Tous les musées de Merano et des environs

The Ulten Valley Folklore Museum offers an excellent overview of the life of the farmers in the Ulten Valley.

At the tractor museum, 30 Porsche Diesels from various model years can be examined. An experience for young and old alike!

Every first Friday of the month from March to November at 3 pm there is a free tour (further tours available on request). Free admission, closed on Mondays.

An old villa, a lush park, and stories waiting beneath the surface – Villa Freischütz in Merano is more than just a museum. It’s a place of memory, a lens into a time often overlooked in South Tyrol: the interwar years. Built in 1909 as a summer residence, the villa bore witness to Merano’s golden age as a spa destination. But what makes its collection truly unique is its authenticity: the legacy of the von Franz Fromm family, who lived in the house for nearly a century. Here, history isn’t pieced together from textbooks. It lives in the furniture, the photographs, the clothing, the handwritten notes. It tells of a world in transition – of monarchy fading, Italian rule emerging, and a society caught between tradition and change.
Exciting Insights:
• The collection features more than 10,000 original objects – many of them carefully arranged throughout the house to evoke the feel of a lived-in home.
• The villa offers intimate “living room tours”: guests can wander freely through parlors, studies, and bedrooms, guided by the personal stories behind the objects.
• A highlight: the expansive park with towering old trees and hidden sculptures – perfect for reflecting after a journey through time.
For culture lovers, Villa Freischütz offers a different perspective on Merano. Not just as a refined spa town, but as a mirror of social and political transformation. The museum’s concept is intentionally personal: there are no long-winded wall texts or physical barriers. Instead, letters, accessories, and household items speak for themselves – sometimes quietly, sometimes disarmingly direct. Among jazz records and Art Nouveau vases, patriotic postcards and delicate diary entries, a rich mosaic unfolds – layered, complex, and deeply human.
This is no conventional museum. It’s a home that invites exploration, reflection, and conversation. And that’s precisely what makes Villa Freischütz one of the most fascinating places for those who don’t just want to study history – but truly feel it.

Special art - “The art of living and the art of loving” is the very original title of one of the latest books by Partschins/Parcines artist, Matthias Schönweger and, one of his particular mottos is: “Trees are the stuff books are made of”.
Schönweger, writer and collector, is also the owner of 50 imposing wartime bunkers which date back to World War II and are scattered throughout South Tyrol from the Brenner/Brennero Pass southwards.
One of his bunkers can be seen right here in Töll/Tel! These empty fortresses were places of safety and protection during wartime and can tell us much about recent historic events. Schönweger uses these dark, atmospheric constructions to host exhibitions and other cultural events on significant, meaningful themes.

I AM
LIKE MANY OTHERS
MORE OR LESS
A REPRESENTATIVE
OF MANKIND
I PUT MY FOOT IN THINGS
GIVE MY OPINION
AND YOURS, TOO
IN WORD AND PICTURES
AND
WHO KNOWS WHAT MIGHT HAPPEN
 
AN
ACTOR/TRAVELLER
 
IN ACTION LIVE
 
Matthias Schönweger

The historic gothic block house is one of the oldest existing wooden structures in South Tyrol. Listed under a historical preservation order in 1982, the old kitchen has an open-hearth fireplace typical of the Alpine mountain regions. In 2000, MuseumPasseier established a small museum illustrating traditional rural life, farming the pastures and the local way of life in medieval times. The exhibition remains open throughout the summer months.

Not far from the animal compound lies the late Baroque Chapel of St. Anna, dating from 1796.

Getting there: starting from the center of St. Leonhard/San Leonardo, pass the church on trail no. 13 or just follow the directions to St. Anna. The ascent along the forest road up a moderately steep slope (difference in altitude: 650m) takes about 2.5 hrs, and is also suited to mountain bikes.

In a side valley at an altitude of 1,350m a.s.l., the mountain pasture is located in a picturesque setting north-east of St. Leonhard/San Leonardo. Open in summer.

