Sigmundsried Castle

Next to the town hall of Ried there's the former local court Sigmundsried Castle. It was built in the 14th century as a three-storey tower house, and later completed with an accommodation wing. The building was first mentioned as "Turm ze Ryed" (Tower near Ried). From here the trade route across the Resia Pass, the former Via Claudia Augusta, could have been controlled.

In 1471 Sigismund, Archduke of Austria, bought the castle, rebuilt it into a hunting château and named it "Sigmundsried". From 1841 until 1977, it was place of the county court, and since 1999, Sigmundsried Castle (Schloss Sigmundsried) is in possession of the municipality: Along a tour on the Via Claudia Augusta Cycle Route you pass this sight.

Nowadays, the cultural association SigmundsRied offers guided tours through the castle: You can enjoy the new permanent exhibition "The Evil Road" and an authentic equipped prison cell. In former times, Sigmundsried Castle served as a prison, the underground room was also called "Angstloch" (Lat. Angustus = "narrow"), that's to say narrow hole. It is said that is served as an underground entrance to the Schwaiglhaus building. Recently, some new display cases with old findings have been added. Moreover, the place is a popular venue for concerts and cultural events.