was purchased by Anna Sarnthein, who rented it to the state treasury, when Castel Mareccio became an arms depot for more than half a century.

In more recent years, it became the seat of the State Archives, but the condition of the complex necessitated extensive renovation work in 1930 and 1931.

VISITING THE CASTLE

It is possible to visit the Castle on days when no private events have been scheduled. Please consult the website to check our opening days and times at www.maretsch.info/besucherinfos.

The entrance fee is € 5,00 per person (free of charge under the age of 14 years).