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Churches & Monasteries

The St. Nikolaus cathedral

Meran/Merano, Meran/Merano and environs
The Parish Church of St. Nicholas unites late Gothic architecture, centuries of vibrant history, and remarkable works of art.
from center

The Parish Church of St. Nicholas stands as the spiritual heart of Merano, a distinguished masterpiece of late Gothic design. First mentioned in historical records in 1266, construction began in 1302, and the church was consecrated in its present form in 1465. Situated at the upper end of Laubengasse arcade – the historic main street of Merano – it ranks among the most significant examples of Gothic ecclesiastical architecture in Tyrol.
Architecture & Interior: The church is a three-nave hall structure, crowned by a striking 78-meter bell tower that defines the city skyline. The west façade is adorned with a rose window, while the south wall features 15th-century frescoes depicting scenes such as Christ bearing the cross and the resurrection of Lazarus. Inside, visitors encounter a rich ensemble of sacred art: the high altar by Jakob Pirchstaller (1786–1788), flanked by neo-Gothic winged altars crafted by Dominikus Trenkwalder (1892).
The finely carved red sandstone pulpit, dating from the 15th century, is a focal point of the interior. The organ, originally built by Georg Hradetzky in 1973, has since been expanded and now features 40 registers.
Historical Significance: Originally a filial church of the Parish of Tyrol, St. Nicholas was elevated to a fully independent parish in 1657. The 19th century saw extensive restoration work, most notably under the direction of Viennese cathedral architect Friedrich von Schmidt between 1882 and 1898. The most recent comprehensive restoration was carried out between 1993 and 2000. Surrounding the church are numerous historic gravestones that provide insight into the city’s past. A detailed exploration of these monuments and their historical relevance can be found in the publication Die Grabmäler von St. Nikolaus (“The Gravestones and Memorials of St. Nicholas”).
Masses (in German only) Weekdays: 9:00 a.m. Saturdays: 9:00 a.m. and 6:00 p.m. Sundays: 8:00 a.m., 9:00 a.m., 11:00 a.m. & 7:00 p.m.

Opening hours

Location & directions

The St. Nikolaus cathedral

The right behaviour and good manners make visiting cultural sites more enjoyable for everyone and show your respect for art, culture, and history.

  • Photography is sometimes allowed, sometimes not. Check the signs.
  • Silent phones and quiet voices make for a better experience – for you and everyone else. This might be tricky in groups, but it’s worth the effort.
  • Uneven floors and narrow stairs can sometimes make things tricky. Take your time and stay safe.
  • Accessibility matters: Not all cultural sites are fully accessible, but where they are, give priority to those who need it. It’s a matter of dignity – for them and for you.
  • Pets are best left outside unless otherwise allowed, as they’re not usually permitted inside cultural spaces.
  • Check emergency exits and evacuation plans– just in case. If there’s an emergency, stay calm, follow the signs, and head to the assembly point outside.

Most of this might seem obvious – and it is! But a little reminder never hurts. By being calm, mindful, and respectful, you’re making a big difference – for yourself, your surroundings, and future generations.

At Merano train station take either the bus no. 1 or bus no. 4 and get off at the Elisabeth Park stop at via Cavour. From there you reach the church in 10 minutes by foot.
Chiesa Parrocchiale di San Nicolò (Pfarrkirche St. Nikoaus)/Duomo di Merano (Meraner Pfarrkirche)
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