The Palais Mamming Museum, also known as the Merano Municipal Museum, stands as one of South Tyrol's oldest and most distinguished cultural institutions. Founded in 1900, it has been housed since 2015 in a beautifully restored Baroque palace on Pfarrplatz square.
Originally constructed in 1675 for the Freiherren von Mamming, the building is a striking fusion of historic architecture and contemporary design, offering an inspiring backdrop for the museum's rich and varied collection.
With over 100,000 objects and a Tyrolensia collection of 30,000 volumes, the museum offers an unparalleled journey through the history of Merano and the entire Tyrol region. The permanent exhibition unfolds across 27 thematic sections, guiding visitors through the epochs – from prehistory to the Middle Ages, Baroque art, and the rise of modernity.
Highlights:
 An Egyptian mummy, providing a fascinating glimpse into the mysteries of ancient burial rituals.
 A collection of Sudanese weapons from the estate of Slatin Pasha, an Austrian officer who made Merano his home.
 The renowned "Meran" typewriter by Peter Mitterhofer, a key figure in the invention of the typewriter.
 Napoleon's death mask, an impressive relic from the Napoleonic era.
Beyond these extraordinary historical artifacts, the museum also showcases works by prominent artists such as Friedrich Wasmann and Leo Putz, capturing the artistic evolution of the region. The collection is further enriched by minerals, fossils, and photographs, offering a comprehensive view of the region’s diverse cultural and natural heritage.
The Palais Mamming Museum is more than just a repository of history – it is a thriving cultural hub. It regularly hosts vernissages, readings, and various cultural events, making it a dynamic space for creativity and reflection.
For anyone with a passion for history, art, and culture, a visit to the Palais Mamming Museum is an absolute must. It not only offers profound insights into the past of Merano and South Tyrol but also invites visitors to discover the intricate connections between history and contemporary culture.
Entrance fees
adults € 6,00
reduced (seniors) € 5,00
Combi Ticket Palais Mamming Museum + The Prince´s Castle € 8,00
free admission for children

In Moos/Moso you will find a museum experience with a particular character. In combination with an Information Centre of the Natural Park Texel group exhibition areas to settlement history of the background Passeier, snow mountain, natural history and geology offered. History and experience bunker as well as a Capricorn-enclosure complete the offer.

Spread across 500 square metres, it offers a diverse programme featuring exhibitions, readings, performances, concerts, and more. But Kunsthaus Meran isn’t some lofty, exclusive space – it’s a welcoming meeting place for everyone: art lovers, locals, international visitors, and even those just passing by.

Since 2001, the art association Kunst Meran-Merano Arte has showcased contemporary art in all its forms here – visual arts, photography, architecture, new media, music, and literature. The aim? To amplify diverse perspectives, especially those that have been overlooked in traditional art history. There’s a special focus on female narratives and voices from the Global South.

The building itself is a fascinating blend of old and new: narrow, winding passageways, a nod to the structure’s historic past, contrast with sleek, modern interior design. Light floods through the glass ceiling, creating a bright, inviting space where you’ll want to linger.

A visit is always worthwhile – even if it’s just to soak up the unique atmosphere. You can also browse the museum shop for books and catalogues to take a piece of the experience home with you.

Whether you’re ready to dive deep into the artworks or simply looking for a little inspiration, Kunsthaus Merano welcomes you with open arms. Stop by, let yourself be surprised, and discover just how multifaceted contemporary art can be.

With the exception of a small projection room on the third floor – which you can only reach via a few steps or a mobile ramp – Kunsthaus Meran is fully accessible throughout. A modern lift (120 x 120 cm) takes you safely and comfortably from one floor to the next. You can easily pick up the key at the front desk.

And if you’re looking for an accessible toilet, you’ll find one in the basement – of course, easy to reach as well.

Admission fees
Adults € 7.00
Reduced fee € 5.00
Students up to age 26 € 2.00
Children up to age 14 free admission

Online guided tours
For groups of ten or more, Kunst Merano Arte offers guided tours of its current exhibitions in German and Italian by prior arrangement. To make arrangements, please contact info@kunstmeranoarte.org or call during the gallery's opening hours.

