Schloss Schenna

About the museum

The castle was built around 1350 at the behest of the famous Margherita “Maultasch” and stands in a commanding position above Merano, with a view over the Burgraviato (Burggrafenamt) and the surrounding mountains. It was later bought by Archduke Giovanni d'Austria, the “Styrian prince”, who was captivated by the landscape, the mild climate and the light; his descendants, the Counts of Merano, still own it.

The guided tour passes through a setting that is largely preserved with its original furnishings and enriched by the collections of Archduke Giovanni: everyday objects from times past, weapons spanning six centuries, paintings by well-known Tyrolean artists, portraits of the Habsburgs and of the family of the counts, the largest private collection devoted to Andreas Hofer, fine stoves and the elegant archducal dinner service with precious glasses.

The castle also includes the castle chapel, restored and opened at certain times, and the neo-Gothic mausoleum built between 1860 and 1869 next to the parish church of Scena, where Archduke Giovanni d'Austria and his family are buried; this too can only be visited on a guided tour.

Highlights

• Largely original furnishings and collections of Archduke Giovanni
• Weapons spanning six centuries and paintings by Tyrolean artists
• The largest private collection devoted to Andreas Hofer
• Portraits of the Habsburgs and of the Counts of Merano
• Archducal dinner service and fine stoves
• Neo-Gothic mausoleum of Archduke Giovanni (separate guided tour)

Operated by

Famiglia dei conti di Merano

Visitors per year

approx. 5,730

Admission & discounts

For technical reasons, payment by card is not possible.

Accessibility

• Wheelchair accessible: not available
• Elevator: no information
• Accessible restroom: no information
• Accessible parking: no information
• Service dogs welcome: no information
• Tactile models & exhibits: no information
• Sign language tours: no information
• Easy-to-read materials: no information
• Audio description: no information

The castle is not barrier-free. Dogs are not admitted.

Kids & families

Recommended for ages 6+

Guided tours for children from age 6; evening tours from age 10.

Getting there & parking

By car from Bolzano along the SS 38 (Mebo), exit Sinigo towards Scena (about 4 km). Taxi and shuttle services from Merano and the surrounding area are available.

Amenities & dining

The museum hasn’t published any information on this.

Events & venue rental

The museum hasn’t published any information on this.

Plan your visit