Mareccio Castle, Bolzano, Italy

Mareccio Castle is located in the town of Bolzano, in the historic center, in a position which makes it a residence, rather then a defense construction.

The oldest part the main tower, was built by Berthold von Bozen founder of the Maretsch family in 1194. In   the XIV century Paul Berthold Maretsch administered justice in Bolzano. In the following centuries were followed several stages of expansion, including the construction of the boundary wall.

The branch of Bolzano Mareccio became extinct in 1835, passing the branch of Naturno and Hence by marriage to the Reifer family. When it was owned by Christopher Reifer they disobeyed the Duke Sigismund rich in coins and was therefore imprisoned and forced to pay a fine which included the sale of the Duke’s castle and its surroundings sold it to Menzer ( 1476), who in turn sold it to the Romer.

The most substantial extension was built right from the Romer family in the mid sixth century: the other four towers and frescoes in the hall of knights, towers and  chapel date from this  period, as well as the moat boundary with the bridge.The authors of numerous frescoes are unknown, but they are certainly related to the court of Archduke Sigismund. The themes of the frescoes are biblical, but also arms.  Also in recognition of this work, the Romer was granted the title of barons by Archduke Ferdinand II of Austria. Passed by marriage to the Hendl, the castle in the 17th century passed before the convent of Stams, then Guidobaldo of Thun, Archbishop of Salzburg.

The thun owned it until 1851, bought by Anna Sarnthein. This rent it to the Treasury and Mareccio Castle became for over half a century armory.

After the annexation to Italy became the set of the State, but the state of the building was such that it necessitated a major restructuring. in the eighties the Archive was moved elsewhere. the company then acuqired residence and tourism Bolzano and made it home, after a careful and extensive restoration of the frescoes that both structures, conventions, exhibitions and events.

On the wall of tower of Mareccio castle is the Satorsymbol of the roman Empire