With its 65,000 square metres of space, Franzensfeste is the largest historical complex in South Tyrol. Begun in 1833 under Emperor Franz Josef, this masterpiece of Austrian fortress architecture was opened by Emperor Ferdinand in 1838 after a construction period of only five years. By this time, however, it had already lost its strategic importance and justification. The enormous effort and the horrendous costs – for nothing. From then on, the huge fortress was only of use as a depot and was frozen in the Sleeping Beauty sleep of a strictly guarded military installation for over a century and a half. Since the military left the fortress in 2003, Franzensfeste has been open to the public and was extensively renovated in the course of two major exhibitions in 2008 and 2009. As a South Tyrolean Provincial Museum, Franzensfeste Fortress is now a magnet for tourists and locals alike and a popular venue for a wide variety of exhibitions and events.

January and february: winter break

The historical garden is situated at the entrance to the monastery complex. It reopened in summer 2004 following extensive restoration work. The sequoia tree towers imposingly over the rear part of the garden, with the impressive centuries-old ginkgo trees directly opposite. The pretty baroque garden with its myriad flowers and herbs and beautiful fountain is laid out between them.

 

Art, culture, and history play and important role in the historic city centre of Bressanone. The South Tyrolean town is over 1,000 years old; it is the eldest city in Tyrol and was a common stopover for Emperors on their travels. It later became a splendid cathedral town. Elephant Soliman had a two week rest in Bressanone on their journey to Vienna in 1552.

Today Bressanone’s history centre offers an interesting mix of vitality and reflection. The unique cathedral square, the many listed sacred buildings, the large-scale medieval historic centre, the arcades and the narrow streets framed by merlons, museum treasures, craft tradition and archaeological exhibits wait to be discovered. Modern cafés and excellent restaurants, attractive shops and entertaining events await you. Bressanone – twice as varied.

Sabiona is the spiritual cradle of the entire Tyrol region and one of its oldest monuments.

Today, the fortress is the site of the enclosed convent of the Benedictine nuns. Some parts of the monument can be visited every day from 8 a.m. to 5 or 6 p.m.

Instead, the church of Our Lady is open from the middle of April to the end of octobre every Tuesday  from 2 to 5 p.m. Guidet tours on request. 
Groups of 15 or more persons can reserve a guided tour even outside normal hours. Information in the Tourist Office Klausen, Tel. 0472 847 424

Holy Mass: Sunday at 8:30 clock and Monday – Saturday at 7:15 clock (German)

The castle is located between Sciaves and Rio di Pusteria in the municipality of Rodengo on a small rock outcrop, steeply descending into the gorge of the Rienza river. Castel Rodengo is one of the most majestic fortresses of its times in South Tyrol and you will be astonished by its position and the large number of rooms and cellars of the castle.

The Puez-Geisler Nature Park House of Villnöss brings visitors closer to nature and is the perfect place to dwell on. A walkable aerial photo gives visitors a bird‘s eye perspective of the Puez-Geisler Nature Park. The exhibition area “Touch the mountains” focuses on the key topic – the geology of the Dolomites. The Puez-Geisler Nature Park has been designated the “Dolomites site office” because it is home to all of the rock types, deposits and weathering that are typically found in the Dolomites. The Puez-Geisler Nature Park in the Dolomites is estendet on a area of the 3 valleys: Gadertal valley, Gröden valley and Villnöss valley.  The “Nature’s treasure trove” on the second floor contains plenty to discover: animal fur, bird’s eggs, feathers, footprints, droppings, teeth, antlers, medicinal herbs … all of which – and much more – is on display and can be touched! The “Conquering Mountains” room is primarily dedicated to alpinism. The world’s probably most famous alpinist, Reinhold Messner, comes from Villnöss. He talks about his experiences in the mountains in a short film. The “Puez-Geisler Nature Park film” is also shown daily in the mountain cinema. Leave your stress at home, discover the world of the mountains, and feel like a hunter in the woods.

A fantastic experience for the whole family!

The Mineral Museum Teis is dedicated to the famous Geodes of Teis which formed thanks to volcanic activities more than 290 million years ago. Besides Geodes of Teis, there are also exhibited other alpine minerals (rock crystals, smoky quartz, garnets etc.). The collection is Paul Fischnaller’s lifework who dedicated his life to the minerals.

A short introductory film gives insight into the formation of the Alps and the minerals. In the well-assorted museum shop you can purchase books, souvenirs, gemstones and healing stones.

Join Paul Fischnaller on his search for Geodes of Teis! Every Thursday, reservation required.

In over 70 rooms the Diocesan Museum displays a representative cross section of the sacred art of the South Tyrol. It houses the well-known Nativity collection and parts of the treasure collection belonging to Brixen Cathedral, including the famous Adlerkasel. The collection of medieval sculpture and panel painting is the most comprehensive in the South Tyrol and is particularly worth seeing. Highlights in the art gallery are paintings by Lucas Cranach, Bartlmä Dill Riemenschneider, Ulrich Glantschnigg, Franz Sebald Unterberger, Paul Troger, Gianbattista Tiepolo and Carl Henrici. With an exhibition area of 6600m², the Brixen Diocesan Museum in Brixen is one of most comprehensive ecclesiatical collections anywhere. The Kaisertrakt is also worth seeing, with pictures, furniture and porcelain created by manufacturers commissioned by the Viennese court.