The extensive castle complex was built by the Counts of Eppan to replace earlier fortifi- cations; since 1211 it has been documented as Hocheppan Castle. The Chapel of St Catherine, built in c. 1180, has a crypt-like lower floor and an upper level with three semi-circular apsidial niches and a flat ceiling. In the triapsidial chapel there are major Romanesque frescoes reflecting Byzantine influence. In Hocheppan, in contrast to other churches, the Virgin Mary and Child occupy the place of Christ in Majesty in the apse. One of the highlights in the Romanesque castle chapel is the cycle of frescoes, considered to be among the finest in the country. And there’s no need to leave the chapel faint for lack of nourishment! The castle tavern spoils visitors in a baronial atmosphere with all kinds of specialities and local homemade delicacies.