Castel Firmiano stands on a hill of porphyritic rock on the confluence of the Adige and Isarco rivers south of Bolzano. With walls up to 5m wide, it is one of the oldest examples of defensive architecture in South Tyrol.
The earliest historical mentions date to around 945 and refer to Castel Firmiano as "Formicaria". In 1027 the complex was used as the seat for the administrative officials responsible for the territory and the highest court assemblies. It was enlarged in the 12th and 13th centuries. In around 1473, the castle became property of Sigismund of Austria, prince of Tyrol, who expanded it again. Soon, however, he had to let it go because of economic problems, thereby decreeing its slow decline.
Renovated between 2001 and 2006, Castel Firmiano today houses one of the five Messner Mountain Museums, showcasing man's relationship with the mountains. The exhibition itinerary winds between the Sciliar massif and the Tessa group outside, and art, installations and found artefacts inside.
IDM Film Fund & Commission — Alto Adige
Via del Macello, 73 — 39100 Bolzano
Phone: +39 0471 094 294
Email: luisa.giuliani@idm-suedtirol.com
