The history of Schenna

Schenna is one of 116 towns/villages in South Tyrol and is situated towards the South-East, on a hill not more than 4 km from Meran.  This area around Meran is called the burgrave’s office and is one of seven districts in South Tyrol. 

The name Schenna was first mentioned in some documents of the 12th Century.  It is of Roman origin and is most likely derived from the Latin ‘scaene’ (platform-like construction).  Most likely, it was one of the Roman settlements, which can be distinguished through coin findings in the area. 

During the 12th Century, the Lords of Schenna, who were the ministers of the Counts of Tyrol, made history.  The sovereign asked Petermann of Schenna, one of the mightiest aristocrats in the area, to build a castle on the hills of Schenna.  

Castle Schenna became the property of the Starkenberger and Lichtensteiner clans, who redesigned it to its present shape and form.  Later owners were, amongst others, the Counts Bettoni, Johann von Goldrainer and Jakob Hinterwalder.  In 1844, Archduke Johann bought the castle.  Since then, his descendants owned and lived in the castle.  Schenna’s history is close nit to the history of its castle and its owners.