Castrum maiense

Castrum maiense is a castle ruin situated on elevated terrain near Zenoburg Castle, with views across the Merano valley and surrounding mountains. The remains show how a medieval fortress was strategically positioned here to control the valleys below.

The fortress emerged in Late Antiquity as a strategic stronghold at the intersection of Val Venosta, Val Passiria, and Val d'Adige. It guarded this crucial crossing point for centuries until eventually being abandoned.

The fortress carries two names, Castrum maiense in Latin and Burg Mais in German, reflecting how South Tyrol has always been shaped by different cultures. Walking through the area, you notice this bilingual heritage in the landscape and local place names.

You can reach the ruins via marked hiking paths starting from Merano's center and heading upward into the hills. The thermal baths and Trauttmansdorff Gardens lie nearby, making it easy to combine this stop with other local attractions.

Archaeological evidence points to Romans establishing one of their earliest settlements in the region at this location. This ancient connection makes the site a window into the deepest history of South Tyrol.