South Tyrol is renowned for its breathtaking landscapes, alpine backdrop, and a rich history brimming with majestic castles, fortresses, and monasteries. If you’re on the lookout for awe-inspiring historical buildings, you won’t want to miss these 10 must-see sites:

1. Trauttmansdorff Castle – Famous for its Gardens

Trauttmansdorff Castle is primarily celebrated for its expansive gardens. The terraced garden is home to plants from all over the world, offering a spectacular view of the surrounding mountains and the town of Merano.

• Location: Merano
• How to get there: Just a 5-minute drive from Merano.
• Entrance fee: Around €17 for adults.

2. Tirol Castle – The Former Seat of the Counts of Tyrol

Tyrol Castle is the historical heart of Tyrolean history and was once the residence of the Counts of Tyrol. Today, it houses the South Tyrol Museum of Cultural and Regional History.

• Location: Dorf Tirol
• How to get there: Easily accessible from Merano by car or public transport. It sits atop a hill with fantastic views of Merano.
• Entrance fee: About €10 for adults.

3. Sigmundskron Castle – Home to the Messner Mountain Museum

Sigmundskron Castle is now home to the Messner Mountain Museum (MMM). Here, you can dive into the world of mountains and mountaineering, especially through the collection of the famous climber Reinhold Messner.

• Location: Bolzano
• How to get there: Just outside of Bolzano, easily reachable by car or public transport.
• Entrance fee: Around €15 for adults. Combination tickets are available for the various MMM locations.

4. Runkelstein Castle – Stunning Medieval Frescoes

Runkelstein Castle is known for its extraordinary medieval frescoes depicting scenes from the age of knights. It’s a true gem of medieval art and history.

• Location: Bolzano
• How to get there: Situated above Bolzano, accessible via the Runkelsteiner Trail or by car.
• Entrance fee: Around €10 for adults.

5. Prösels Castle – A Renaissance Fortress with a Great View

Prösels Castle, one of the best-preserved Renaissance castles in South Tyrol, lies picturesque at the foot of the Schlern mountain. It offers not only historical insights but also a fantastic view of the Dolomites.

• Location: Völs am Schlern
• How to get there: Easily reachable by car from Völs am Schlern.
• Entrance fee: The castle can only be visited as part of guided tours, available from May 1 to October 31.

6. Taufers Castle – One of the Largest Castles in South Tyrol

Taufers Castle is one of the largest and best-preserved castles in South Tyrol. With its thick walls and medieval atmosphere, it comes to life through well-preserved rooms and exhibitions.

• Location: Sand in Taufers
• How to get there: Located in the Tauferer Ahrntal valley, it’s reachable by car.
• Entrance fee: Around €12 for adults.

7. Reifenstein Castle – Well-Preserved Medieval Furnishings

Reifenstein Castle is one of the best-preserved medieval castles in South Tyrol. The well-preserved furnishings offer a fascinating glimpse into life during the Middle Ages.

• Location: Sterzing
• How to get there: Located above Sterzing and accessible by car.
• Entrance fee: Around €9 for adults.

8. Neustift Monastery – A Significant Augustinian Monastery with a Winery

Neustift Monastery is one of the most important religious centers in South Tyrol. It houses a winery and is known for its Baroque architecture and the fascinating monastic life.

• Location: Vahrn near Brixen
• How to get there: Easily reachable by car from Brixen.
• Entrance fee: Around €12 for museum entry.

9. Marienberg Monastery – Europe’s Highest Benedictine Monastery

Marienberg Monastery, located at 1,340 meters above sea level, is the highest Benedictine monastery in Europe. The abbey offers not only religious insights but also breathtaking views of the Vinschgau valley.

• Location: Mals in Vinschgau
• How to get there: Reachable by car via Mals, followed by a short hike.
• Entrance fee: Free entry to the church; museum entrance costs €6 for adults.

10. Säben Monastery – Spectacular Location on a Cliff

Säben Monastery is a Benedictine monastery perched on a steep cliff above Klausen. The monastery complex offers stunning views of the Eisack valley and is known for its spiritual atmosphere.

• Location: Klausen
• How to get there: Easily reachable by foot from Klausen.
• Entrance fee: Free entry to the monastery church.

Our conclusion: South Tyrol is a true paradise for history buffs and architecture enthusiasts. The variety of castles, fortresses, and monasteries – ranging from majestic fortresses to peaceful monastic complexes – provides a fascinating insight into the history and culture of the region. Whether you’re passionate about architecture, art, or nature, South Tyrol offers something for everyone.