A tangible heritage of the feudal age in the Tyrol are the castles 
of its former lords, and particularly beautiful are the buildings and frag¬ 
ments of buildings remaining in the heart of that land about the ancient 
capital, Meran, and as far down the valley below it as the busy little city 
of Botzen. Near the latter is “ Freudenstein,” now the summer home 
of a wealthy Austrian. Far from being a new building in any part, two 
venerable towers of castellated form dominate the low, homely roof¬ 
lines of more recent date, making an extremely picturesque group, and 
charming the beholder by a contrast of color and by the simplicity of 
satisfying proportions. There is also dignity and commanding strength 
in this lofty abode, qualities it yields alone to the majesty of a mountain 
background which the building enhances rather than defiles. From 
the shrubbery enclosing the immediate precincts of the habitation descend 
the cultivated hillsides of Eppan with its vineyards and opulent gardens, 
the surroundings of the old and still thriving village of St. Michael. 
Farther below, the valleysof the Eisak and the Adige afford a refreshing 
view as needful for the summer home today as the lofty site of “Freu¬ 
denstein” was essential to the grandeurand power of its original builders. 
