Appiano Castle

In raised position at the top of a steep rock face above Missiano near Appiano, Appiano Castle - "Schloss Hocheppan" in German, "Castel d'Appiano" in Italian - towers into the sky. The defensive character of Castel d'Appiano is referable to the majestic pentagonal donjon. The castle was built between 1125 and 1130 by Ulrich II, Count of Appiano, and already in these days this castle has been considered to be one of the most majestic all over. The owners of the castle first had been living in Castelvecchio at San Paolo. Due to the fact that after a conflict with the Counts of Tyrol the Counts of Appiano felt unease, they changed residence and settled onto the rough rock.

In 1158, the Counts of Appiano mugged a pontifical delegation and the castle was destroyed by a punitive expedition under the rule of Henry the Lion. Soon after, Appiano Castle was rebuilt and in 1315 it was handed over to the Counts of Tyrol. Various families were enfeoffed with this mansion. From 1911, Appiano Castle was in possession of the Earls of Enzenberg. In the years between 1964 and 1967 the mansion was overhauled by the Provincial Antiquities and Monuments Office. In 2016, however, the municipality of Appiano bought the castle.

Particular worth to be visited is the unique pentagonal donjon and the chapel, inside which there is a fresco cycle which is one of the best preserved all over Tyrol. The Roman frescos dating back to the 13th century illustrate 13 motifs of tradition (someone eating dumplings, haunting scenes) of the time in which the castle has been built. Also the tower located slightly below is part of the complex of Appiano Castle. The very high, white calcimined "Kreideturm" (Chalk Tower) has been preserved in its original height and is surrounded by a little circular wall. Inside this castle there is a castle tavern. And how to reach Appiano Castle? From the parking space at Missiano the hiking trail leads in half an hour to the castle, alternatively there's also a castle shuttle service.