Schloss Maretsch (Castle Maretsch) in Bolzano can be booked for conferences, workshops, company dinners, concerts, receptions and weddings. The castle combines the character of a Renaissance noble residence with the technical needs of a modern event venue. It stands among vineyards in the green part of Bolzano, a few minutes on foot from the old town, and is run by the Fondazione Castelli di Bolzano, the Bolzano Castles Foundation.
Seminars and company events
The castle presents itself as a venue for congresses, company dinners, workshops and meetings. The glass-roofed inner courtyard is the largest space and suits conferences, concerts, galas and bigger events, with a stage and a position close to the entrance. On the first floor, the Römersaal is described as the natural choice for conferences and meetings, with a painted wooden ceiling and 16th-century frescoes. The Loggia and the painted towers are suited to smaller meetings. The official site says the setting supports creativity and networking. Event requests are made through a form on the website that asks for the type of event, the number of participants, the date and the time.
Weddings and receptions
The garden, with shade trees and a view of the vineyards, is presented for spring and summer events, standing receptions and civil ceremonies. Since 2018, couples can hold the civil ceremony in the castle itself. The halls inside can be arranged to match the plans of the couple, and the courtyard works for a wedding dinner, with its stage and glass roof. The Thunsaal, a long gallery, is suggested for buffets and presentations.
Rooms and capacities
The castle has several rooms on three floors plus the outdoor spaces. The ground floor holds the courtyard. The first floor holds the Römersaal and the Thunsaal, also called the Philosophers' Gallery, which carries 16th-century paintings of the seven sages and other philosophers. The second floor holds the Hendlsaal, a quieter room with a fireplace and painted ceiling decoration showing garlands, fruit and birds. The southwest tower and the Wappensaal complete the offer. The official site gives technical details for each floor on separate pages, which were not available for this page, so seating figures are not stated here and should be requested with the proposal.
Catering
The official pages do not describe an in-house kitchen or a list of caterers. Organisers should ask the castle which catering arrangement applies for a seated dinner or a buffet.
History and setting
The castle was first mentioned in the 13th century. It belonged to the Maretsch family until the middle of the 15th century, then passed to the Römer family, who extended it into a Renaissance residence. In the 16th century it became a meeting point for nobles of the Protestant faith. After several changes of owner, the Bolzano spa administration bought it in 1974 and converted it into a congress center. Since 2007 it has been managed by the Stiftung Bozner Schlösser. The castle is also open to visitors on days when no event is held, and it hosts public events such as wine tastings, exhibitions and a bridal fair.
Getting there
The address is Via Claudia de' Medici 12, 39100 Bolzano. The castle is in the Bolzano city area, among vineyards, a few minutes on foot from the old town.