In 1776, Empress Maria Theresa of Austria built a masonry embankment in Lagundo near Merano. This was meant to serve as protective bulwark against flooding of the Adige River. This masonry can still be visited today. Not far away, on the left bank of the river, are the ruins of an ancient imperial Roman road bridge along the route of the original "Via Claudia Augusta". Construction of the bridge dates to the first century AD. Today, the ruins of the bridge have the status of protected monuments. At the head of the bridge there is also a small shrine and chapel.

The Rochelehof is situated in the center of Marling. The proprietor, Walter Mairhofer, is a passionate collector of historic equipment and tools from days gone by. His collection specializes in grape and fruit growing. He is delighted to tell visitors about folk sayings, old rights and obligations and the storing of wine in cellars. Visits by telephone appointment: Tel. 366 11 45753

In the heart of Merano’s lively old town, surrounded by narrow alleys and bustling squares, stands a remarkable piece of Tyrolean history: the Prince’s Castle. Dating back to the 15th century, this late Gothic residence invites visitors to step into a world of noble grandeur, political power, and refined courtly life.
Built around 1470 by Duke Sigismund of Austria – known by the nickname "der Münzreiche" (rich in coin) – from the House of Habsburg, the castle was never intended as a fortress. Rather, it was conceived as a prestigious city residence, reflecting Merano’s significance at the time as the capital of Tyrol. Strategically placed in the center of this prosperous trading town, the castle symbolized the Duke’s influence and Merano’s status as a seat of political and economic power.
From the very first glance, the building reveals its purpose: not defense, but display. Elegant oriel windows, frescoes, and finely carved wooden ceilings reflect the aesthetic sensibilities of the late Gothic era and the Duke’s patronage of the arts. The castle served as an administrative headquarters, a residential palace, and a venue for ceremonial occasions and courtly festivities.
Interesting Insights:
- Duke Sigismund was an enthusiastic patron of architecture and is believed to have commissioned master builders from across South Tyrol – possibly even Peter von Erenstein, one of the leading Gothic architects of his time.
- Today, the Prince’s Castle offers a rare glimpse into aristocratic life in the late Middle Ages. Visitors can explore original rooms that have been carefully preserved: from the knight’s hall to private living quarters, from the castle kitchen to the paneled chambers once used for banquets and political meetings. Highlights include the intricately carved furnishings, a remarkably intact smoke room, and the richly decorated ceilings.
- Another highlight is the collection of late Gothic artworks housed within the castle. Altarpieces, sculptures, and paintings offer insight into the era’s spiritual and artistic worldview – making the castle a true treasure trove for lovers of history and culture.
After Merano lost its political prominence in the 16th century, the castle gradually faded into obscurity. Over the centuries, it served various purposes – from courthouse to military barracks – before being extensively restored in the 20th century. Today, the Prince’s Castle is both a museum and a living monument. Within its historic walls, the past feels tangible.
Here, the grandeur of Merano’s princely era still resonates – and one might even sense the visionary spirit of Duke Sigismund, who helped shape the destiny of this remarkable town.

Admission fees
Adults € 5.00
Reduced fee € 4.00
Combi Prince's Castle + Palais Mamming Museum € 8.00
Free admission for children

A stimulating all-round experience combining art, gourmet delights and much more. The special atmosphere at the Kränzelhof is truly amazing! Regenerate in the outdoors, in harmony - in South Tyrol. 

The art of contemporary winemaking in action: inspired by a master wine-maker, and those involved in each step of the process. All our passion and skills go into making our wines!

For our wine tours on Monday and Wednesday: If the weather does not cooperate, you have the option to reschedule your garden visit for another day. To facilitate this, you will receive a note on the paid voucher of your tasting. You can simply present this on the day of your garden visit. Please note that registration for the wine tour is required, as usual.

This incredible collection covers some 1,000 sq.mt. and extends over three floors. Older and younger visitors marvel at the model engines and coaches and can take turns driving some of them themselves. The nearby South Tyrol in Miniature Landscapes Museum is also a real hit. The railway museum, with over 20.000 exhibits, is one of Europe’s largest private model railway collections.

