Schloss Anras

Not far from the Pustertal high road lies the idyllic mountain village of Anras. The climate here is unusually mild, which is why Anras received the nickname "Granary of East Tyrol" early on. The bishops of Brixen also appreciated the pleasant climate in Anras and therefore had a summer residence built here in the 13th century, which they used regularly until 1803. In 1236, the diocese received secular power over the area of Anras from Emperor Frederick II, which extended to Obertilliach and to the Lienz Gate. Anras Castle thus also became the seat of the court.

In the middle of the 18th century, Anras Castle, as well as the immediately adjacent church of St. Stephanus, was expanded in the Baroque style. In 1803, the Brixen diocese lost the rule over Anras as a result of the Napoleonic Wars, which from then on belonged to the County of Tyrol.

In 1991, Anras Castle was purchased by the German Messerschmitt Foundation – the largest private monument conservation foundation in Germany – and was exemplary restored. The castle's court house, Anras Castle, with its valuable furnishings, original panelings, and the courtroom from 1755, has since been open to the public as a museum of the Hochpustertal region. In the associated farmhouse, the "Landhaus Schloss Anras", apartments are rented out, and in the former granary from the 16th century, a restaurant and a farm shop are housed.

The museum's program is broadly diversified: The court museum is dedicated to the historical jurisdiction at Anras Castle from 1499. In addition to permanent exhibitions, the museum also shows a retrospective of the famous Tyrolean artist Paul Flora as well as the photo exhibition "Land & People" and the exhibition "Treasures and Sacred Treasures of East Tyrol". Regularly changing special exhibitions are also shown, for example, a large retrospective of the world-famous East Tyrolean artist Prof. Oswald Kollreider in 2011. The current special exhibition 2012 "About Vision and Art" is dedicated to the three East Tyrolean sculptors Michael Lang, Gerold Leitner, and Sebastian Rainer.

A visit to the wonderful ensemble of Anras Castle promises an unforgettable holiday experience for young and old.