Located at the foot of the castle walls, this space stands out from the other areas of the botanical garden for its dark and sinister atmosphere. An ancient creaking door introduces visitors to this place which, in addition to hosting poisonous plants, features the curious sculptures of the artist Karl Heinz Steiner, inspired by the legend of Belinda.
A journey among poisonous and dangerous plants
In the Forbidden Garden almost all the plants are poisonous and marked with red labels indicating their degree of toxicity. Among these, Laburnum anagyroides, or laburnum, stands out, a seemingly harmless shrub with yellow flowers, but whose pods contain lethal alkaloids: just a few fruits or seeds are enough to be fatal for both humans and animals. Another example is the Nerium Oleander, poisonous in all its parts, just think that even simple contact with the smoke from its burnt leaves can cause serious poisoning.
Finally, Prunus laurocerasus, commonly used for hedges, hides an insidious danger: its seeds and leaves, if ingested, can cause lethal poisoning in animals and, in the most serious cases, cause cardiac and respiratory arrest in humans.
The legend of Belinda
The Forbidden Garden is not only a place of dangerous plants, but also holds an ancient legend that tells the story of Belinda, a little girl who lived 712 years ago. Belinda worked as a servant to a peasant woman and spent her days tending medicinal and poisonous plants. Legend has it that, on the advice of a raven, Belinda prepared a potion to cure the peasant’s son, but was accused of witchcraft and condemned to the stake. However, before the fire could be lit, a sudden storm made the young girl disappear. It is said that her spirit, even today, makes the young people who come across her fall in love, driving them to madness.
The Gardens of Trauttmansdorff Castle: a unique botanical heritage
The Gardens of Trauttmansdorff Castle or Sissi Gardens, which we have talked about extensively here and here are not just the Forbidden Garden. On an area of 12 hectares, they offer more than 80 botanical landscapes from all over the world, organized into four thematic areas. Their position, overlooking Merano from above, allows you to enjoy splendid panoramic views of the city and the surrounding mountains, making them a unique attraction for every visitor. They are wonderful to visit in every season, in autumn the perfect place to admire the foliage and in spring to admire the flowers blooming.
Thanks to Merano’s mild climate, the Gardens are home to rare and precious plants that offer a spectacle of blooms that follow one another throughout the year. This botanical garden is perfect for experts and enthusiasts, but also for those looking for a moment of relaxation or leisure.
At the center of the Gardens stands Trauttmansdorff Castle, the winter residence of Empress Sissi, today home to the Touriseum, the provincial Tourism Museum which tells of two centuries of Alpine history.
Useful information
Opening hours
Entry to animals is prohibited
Access to animals of any species or size in the garden is prohibited, even if transported in a carrier or handbag
Entrance prices
Adults: €16.00
People aged 65 and over: €14.00
People with disabilities: €13.00
Students (under 28 years): €13.00
