Sigmundskron Castle by sandra46
Close
Hover over top left image to zoom.
Click anywhere to exit.
Members remain the original copyright holder in all their materials here at Renderosity. Use of any of their material inconsistent with the terms and conditions set forth is prohibited and is considered an infringement of the copyrights of the respective holders unless specially stated otherwise.
Description
Sigmundskron Castle (German: Schloss Sigmundskron, Italian: Castel Firmiano, from the Firmian family) is an extensive castle and set of fortifications near Bozen/Bolzano in South Tyrol. The first historical mention of the castle, under the name Formicaria (later Formigar), dates back to AD 945. In 1027 Emperor Conrad II transferred it to the Bishop of Trent. In the 12th century it was given to ministeriales, those unfree knights who made up a large majority of German knighthood during that time.
Around 1473 the Prince of Tyrol, Duke Sigismund the Rich, bought the castle, renamed it Sigmundskron (Sigmund's Crown)Castle and had it developed to withstand firearms. Of the old castle of Formigar there are only a few remnants left today, mostly located on the highest point of the site. Due to financial difficulties Sigmund had to pledge the castle soon afterwards. As a result the site fell increasingly into disrepair. From the end of the 18th century the castle changed aristocratic hands, until in 1976, the half-ruined castle was partially restored by an innkeeper's family and opened as a restaurant. In 1996 the castle passed into the possession of the Province of Bolzano. In the spring of 2003, after much controversy, the South Tyrolean mountaineer Reinhold Messner was given a licence for his long-planned mountain museum.
During construction work a Neolithic grave was discovered in March 2006, in which a woman's skeletal remains were found. The age of the grave is estimated to be 6,000-7,000 years old.
The fortress is an important political symbol in South Tyrol. In 1957 the largest protest rally in the history of South Tyrol was held here. More than 30,000 gathered in the castle to protest and demand freedom for South Tyrol from Trent. They succeeeded in having an autonomous province twined with, but not dependent on, Italian-speaking Trent.
This shot was taken from the highway. I want to visit it in the future.
Thanks for your kind comments.
Comments (44)
Umbetro38
a wonderful POV - wow
Radar_rad-dude
A magnificent photo and wonderful history!
Hendesse
Fantastic view and shot.
eekdog Online Now!
soooo cooool! great view my friend.
magnus073
This is one fantastic looking castle Sandra, it really took my breath away. Love the beautiful setting this castle was built in, and very much enjoyed reading the rich history behind it. This is possibly my favorite in the series so far
JaneEden
A magnificent panoramic landscape with the castle nestling in the mountains, it is like a fantasy painting, and very magical. Wonderful capture Sandra, and the intro very interesting. hugs Jane xx
durleybeachbum
What an exciting story! If they hadn't given that permission the grave would never have been found.
Leije
Wonderful place and great archeologic discovery, superb shot !
wysiwig
Now this is a proper castle. Fantastic image and history. And as a restaurant, what a view!
virginiese
what a great castle. Your serie about South Tirol is simply fantastic and interesting ! Thanks for the informations too !
bobrgallegos
Wonderful POV and great information!!
jayfar
A beautiful capture Sandra, would have added to it with a cloud or two.
brycek
Beautiful capture and history!!
dochtersions
Amazing, Sandra. And I love that color purple on it so much!
Jean_C
Fantastic landscape and castle, superb capture! Interesting infos too, thanks!
JuliSonne
einfach zauberhaft....gefangen in der Landschaft!!
Star4mation
Cool castle Sandra :)
mgtcs
Splendid place and effects my dear friend, amazing story!
claude19
une magnifique photo qui aurait pu être réalisée en Bavière ! Très beau panorama !!!
drifterlee
Really beautiful castle shot!
0rest4wicked
Splendid narrative and a spectacular country side!
Faemike55
Wonderful view of the castle cool information Looking forward to the pictures of your future visit
jeroni
Awesome work on this beautiful scene
danapommet
An excellent place to build a castle and a great photo. I hope that you get to visit and take lots of photos!
Isabelle711
Most excellent POV my friend. :))))) The info was amazing. :)))) Gorgoeus castle and landscape. :)))) Most excellent capture. :)))) Thank you for sharing all of the beauty you see. :)))) Carry A Smile In Your Heart :)))))
renecyberdoc
what a view for me.above all after an hour of sandy news checking this image provides some relief to me.its devastating what happens around the world.may we all be safe.
cricke49
what an excellent capture and a very knowledgeable commentary, thanx for sharing!:)*5
bazza
Fab shot and info they knew how to make them in the day. Great info Sandra!
A_Sunbeam
Do they grow their own food? Long walk to the nearest supermarket! Great photo and interesting history.
erlandpil
Fantastic view erland