South Tyrol is a region with many remains of medieval castles and palaces. Some of the most interesting in the entire Alpine region can be found around Meran/Merano. These include the majestic Tyrol Castle and the imposing Schenna/Scena Castle, but also Goyen Castle, Thurn Castle and Vernaun Castle, all of which can be reached via a short and pleasurable hike.

Schenna Castle, which towers above the village of Schenna, is easily visible from afar. A bridge leads directly to the entrance gate and past the castle dungeon into the courtyard, where an open staircase leads up to the castle interiors. The castle is open to the public. Its halls and chambers house a painting and portrait gallery, a collection of historical weapons, and numerous art historical objects related to local Tyrolean history. Of particular interest are the memorabilia dedicated to the Archduke Johann and the faience pottery oven in the Renaissance Knight's Hall.

Other castles in the area
Also worth a visit is Tyrol Castle, now the seat of the Museum of Culture and Provincial History featuring a large permanent exhibition, as well as the nearby castle village of Prissian/Prissiano and Reinhold Messner's Juval Castle, located at the mouth of the Schnalstal/Schnalstal Valley.