ENTRY PRICES 2025

12,00 € adults
8,50 € children (3 to 14 years) 
6,00 € school classes
9,00 € reduction for students, people with disabilities, senior citizens aged 65 and over, groups of 15 or more

25,00 € family ticket (2 adults + 1 child up to 18 years)      
29,00 € Family Card Plus (2 adults + max. 3 children up to 18 years)      

Children under 3 years free

Guided tours by reservation! For larger groups and school classes, different opening times are possible after prior registration. Please contact the train world museum.

Closed in winter.

Tyrol Castle is the most historically significant castle in South Tyrol. Its origins stretch back into the late 11th century.

Since 2003 Tyrol Castle has housed the South Tyrolean Museum of History. Its main focus is the history of the province from its beginnings to modern times.

The oldest structural elements can be found in church excavations in the outer bailey (three building phases, three-apse chamber from the 9th century). The south palace contains the two Romanesque portals. The two-storey castle chapel is dedicated to St. Pancras and is famous for its gothic frescoes. What is believed to be the wedding chamber of Countess Margarethe of Tyrol, known as Maultasch (literally “bag mouth”), is situated in the Mushaus. The keep, which was only completed after 1902, now houses an exhibition of the history of the 20th century depicted over twenty separate levels. The historic estate buildings house special exhibitions.

The Völlan Farming Museum is located in a beautiful annex of the vicarage that once housed fire wood, the laundry, a pigsty and the baking oven and nowadays impressively illustrates pre-industrial farm life to visitors.

In front of the entrance you can already see various sandstone vessels, baskets for piglets and other farming tools. The two-floor museum consists of four rooms. The first one presents an original living room and through clothes and everyday objects gives insights into a farmer's life in the 18th century.

Many utensils like a butter churn, a Keschtnriggl (a traditional chestnut basket), sausage presses and pasta machines are on display in the adjacent kitchen, whereas the next room presents tools of all kinds that mainly were hand-made by the farmers of the pre-industrial era.

Nothing is better than to learn from history by living it. That is the reason why the Farmer's Museum in Völlan not only is meant for grown-up visitors but for students and children too, because ultimately it gives us insights into the hard everyday life of times long past.

Here you get an impression of the huge diversity of tools a farmer would need and use back then. The upper floor houses tools and equipment for spinning and weaving like a loom, a reel, etc. The mill in the last room, however, originates from Oberinn on the river Ritten near the capital of Bolzano/Bozen.

At several stops along the Timmelsjochstraße street there are five architectural sculptures dedicated to the nature, history, culture, society and economics of the region.

It is possible to experience these from early June to late October.

The spacious area beneath the Scheibkopf mountain offers a superb 180° panorama view of the Texelgruppe nature reserve. A telescope focuses the viewer’s attention on the Granatkogel (3,304 m) and the Hohe First (3,403 m) which stand out prominently from the eternal glacial ice.

Discover all about…

…the geology of the far end of the Passeiertal valley.
…the rocks.
…the Passeirer mountain goat.

 

Water is the element that characterises the Texelgruppe Nature Park like no other. It has not only shaped its landscape, but also has a central influence on the habitats in the park. And it creates challenges for people, animals and plants - where it is lacking and where it is present in abundance.
It is therefore no coincidence that the permanent exhibition in the new Texelgruppe Nature Park House in Naturno is dedicated to water. Under the motto "Towards the water", the journey takes visitors not only upwards through the impressive, snail-shaped building, but also from the Adige river on the valley floor to the eternal ice of the glaciers - and through the various altitude levels of the Texelgruppe Nature Park. 
Adults and children can experience the nature park in a completely new way and discover the complex interrelationships in a playful, varied and hands-on way. At each station of the new 600 square metre permanent exhibition, visitors can lend a hand and work their way through all the habitats: from Mediterranean to high Alpine, from dusty dry to precipitation-rich, from hot to icy cold. 
Animals and plants found in the various habitats are presented like a cabinet of curiosities. There are also special stations dedicated to the irrigation channels and alpine pastures, farms and meadows, where not only attention, but above all curiosity and a little bit of skill are required. The same applies to a technology game from times gone by, which gives an idea of how exciting the geology of the nature park is with its different rock formations and wealth of minerals. The journey through the exhibition even takes visitors to the eternal ice of the glaciers - and into the heart of a mudslide, which also allows visitors to experience the destructive power of water.
The Nature Park House itself is a building with clear lines that - like the landscape in the Texel Group Nature Park - strives upwards. And because, in addition to water, light is also a special feature of the nature park, large windows provide sun and light in the spacious rooms - and an unobstructed view of Naturno, its surroundings and, above all, the Naturno Sun Mountain. The best view of the mountain can be enjoyed from the terrace of the new Nature Park House, which faces the Sonnenberg. And thus the world into which visitors have just immersed themselves.
You can round off your visit to the new Nature Park House with a relaxed stroll through the newly created park next to the house. It features plenty of greenery and a water basin as a link to the exhibition theme and is named after the renowned butterfly collector and researcher Bernardin Astfäller, who himself came from Naturns.

