Meraner Festspiele

Meraner Festspiele: Open-air theatre in Merano

The Meraner Festspiele is one of the most anticipated theatrical events of the South Tyrolean summer. Every July, the festival transforms the performance area set up above the famous Gardens of Trauttmansdorff Castle, next to the small St. Valentine's Church, into a grand open-air stage overlooking the Merano basin in the Autonomous Province of Bolzano (Trentino-Alto Adige).

A tradition of world premieres

The festival's hallmark is its commitment to presenting a Uraufführung (world premiere) written specifically for the occasion each season. The scripts are penned by Tyrolean playwright Luis Zagler, who consistently weaves historical events with contemporary questions, creating performances that engage with current issues while drawing upon the memory and culture of the Tyrolean region.

The 2026 production: "Das Schweigen der Stadt"

The 2026 edition presents the world premiere of "Das Schweigen der Stadt" ("The Silence of the City"), written by Luis Zagler and directed by Torsten Schilling. Set against the backdrop of the Belle Époque, the play begins with the inauguration of a new city monument—an event that captures the press's attention and becomes a pretext for exploring pressing social themes such as truth, lies, and the role of public opinion with elegance and visual power.

The setting: Trauttmansdorff Castle

The charm of the Meraner Festspiele is inseparable from its natural setting. The performance area is located in the St. Valentine area, above the botanical Gardens of Trauttmansdorff Castle, one of Merano's most iconic landmarks. Performances take place on summer evenings, with a catering service welcoming the audience before the show begins, in an atmosphere that blends theatre, landscape, and conviviality.

Practical information

Performances are held in German. The festival is organized by the Meraner Festspiele association, based in Merano, which manages the new production and ticketing each year.