Prince’s Castle Merano

In 1470 a charming castle was built at the bottom of Monte Benedetto and at the heart of Merano's city centre, with the aim to serve as a residence to Sigismund, Archduke of Austria. For a long time, the building was the administrative seat of the Counts of Tyrol. The Prince's Castle Merano also welcomed a number of illustrious guests, among them Emperor Maximilian I and the family of Ferdinand I of Austria.

In the 19th century the castle went to the Princes of Thurn and Taxis, soon after they sold it to the municipality of Merano. It was planned to turn into a school, but after many protests the building was restored from plans by the international known architect Friedrich von Schmidt. Since 1880 the Prince's Castle Merano is publicly accessible.

With its chambers, maid's rooms and parlours the Prince's Castle Museum is the ideal place to study life in late medieval times. A bygone era is brought back to life with furniture from everyday life, kitchen tools, ceramic stoves, frescoes, musical instruments and weapons. Wonderful: those who are married by the registrar in Merano can choose between the community hall or the romantic Prince's Castle.