Culture

…one land, three languages

Impressive, these imposing structures of the past: mostly built high on rocks, visible from afar and up to 900 years old. Today, the sight of around 800 castles, palaces and manor houses fascinates us. Some served defensive purposes, others were the residences of wealthy nobles and prosperous citizens, while many were built for representation. Castles also bear witness to the flourishing economy and culture of a region that has always been a link between North and South. Numerous castles were built especially in the 11th and 12th centuries to secure the territories of the regional princes. Immerse yourself in historic walls that have been carefully restored and can now be experienced as museums, hotels, restaurants or event venues.

There is no place in South Tyrol without a church. Shaped by Christianity, the region has a high density of churches and chapels, monasteries and abbeys, some of which date back to early Christian times. Along frequently used routes that already served as connections between North and South in the early Middle Ages, chapels were built to protect travellers, along with hospices and commanderies for knightly orders. Monasteries were also founded in the countryside and in towns, alongside larger churches and cathedrals. Today, well over 250 churches have been preserved and are accessible. Visit these architecturally, culturally and historically significant buildings that bear witness to a long and eventful past.