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On a vast rocky promontory stands Sigmundskron Castle (Firmiano Castle), one of the oldest defensive buildings in all of South Tyrol!
There are traces of this fascinating castle, born as a Longobard fortress, as far back as 956.
Perched in a suggestive position, at the confluence of the Adige and Isarvo rivers, the Castle dominates Bolzano and the surrounding area.
It offers a panoramic visit from the Adige valley, the peaks of the Tessa group, the Ötztal and the majestic Sciliar.
Today, very few elements remain of the ancient fortress, but it remains one of the attractions not to be missed on holiday in Bolzano, as well as one of the most expensive places for South Tyroleans. Right here, in 1957, tens of thousands of people gathered to claim autonomy from Trento.
Since 2006 it has housed the Messner Mountain Museum (MMM), an extraordinary museum circuit, created by the famous South Tyrolean climber Messner. The project brings together six museums scattered in the central-eastern Alps.
PRACTICAL INFO
HOW TO GET
By car, take the Bolzano Sud exit via the A22 motorway and follow the signs for Sigmundskron Castle.
With the Bolzano-Merano highway, exit at Appiano and follow the signs for Cornaiano.
Parking costs €3.00
From Bolzano, by train, get off at the Ponte Adige stop (Bolzano-Merano line). From here, on foot, you arrive at your destination in about 20 minutes, along path 1.
Keep in mind that to get to the castle you have to climb numerous stairs.
WHAT TO SEE
The itinerary runs clockwise around the central cliff of the Castle. You can admire the symbols of the Alps, such as the 10th century chapel, and symbols of the Himalayas.
In the White Tower (Weißer Turm) there is a small museum of contemporary history.
The numerous ups and downs offer panoramic views and truly suggestive glimpses.
An arena capable of hosting conferences, exhibitions and concerts was also built in the castle.
There is also a bar and restaurant inside.
TIMETABLES AND TICKETS SIGMUNDSKRON CASTLE
The Castle and the Museum are open from Friday to Wednesday, starting from the third Sunday of March until the second Sunday of November, from 10:00 to 18:00.
Closed every Thursday and from mid-November to mid-March.
The standard ticket costs 13€. Reduced for children from 6 to 18 years, €5.
Students and over 65 pay €11.
A family ticket is also available for 2 adults and 2 children, at a total cost of €29.
Children under 6 enter for free, accompanied by a paying adult.