Schloss Anras is located in the Lienz district in Alta Pusteria between Lienz and Sillian on a sunny terrace nestled between the Lienz Dolomites to the south and the Villgraten mountains to the north.
Schloss Anras History
In the center of Anras, idyllically situated along the panoramic road of the Val Pusteria, is the castle of the same name. The mild climate of the area was appreciated by the bishops of Bressanone as early as the 12th century and they had a summer residence built for the episcopal summer retreat. In 1236 the emperor Frederick II also granted secular power over the territory of Anras to the diocese of Bressanone.
In 1754 the castle was enlarged in the Baroque style.
Inside, there are various rooms such as. the room of the court seat of 1755 with valuable ornaments or even the ancient granary which dates back to the 16th century. Furthermore, until 2014, exclusive exhibitions were also hosted, such as the exhibition of drawings by Prof. Paul Flora, the photographic exhibition "Land & Leute" on life in the mountains in the last century or the exhibition "Precious and sacred riches of East Tyrol" . Today Anras Castle is in the possession of the Messerschmitt foundation, which bought and renovated the building in the 1990s. The historical complex includes not only the castle, but also the "Landhaus Schloss Anras" cottage with apartments and the old granary.
The old church of Anras is also accessible via the castle. The church is part of the original parish church, but it was built already around 500 AD. C. Then the church was renovated in 1200 in Romanesque style, later in Gothic style, and finally it was subdivided in the 18th century: the part of the sacristy was used, while the other part was integrated into the castle building. Of particular interest are the Romanesque, Gothic and Baroque frescoes, which were found during the renovations in past years.