Formigar (Formicaria, named in 945) stands on its rock where the Eisack meets the Adige below Bolzano, at the crossing of the Brenner and Vinschgau roads.
The bishops of Trent hold it since 1027 and handed it in the twelfth century to ministeriales who call themselves of Firmian. The bishop holds court there (22 July 1163) and at the Firmian ford (9 January 1185).
Who he is
- Title
- Ministeriales holding Formigar (Castel Firmiano)
- Since
- twelfth century
- Born
- not pinned
- Family
- not pinned
- Confidence
- low
de.wikipedia Firmian (Adelsgeschlecht); the Ferrara text (court sittings at Castel Firmiano 1163 and at the Firmian ford 1185).
Overlord
The bishop of Trent, who received the castle from Conrad II in 1027.
What it holds
- Formigar castle (Castel Firmiano, later Sigmundskron)
How it was acquired
Castle-guard for the bishop.
How things stand that morning
Held by the Firmian ministeriales for the bishop of Trent.
Wealth
The river crossing and roads below Bolzano.
Military
Formigar castle. No figures.
Places of note
- Castel Firmiano: The castle at the meeting of the Eisack and Adige
Where the sources disagree
Evidence: No named member around 1200 was found.
On the map: A disc round the castle.
Primary sources for Trent
Chronicles, registers, sagas and inscriptions written in or near 1200 that cover this entry. Each has its own page with editions, translations and where to read it.
- Charter book of the bishops of Trent (compiled 1207 to 1218; documents from the 11th century onward; edited 1852). The cartulary of the prince-bishops of Trent. Read online
Sources and studies
Last revised 4 November 2026. Published 4 November 2026. Suggest a correction on the OMNIA Discord.