Responsible for the Nature Park House: Annamaria Gapp
Address: Bernardin Astfäller Square 1
Telephone: 0473 668201
Opening period: March - November
Opening hours: Tue - Sat 9:30 - 12:30 and 14:30 - 18:00
     July and August also open on Sundays
     Closed on public holidays
     Free admission

Discover the train station! The entertainment train station at Naturno/Stava is the old train station of the Val Senales. It shows an electric train on an 800 m track, an original steam engine locomotive Waldenburg Switzerland, a tank engine locomotive, and two wagons of the Rhaetic train. The station is open every Sunday afternoon from Mai until October.

The last original, preserved and still functioning water crane in South Tyrol dating from the Austro-Hungarian era is located at the Bad Egart Imperial and Royal Museum (K.u.K. Museum Bad Egart) in Töll/Tel. The water tower was built in 1910 and the accompanying water crane was installed at the same time. Water cranes were used in the 19th century to supply steam locomotives with large amounts of water.

The museum acquired the water crane at the historic railway station in Töll from the Italian Ferrovie dello Stato railway company in the 1980s. It was recently extensively renovated, along with the accompanying water tower, by the provincial authorities in Bozen/Bolzano. The water crane is four meters high and consists of a cast-iron, freestanding vertical pipe with Art Nouveau ornamentation and a rotating arm which can be laterally swung over the track. It weighs 2000 kilograms. An 80-centimeter-tall lamp is attached to the top of the crane, which was powered by gas. In future, this will be mounted again on the water tower. There is a tank made of iron on the upper floor of the water tower, into which the water was pumped from the water reserves adjacent to the site. The amount of water required and the required water pressure could be controlled by means of the water tower and the on-site tank.

In the 19th century, similar water supply systems were located approximately every 25 to 30 km along the railway line and at shorter distances in the low mountains.

A real paradise for fans of the Habsburg Monarchy with a fantastic collection of antiques and other interesting items! Bad Egart is South Tyrol’s oldest spa watering place. The health-giving waters here were first mentioned in 1430 but it is believed that water cures have been popular here since Roman times. Visitors today can see some of the medicinal springs, various wood-panelled rooms which house the rich Habsburg collection, a complete Biedermeier-style kitchen and various other folklore items and antiques.

Special Exhibition Sisi & Franz:
The special exhibition is dedicated to Empress Elisabeth and Emperor Franz Joseph I. Franz Joseph, who ruled the Habsburg monarchy for over 68 years, and his wife Elisabeth, known as Sisi, were popular figures of their time. The couple embodied the Austro-Hungarian Empire until 1918. Sisi, marked by contradictions and a life away from the strict court ceremonial, became a cult figure. The exhibition sheds light on their lives through over 4,000 exhibits and invites you to discover the myth of this imperial couple.

PRICES 2024

• adults € 13,50
• family ticket (2 adults with children up to 18 years) € 32,00
• reduced admission (restaurant guests, groups of 15 or more, disabled persons, seniors (aged 65+)) € 12,50
• scolars € 6,50

The visit of the chapel is free.

