The top ten sights in Italy’s northernmost region

There are so many sights beckoning in Italy’s northernmost region, that you might find it hard to decide which to put on the agenda for your cultural holidays in South Tyrol. To help you choose among the many attractions scattered across the region, we have prepared a list with the top ten sights to visit in South Tyrol.

1. South Tyrol Museum of Archaeology 
   Located in the town centre of Bolzano/Bozen, the South Tyrol Museum of Archaeology is home to famous Iceman Ötzi, and offers interesting details about his life and the age he lived in. 
   
   
2. The Trauttmansdorff Castle Gardens 
   Stretching across 12 hectares and divided into 80 different garden landscapes, the Trauttmansdorff Castle Gardens score high with guests of all ages thanks to their triumph of flora and fauna from all over the world.
   
   
3. Messner Mountain Museums
   The museums created by famous alpinist Reinhold Messner are located in six different areas in South Tyrol and the Province of Belluno. Each museum focuses on a specific theme and provides a recount of Messner’s mountain adventures around the world.
   
   
4. The steeple in the Lake Resia/Reschen
   Tucked away in the green of Val Venosta/Vinschgau, the artificial lake of Resia/Reschen is famous for the steeple emerging from its waters – remnant of the old village of Alt-Graun that was demolished and submerged to allow for the creation of the lake.
   
   
5. Tirolo/Tirol Castle
   Once the ancestral seat of the Counts of Tirol, this castle now hosts the South Tyrolean Museum of History, as well as several special exhibitions throughout the year.
   
   
6. Kurhaus & the civic theatre in Merano/Meran
   These two buildings in the spa town of Merano/Meran are mainly renowned because of their architectural merits, and used as venues for a variety of events in South Tyrol.
   
   
7. Three Peaks in the Dolomites
   The Three Peaks – the landmark of the Dolomites – are in Sesto/Sexten, in the Puster Valley. The unique view alone makes them worth a visit!
   
   
8. The Novacella/Neustift Abbey
   With its library, collegiate church and gothic cloister, this abbey is an interesting attraction not only for culture lovers. In fact, Novacella/Neustift is also one of the most popular wine-growing estates in South Tyrol.
   
   
9. Trostburg Castle
   The Trostburg Castle hosts the South Tyrolean Castles Museum, offering an interesting insight into the history and development of local castles.
   
   
10. The Gilfenklamm gorge in Vipiteno/Sterzing
    A short hike to Racines/Ratschings leads to a roaring waterfall plunging into a gorge – breathtaking views are guaranteed!