Schenna is a little village in Meran and Environs that perfectly encapsulates the valley. Here, the Alps meet Mediterranean flora, and ancient history meets innovative buildings. Castles, a botanical garden, museums and a mausoleum. Palm trees, cypresses, vineyards and apple orchards. This village above the spa town of Meran attracts visitors with its charm, tradition and all it offers to experience, see and know. We’ve summed up everything you shouldn’t miss in Schenna, Meran and the surrounding area!
Sights in and around Schenna near Meran
Schenna Castle
Built around 1350, during the time of Margarethe Maultasch, and still in the possession of notable members of the Tyrolean aristocracy, it is to Archduke John of Austria in particular that Schenna Castle owes its current prominence among the castles and palaces of South Tyrol. Tyrol's history, art and culture – weapons from six centuries – the largest private Andreas Hofer collection – paintings by major European artists – portraits of notable personages from Tyrolean and Austrian history – furniture and objects from everyday life from the year dot – a magnificent view of Schenna and Meran with its wonderful surroundings.
The mausoleum
The mausoleum was built between 1860 and 1869 according to the plans of the Vienna architect professor Moritz Wappler, as a burial place for Archduke Johann of Austria and his family.
Castle Trauttmansdorff
The castle gardens have been transformed into a botanical garden with some 5,400 plants from all over the world and eleven pavilions designed by artists. The complex is one of Europe's six most impressive gardens. The castle accommodates the "Touriseum" which presents 200 years of Alpine tourism history.
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Tirol Castle
Tirol Castle is the ancestral home of the Counts of Tirol. In 1270 Count Meinhard II successfully opposes the prince bishops in the region and unifies it under his name. The Count is adroit, exacts payment for his favours and only allows goods to pass through his realm on payment of tolls and duties. This proved lucrative, for anybody travelling between the Germanic north and Italy had to pass through Tyrol. Today the castle accommodates a museum dedicated to the history of Tyrol and South Tyrol.
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Prince’s castle Merano
This residence of the rulers of Tyrol from 1470 onwards is a good example of a private noble residence. It is one of the most complete and best-preserved castles in South Tyrol: the exhibition includes precious antique furniture and a collection of ancient musical instruments.
Women's museum
In the museum you can see articles of clothing, accessories and all-day things, which narrate us the story women in the last 200 years. The visitor gets an image of the role, the ideals and the working-life of "normal" women.
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Merano Arte
Kunst Meran is an exhibition centre that serves as a platform for contemporary forms of expression. Some 500 m² of exhibition space on three floors offers regularly changing shows covering the plastic arts, architecture, literature, music, photography and new media.
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The winemuseum
In its four spacious halls the wine-growing museum shows beautiful tools used in viniculture across the ages. Many now forgotten tools have been collected over decades of dedicated work and the collection now ranges from tools for cultivating the land and for grape gathering and carrying to equipment and means for pest control. There are also tools for the cultivation of cereals and the processing of cereals.
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Markets
A number of markets enliven Merano’s commercial life: the most extensive and best known is the Friday market from 8:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. at piazzale Prader and along via Mainardo (up the intersection with via Huber). Food and clothing.
