The Allure of history and beauty
Maretsch Castle
... at the green heart of Bolzano
Surrounded by lush greenery and stonewalled vineyards, just a few steps from the vibrant heart of Bolzano, Maretsch Castle is the ideal setting for events such as conferences, weddings, congresses, corporate functions, and much more.
The castle combines the charm of a Renaissance palace with the facilities of a modern event venue.
Events
Events
Organise your event
Thanks to its impressive variety of event spaces, its flexible capacity, its modern technical facilities and the enchanting setting, Bolzano’s Maretsch Castle is perfectly suited to hosting a wide range of events. The evocative surroundings make it the ideal location for large events, such as corporate gatherings and artistic or musical performances, as well as being perfectly suited for a dream wedding or even an intimate gathering with close friends.
Programme
Programme
What happens at Mareccio Castle…
Every year, Maretsch Castle hosts numerous public events and exhibitions. Dynamic and much-loved events such as the wine exhibition and craft beer festival, as well as the Marry Me exhibition: a fair dedicated to couples planning to tie the knot, showcasing new wedding trends. Innovative events such as Game Ground and The Thousand and One Sciences have been drawing families and visitors both young and young-at-heart since 2021.
History
History
Historical overview
The castle, which was first mentioned in the 13th century, was owned by the "di Mareccio" family until the mid-15th century, when it became the property of the Römer family. A period of building work and expansion followed, transforming the medieval castle into an elegant Renaissance residence which, during the reformation, became a focal point for nobles who had embraced Protestantism. Following several more changes of ownership, the castle was finally purchased by the local tourism board in 1974, which transformed the structure into a conference centre.
Since 2007, the castle has been managed by the Castles of Bolzano Foundation.
Curious? Read this!
Mosé cornuto
Throughout history, artistic representations of Moses have often depicted him as sporting horns. Curiously, this portrayal stems from a translation error: when the Old Testament was translated from Hebrew, which does not use vowels, into Latin, the word ‘coronata’ (crowned) was mistakenly interpreted as "cornuta" (horned). From the sixteenth century onwards, the church has prohibited such representations.
Peter Spetsker
The mysterious figure ‘Peter Spetsker’ seen in the castle’s wonderful frescoes is a disguised representation of the humanist Pietro Speziale of Cittadella (1478-1553). Speziale was a Protestant reformer who was arrested by the Holy Inquisition in 1543 and imprisoned for eight years.
Lukas Römer, the patron of the frescoes in the castle, was a Protestant who, due to his prominent position in Tyrolean society, had to practise his faith in secret, hence the subterfuge.
God, give me patience!
Allegorical representations of the cardinal virtues and theological virtues can be found in the Römer Hall. Included among the collection of classic virtues is an extra virtue, that of Patientia, or patience. Lukas Römer, the patron of the frescoes, was indeed compelled, due to his Calvinist sympathies, to tolerate much hostility during his life, thus requiring much patience.
Pyramus e Thisbe
In the loggia of Maretsch Castle, visitors can admire a representation of the myth of Pyramus and Thisbe. This love story which features in Ovid’s Metamorphoses, tells the tragic tale of two star crossed Babylonian lovers forbidden by their families to marry. The story has often been a source of inspiration for artists and writers, the most famous of whom is Shakespeare, who used it as the model for his play Romeo and Juliet, and who included a rustic performance of the tragedy as an element of A Midsummer Night's Dream.
Sator Arepo
Examples of the so-called Magic Square have been found in various parts of the world, with the oldest example, found in Pompeii, dating back to before 79 AD. Countless attempts have been made to understand its true meaning yet it is still not known exactly whether it is a prayer, a blessing, a curse, or something completely different.
Information
Information
Visitor Information
Maretsch Castle can be visited by the public subject to the calendar of events taking place there. For this reason, specific dates when the castle in Bolzano is open to visitors are updated on a monthly basis.
