meran landesfuerstliche burg
meran landesfuerstliche burg

Prince’s Castle Merano

The Prince’s Castle Merano in the centre of the spa town was the town residence of the Counts of Tyrol

Sigismund, Archduke of Austria, had this modest castle - "Landesfürstliche Burg Meran" in German, "Castello Principesco Merano" in Italian - built in central location of Merano in the second half of the 15th century. He probably used this fortress behind the town hall, at the foot of Mt. Benedetto, as his private town residence. However, this ensemble of buildings rather resembles an artistically designed, solid building with low enclosure than a fully-developed castle. For this reason it is simply often referred to as residence. Up to the 16th century the Prince's Castle remained a royal residence. In 1516, also Maximilian I, Holy Roman Emperor, resided in the castle.

As the building repeatedly changed hands, it started deteriorating in the course of the centuries. In 1875 finally, the spa town of Merano purchased the building. Between 1878 and 1880, a restoration period followed, based on the drawings of the internationally famous architect Friedrich von Schmidt, who also directed the renovations of the Dome of Vienna. When these renovations came to an end, the castle in the old town of Merano was opened also for the public. Today it hosts the Prince's Castle Museum. Its wood-panelled ancient parlours, tiled stoves, bedrooms and maiden rooms provide an interesting insight into the life in Mediaeval times.

The furniture, however, dates back to the Gothic and Renaissance periods. Also some weapons such as lances and halberds have been preserved. Moreover there is a little chapel decorated with frescoes dating back to the 16th century. And how to reach it? It is located in the centre of the spa town, with access from Via Galilei road or from the Arcades of Merano. There are also some parking lots in the surroundings. Right in front of the castle, the Tappeiner Promenade starts.

Contact info

Opening times

  • Tue 19 Mar closed
  • Wed 20 Mar closed
  • Thu 21 Mar closed
  • Fri 22 Mar closed
  • Sat 23 Mar closed
  • Sun 24 Mar closed
  • Mon 25 Mar closed

Despite careful control we cannot guarantee the correctness of the provided data.

Full timetables
Despite careful control we cannot guarantee the correctness of the provided data.

Museum - spring 2024 (26/03/2024 - 02/06/2024)

  • Mon closed
  • Tue 10:30 - 17:00
  • Wed 10:30 - 17:00
  • Thu 10:30 - 17:00
  • Fri 10:30 - 17:00
  • Sat 10:30 - 17:00
  • Sun 10:30 - 13:00

Easter 2024 (31/03/2024) 10:30 - 13:00

Easter Monday 2024 (01/04/2024) closed

Liberation Day 2024 (25/04/2024) 10:30 - 13:00

Labor Day 2024 (01/05/2024) 10:30 - 13:00

Whit Monday 2024 (20/05/2024) closed

Republic Day 2024 (02/06/2024) 10:30 - 13:00

Museum - summer 2024 (04/06/2024 - 08/09/2024)

  • Mon closed
  • Tue 10:30 - 17:00
  • Wed 10:30 - 17:00
  • Thu 10:30 - 17:00
  • Fri 10:30 - 17:00
  • Sat 10:30 - 17:00
  • Sun 10:30 - 13:00

Feast of the Assumption 2024 (15/08/2024) 10:30 - 13:00

Museum - autumn 2024 (10/09/2024 - 30/11/2024)

  • Mon closed
  • Tue 10:30 - 17:00
  • Wed 10:30 - 17:00
  • Thu 10:30 - 17:00
  • Fri 10:30 - 17:00
  • Sat 10:30 - 17:00
  • Sun 10:30 - 13:00

All Saints 2024 (01/11/2024) 10:30 - 13:00

Admission

Prince's Castle Museum:
€ 5.00 adults
€ 4.00 seniors 65+
€ 4.00 students
€ 4.00 people with disabilities
€ 4.00 groups (10 and more persons)

free for children and young people under 18 years
discount with the guest card

combined ticket Prince's Castle Museum & Merano Municipal Museum:
€ 8.00 per person

More information

Reservation by phone is necessary for groups. The Prince's Castle Merano stays open every year from the Easter week to January 6, closed on Mondays. Season start 2024 on March 26.

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