Gaiano Castle

Gaiano Castle is located between Scena and Maia Alta at Merano, at the slope of Val di Nova.

Castel Goyen is the oldest castle of Merano and surroundings and is recognisable from its massive donjon boasting slits and the relief of an elephant on one of the quoins. A high circular wall traverses the tower.
According to a legend dating back to antiquity, the castle used to be inhabited by a Roman called Gaius, which also gave the name to the castle. The building, as it appears today, dates back to the 12th century and back then its was owned by the Milser family. In 1384 they sold to Hans von Starkenberg.

A struggle between Friedrich with the empty pocket and the Elephant’s league brought along the besiegement of Goyen Castle. In 1422 the Starkenberger family surrendered possession and the Campaner took over the castle. When this family became extinct, the Botsch Lords owned the castle. When the last Botsch died in 1647, the Stachelbergs purchased the castle complex. The last of them died in the battle at the Bergisel. From this point of time the castle repeatedly changed hands. The last one, a certain Jan B. Van Heek, had the castle thoroughly restored.

Castel Goyen is a contemporary witness of the 12th century which has been changed in the 16th century. The castle complex is forms a group round the majestic Roman donjon and is one of the best preserved castles in the surroundings of Merano. Still today the grand hall of the castle is inhabited.