Nowadays, the family seat of the Lords of Tyrol hosts the South Tyrolean Cultural History Museum
Image gallery: Tyrol Castle
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. Restoration works followed in the 20th century.
Since 2003, the South Tyrolean Museum of Culture and Provincial History has been hosted inside the complex, furthermore, the castle manages the visits to the St. Stephen's Chapel in Montani di Sopra, the "Sistine Chapel of South Tyrol". Close the Tyrol Castle, there is the Bird Care Centre which offers flight shows. And how to reach the castle? From Tirolo village, the Castle Path leads you in a pleasant 30-minute walk to the castle, passing an old tunnel and the Earth Pyramids.
Contact info
- Via del Castello / Schlossweg 24 - 39019 - Tirolo / Dorf Tirol
- +39 0473 220221
- info@casteltirolo.it / guide@casteltirolo.it
Opening times
Despite careful control we cannot guarantee the correctness of the provided data.
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
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€ 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. Requests for guided tours until 10 days before the selected date by writing at guide@casteltirolo.it.
Only small dog are allowed (in a pet carrier). Tyrol Castle and the South Tyrolean Museum of Culture and Provincial History stay open every year from March to mid-November, furthermore, the castle will be accessible on November 29 and 30 as well as on December 6, 7 and 8 during the "Tyrolean Advent in the Castle". Season start 2025 on March 15.
