Castles within the Meranerland
The surroundings of Merano is not for nothing called Burggrafenamt, literally translated "department of the count of the castle", because there are many well preserved castles which are worth to visit.
Trauttmansdorff Castle in Merano
The castle was built upon the remains of the castle Neuburg in the 19th century. The origins of the castle Neuburg go back to the 13th century. Today the museum of tourism in South Tyrol is located inside the castle and the famous botanical garden of Merano extends along the slopes around the castle.
The botanical garden is also an impressive venue for concerts, theater performances or wine tatings during summer and autumn time.
Castle Tyrol in Dorf Tirol
Castle Tyrol is the ancestral seat of Tyrol. Because of the historical importance of this castle it is the ideal place for The South Tyrolean Museum of History, which is located in the castle today.
But Castle Tyrol is not the only castle in Dorf Tirol. There are also the Brunnenburg, Auer Castle and Castle Thurnstein, which are evidence of the significance of this village for the history of Tyrol.
Beside the castle we recommend to visit also the diurnal birds of prey show at the center for birdcare, which is nearby the Castle Tyrol.
Schenna Castle in Schenna
Schenna castle is situated opposite the castle of Tyrol, at the entrance to the Passeier Valley. This castle looks back on a long history, and it has become an important part of the history of South Tyrol itself. Within the castle grounds you will find real treasures. Well worth seeing!
- Left: Trauttmansdorff Castle and the botanical garden of Merano.
- Center: Castle Tyrol is the ancestral seat of the earls of Tyrol. The origins of the castle date back to the 11th century.
- Right: Brunnenburg Castle in Dorf Tirol dates back to the 13th century. Today it is a cultural center und contains a South Tyrolean agriculture museum.
Castles within the Vinschgau
Reinhold Messner’s castle Juval nearby Naturns
As a synthesis of the arts, it combines the castle, a museum, a wine-growing estate, and an organic farm. You can see historic pictures and paintings, frescos, a collection of masks with exhibits from five different continents, gnomes, trolls, Asiatic figures, Messner’s gear from several expeditions, and much more besides. Well worth seeing!
Churburg in Schluderns
The Churburg is one of the mightiest and best-preserved castles of South Tyrol. It was built by the bishops of Chur in 1235. The visitors get to see a residence-like renaissance castle with an arcade-courtyard, a Romanesque chapel and other rooms with valuable pieces of furniture and articles of virtue from different eras.
» Churburg