The "Culten" documentation centre on the church hill of S. Valburga/St. Walburg in the Ultental Valley is set to open its doors in Spring 2018. Divided into three sections,

• the first will house the proper documentation center illustrating ancient human activity in this habitat. Spanning the Stone, Bronze and Iron Ages, the Center will house a replica of a sacrificial altar. From the 6th Century BC onwards, the immediate area around the sacrificial site was found to be one of the most significant and largest repositories of human remains in the region.

• Built with logs in characteristic 15th Century style, the second section is centered around the old F'Hochhaus farmhouse. The building was inhabited well into the 20th Century at its original location before being carefully moved about 50 m and rebuilt in the new CULTEN Documentation Center. During the removal of the old farm building, historical objects such as coins, remnants of leather, dice and hairpins dating from its original construction were discovered in the layers of insulation. Of particular interest was a pack of 15th Century playing cards, thought to be the oldest know South Tyrolean examples of the traditional Wattkarten cards. The old farmhouse will also house temporary exhibitions.

• The third section is represented by the outdoor area, which has been cultivated with traditional crops of this region. The outdoor area invites you to linger and relax, as at the same time it forms the framework for smaller cultural events.

In September 2018, the museum structure Timmel_Transit was officially opened in occasion of the 50th anniversary of the Timmelsjoch road. It is designed to be a meaningful addition to the Pass Museum and to complete the whole museum concept Timmelsjoch-experience. It is housed in a former barracks of 1930. The topic: history about the construction of the Timmelsjoch road on the South Tyrolean side.

Free admission

Opening hours: end of May until the end of October (when the Timmelsjoch road is open to traffic) · daily 7 am to 8 pm

The castle complex from the late Middle Ages once guarded the route over the Jaufenpass/Passo Giovo. The oldest part, the free-standing keep, is the only remaining structure of the original castle. It was built in the mid-13th century by the Lords of Passeier as a residential tower. All later additions, including several buildings and a defensive wall, began to fall into ruin from the 18th century onwards.

The five-story tower has been beautifully restored and has served as a satellite of the MuseumPasseier since 2003. Each floor hosts small exhibitions about the history of the castle, the "Schildhöfe" farms typical of the Passeiertal Valley, and two influential families: the Lords of Passeier and the Counts Fuchs. These families served as judges, magistrates, and church overseers, shaping life in the valley for centuries. On the fourth floor, visitors are impressed by Renaissance paintings created in 1538 by the well-known artist Bartlme Dill Riemenschneider.

Finally, on the top floor, which offers a stunning view over the entire valley all the way to Merano/Meran, there's an audio station featuring numerous legends surrounding Jaufenburg.

Just below Jaufenburg stands the small Church of the Holy Cross, a delicate late Gothic structure commissioned by the lords of the castle. The frescoes date back to around 1550.


Accessible from the village bridge in St. Leonhard/S. Leonardo via the Gerichtsweg or the "Sonnenrundgang".
Walking time: approx. 30 minutes

How have women lived, thought, and fought across the centuries? What have they changed — and how have they shaped the world? For those seeking answers in Merano, the Women’s Museum offers a rare and powerful perspective. One of the few museums in Europe devoted entirely to women’s history, it invites visitors to explore the stories, struggles, and achievements of women across time.
Since 1988, the museum has been housed in the former Poor Clares convent in the heart of Merano’s old town – a fitting setting for a space that encourages visitors to leave behind conventional perspectives and rediscover history from a different point of view. Spread across several floors, the exhibition presents a compelling panorama: from Victorian corsets to miniskirts, from quiet heroines to revolutionary pioneers. Fashion plays a particularly meaningful role. For generations, women’s clothing has been more than a matter of style – it has reflected freedom and restriction, social standing and new beginnings. Among historic dresses and accessories, figures such as Empress Elisabeth (“Sisi”), Marie Curie, and Rosa Parks shed light on how women have dared to break boundaries.
Exciting Insights:
- The oldest piece on display is a true highlight: an 18th-century lace shawl – handmade and as exquisite as a treasure.
- In addition to the permanent collection, the museum regularly hosts special exhibitions that explore contemporary issues such as gender, feminism, and body image.
- Since 2006, the museum has been run by a nonprofit organization made up entirely of women working on a voluntary basis.
But the Women’s Museum is more than a place of reflection – it is a vibrant forum. Readings, panel discussions, workshops, and cultural initiatives turn it into a hub for anyone engaged with questions of equality, diversity, and social transformation. What makes it especially compelling is its dual focus: international in outlook, yet deeply rooted in the local context. In this way, the Women’s Museum builds bridges – between past and present, between global movements and personal stories. A visit opens doors: to forgotten lives, to fresh perspectives, and perhaps even to a new understanding of oneself.

