schloss tirol
schloss tirol

Tyrol Castle

Nowadays, the family seat of the Lords of Tyrol hosts the South Tyrolean Cultural History Museum

One upon a time, Tyrol Castle was the seat of the Lords of Tyrol whose last member died in 1253. Today, however, it is the symbol of the whole area - the castle gave the name for the "Land Tirol" that was brought to light by Meinhard, Duke of Carinthia, in the 13th century. The circular wall, constructed around 1100 AD, today is one of the oldest preserved circuar walls all over. The second construction phase under the Lords of Tyrol dates to 1140. Under the rule of Margaret, Countess of Tyrol, the building had its booming years - when she abdicated, the residence of the Lords of Tyrol was transferred to Innsbruck.

Still today, Tyrol Castle - "Schloss Tirol" in German, "Castel Tirolo" in Italian - is located in majestic position high above Merano on a huge moraine. Remaining are the impressive portals as well as the castle chapel. Inside it, there are numerous Gothic frescos and the oldest glass paintings of Tyrol as well as a Crucifixion Group larger than life-sized. Above the entrance to the chapel you can see the oldest portrayal of the Tyrolean Eagle, dating back to the 13th century.

After restoration works in the 20th century, since 2003 the South Tyrolean Museum of Culture and Provincial History has been hosted inside the complex. It provides an insight into the history of Tyrol down to the present day on 20 different levels. Close the Tyrol Castle, there is also the "Bird Care Centre" which offers flight shows on a regular basis. And how to reach the castle? From Tirolo (parking spaces, subject to charge) the Castle Path leads you in a pleasant 30-minute walk to the castle, passing an old tunnel and the Earth Pyramids of Tirolo. The path is closed to traffic.

Contact info

Opening times

  • Tue 19 Mar 10:00 - 17:00
  • Wed 20 Mar 10:00 - 17:00
  • Thu 21 Mar 10:00 - 17:00
  • Fri 22 Mar 10:00 - 17:00
  • Sat 23 Mar 10:00 - 17:00
  • Sun 24 Mar 10:00 - 17:00
  • 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 of Culture and Provincial History - spring 2024 (15/03/2024 - 02/06/2024)

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

Easter 2024 (31/03/2024) 10:00 - 17:00

Easter Monday 2024 (01/04/2024) closed

Liberation Day 2024 (25/04/2024) 10:00 - 17:00

Labor Day 2024 (01/05/2024) 10:00 - 17:00

Whit Monday 2024 (20/05/2024) closed

Republic Day 2024 (02/06/2024) 10:00 - 17:00

Museum of Culture and Provincial History - summer 2024 (04/06/2024 - 08/09/2024)

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

Feast of the Assumption 2024 (15/08/2024) 10:00 - 17:00

Museum of Culture and Provincial History - autumn 2024 (10/09/2024 - 17/11/2024)

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

Admission

South Tyrolean Museum of Culture and Provincial History:
€ 10.00 adults
€ 7.50 groups (15 and more persons)
€ 7.50 seniors 65+
€ 7.50 students and apprentices (up to 27 years)
€ 7.50 people with disabilities
€ 3.00 school classes

€ 10.00 family ticket (1 adult with children up to 16 years)
€ 20.00 family ticket (2 adults with children up to 16 years)

free for children under 6 years
free with the Museumcard and museumobil Card

€ 4.00 audio guide per person
€ 4.00 surcharge guided tour for groups (15 and more persons)
€ 2.00 surcharge guided tour for school classes (per person)

More information

Audio guides for children and for adults are available in English, German and Italian language. Guided tours for groups and for school classes on request.

Castle and museum stay open from mid-March to mid-November, furthermore, Tyrol Castle is accessible on certain dates in December for the "Tyrolean Advent in the Castle" Christmas Market.

Season start 2024 on March 15.

Suggest an edit/correction

Our editorial staff is always committed to ensuring the highest quality and accuracy of the information we publish. If you have suggestions to improve this page you can send them to us using the form below. Thank you in advance!

Close

Suggested accommodations

Tips and more infos