Summer resort town in the province of Bolzano, surrounded by the peaks of the Matterhorn and Ivigna, Scena (Schenna in German) is located on a sunny hill overlooking the below resort of Merano, which is just 4km away. Thanks to the mild climate and its geographical position, the town is the ideal destination for lovers of outdoor walks and spa treatments, and for hikers and mountain bikers.
The name, already documented in the early XII century, seems to derive Latin name "Sconius", probably the name of the veteran soldier to who these lands had been assigned.
Starting from the VI-VII century, populations from Franconia and Bavaria settled here and during the Middle Ages, the local history has been tied to the vicissitudes of the Counts of Tyrol, the castle owners. In the XIX century, the castle was bought by the Austrian Archduke Giovanni d'Asburgo-Lorena, whose remains are buried in the monumental Gothic Mausoleum.
Sites of Interest:
- the Castle of Scena (Schloss Schenna) rises, majestic and severe, on the small hill overlooking the town, built in 1346, was conquered in 1424 by Frederick Tascavuota, Lord of the Tyrol. Radically changed over the centuries, to meet the needs of owners, is now owned by the Counts of Meran. Inside is a large collection of weapons, trophies and pictures;
- the Parish Church of Santa Maria Assunta, of Romanesque origins, with beautiful frescoes unearthed during the recent restoration work;
- the ancient Chapel of St. Martin, near the cemetery, dating back to 1200;
- the Church of St. Giorno, in Romanesque style, features a circular plan, with frescoes from the Romanesque and Gothic periods, and a fine Gothic triptych of the XVI century;
- the monumental Gothic Mausoleum, located next to the church, built in red sandstone and granite, preserves the rests of the Archduke of Austria Giovanni d'Asburgo-Lorena and his Family.