In Southern Tyrol lies the 12th century Castle Rodenegg, with some famous frescos illustrating the story of the knight of Iwein
Castle Rodenegg is situated between Schabs and Mühlbach on a narrow rocky outcrop reaching into the gorge of the Rienz river. It was built in the first half of the 12th century by Frederick I of Rodank and his wife Gerbirg. At first it was probably a residential tower. It remained in the possession of his descendants until c. 1300, when it passed to the Barons of Wolkenstein, who are still living in the castle. They are the descendants of Oswald von Wolkenstin
The castle may be visited on a guided tour and holds a number of exhibits presented in rooms with renaissance furniture. The main attraction, though, are the frescoes, which were discovered in 1972 and which show scenes from the Iwein-epos by Hartmann von Aue (born c. 1160-70, died c. 1210-20). This was based on Yvain, the Knight of the Lion, an epic poem by Chrétien de Troyes. The murals were commissioned by Arnold II of Rodank.
The murals have been dated to c. 1200 – 1230 and are the eldest profane murals in German-speaking area. It is peculiar that the paintings exclusively depict scenes from the first part of the poem as if they were painted at a time when the poem had not yet been finished (1205). Central to the murals are scenes depicting courtly life, foremost the knightly duels.
This corresponds to another cycle of murals from Hessenhof in Schmalkalden, which curiously enough was painted in a cellar. This is currently not on view, but is expected to reopen in 2017 in connection with the celebration of the reformation.
There exists 15 Iwein manuscripts from the 13th century; however, not a single one is illustrated. Together with some murals in the Hessenhof in Schmalkalden and the so-called Malterer tapestry from 1320 – 1330, the frescoes from Rodenegg represent the sole survivors pictorial circles presenting this courtly romance.
VISIT:
Rodenegg Castle, Frazione Villa 1, I-39037 Rodeneck
Tel: +39 0472 454056
Open during summer from mid May to mid October for guided tours
READ MORE:
Medieval Ducal Tower in Siedlecin, Poland
Hessenhof in Schmalkalden