Entrance fees
adults €7.00
reduced (students, seniors) €5.00
children (8-14 years) €3.00

In 1940-41 by the fascist regime was built this bunker for reasons of defence. It is an impressive underground structure made on several storeys with a tight net of tunnels, that joins shooting ranges and inner rooms. In the front area there is an exhibition of photographs (Gampen Gallery), whereas the central part hosts an exclusive collection of minerals. 

A museum structure at the old hydroelectric power station situated at the foot of the Stieber Waterfall at Moos. The topics: hydropower, the history of technic and electricity of the Hinterpasseier.

Free admission

Brunnenburg Castle stands on a glacial debris cone between Dorf Tirol/Tirolo and Tyrol Castle. This truly unique-looking castle complex is said to be named after a nearby spring. The fortifications date from between 1241 and 1253. The remains of these fortifications also formed the basis of the restoration of the building. At the beginning of the 20th century, the Brunnenburg was restored in a very unusual manner. Today it is a cultural center and home of the South Tyrolean Agricultural museum.

1991 Alexander Schwabl found during cleanup in the basement a few pieces of equipment from the Second World War. He decided to keep these things in order to preserve them from decay and thus from oblivion. Soon, other findings from other basements, attics and storage rooms were added.

Amidst palm trees and promenades, in the heart of Merano, lies a place that brings to life a nearly forgotten chapter of the city’s history: the Jewish Museum and Synagogue. Housed in an elegant Art Nouveau building from 1901, this cultural landmark preserves the memory of a small yet influential Jewish community – one that helped shape Merano’s golden age. When Empress Elisabeth of Austria chose Merano as her spa retreat, the city soon attracted not only aristocrats and artists but also prominent Jewish families from Vienna, Prague, and Budapest. They brought economic vitality, built elegant villas, hotels, and sanatoriums, and became important patrons of art, science, and culture. Many ran thriving businesses tied to the spa industry. The Jewish contribution to Merano’s development is still visible today – for those who look closely, traces remain throughout the city, including at the Jewish cemetery. At the center of this rich legacy stands the Synagogue on Schillerstraße street, still an active house of worship and home to the museum’s moving permanent exhibition. Here, visitors can explore the lives of Jewish families in Merano – their beginnings, achievements, and daily routines, but also the painful chapters of persecution during the Nazi era, the devastation of the community, and the difficult rebuilding after World War II. A special highlight of the Jewish Museum is its collection of original ritual objects: Torah scrolls, Kiddush cups, and Chanukah menorahs offer a deeply personal glimpse into the religious and social traditions  photographs, and first-hand accounts make the past tangible in profoundly human terms. The Synagogue also houses one of the few remaining Art Nouveau Torah arks in the world – an architectural rarity of exceptional beauty. For those who pause and listen, the museum speaks in quiet, intimate tones: of people who once strolled along the Passer River, stayed in refined spa hotels, and helped shape Merano’s cultural life. And of those who, even in the face of adversity, preserved their faith, their stories, and their community.
Today, the Jewish Museum is not only a place of remembrance – it is a space of dialogue and cultural exchange. Alongside guided tours, it hosts regular events that bridge the past and the present, inviting reflection and connection. For anyone seeking a deeper understanding of Merano, this quiet and remarkable place is a must. Tucked between the Passer Promenade and the Kurhaus, it reveals a chapter of history as moving as it is essential.