Capuchin church St. Maximilian

The Capuchin Church of St. Maximilian is a Roman Catholic church located on Rennweg in Merano. It belongs to the local Capuchin monastery and is considered an important example of the order's simple architectural style.

Construction began in 1616 with the support of Bishop Johannes Flugi of Chur and Archduke Maximilian III of Austria. The church was completed in 1617 and consecrated to St. Maximilian of Celeia. Subsequently, the monastery developed into an important religious center for the city.

The building follows typical Capuchin architectural principles, featuring an unadorned facade, clear structure, and restrained decoration. Inside, there are valuable altars and works of art that reflect the long religious tradition. Today, the church is a protected historical monument, still used for religious services, and open to visitors as a cultural attraction.

[Masses in German: Weekdays: 6:30 a.m. Sundays and public holidays: 7:00 a.m. & 10:00 a.m. Masses in Italian: Weekdays: 7:30 a.m. Sundays and public holidays: 8:30 a.m.]

We suggest using public transportation. From the train station, the most convenient option is to board one of the city lines (1, 4, or 5) to reach the "Merano, Piazza Teatro" stop, followed by a brief 10-minute walk to the Capuchin Church St. Maximilian.

You can easily reach the Capuchin Church St. Maximilian by bike from the via delle Corse, where you will also find bicycle parking spaces.
Take care not to park bicycles and e-rollers carelessly. They can pose a danger to blind and visually impaired people as they create obstacles to safely walking along paths and finding entrances. People in wheelchairs and parents with pushchairs can also be hindered by carelessly parked bicycles. Please use the bicycle parking spaces provided.

There is a public parking garage "Plaza" and also reserved parking spaces for people with disabilities on the "via delle Corse" directly at the entrance to the "Portici". Using the "Car Park Finder" app, you can view available spaces in real time.

The right behaviour and good manners make visiting cultural sites more enjoyable for everyone and show your respect for art, culture, and history.

• Time may be relative – but opening hours aren’t! Stick to them, and the staff and the performers will appreciate it.
• Photography is sometimes allowed, sometimes not. Check the signs – and in any case, remember: no flash when snapping photos of historical frescoes or paintings!
• Silent phones and quiet voices make for a better experience – for you and everyone else. This might be tricky in groups, but it’s worth the effort.
• Eating, drinking, and smoking belong outside, not inside museums. And bins are there for a reason.
• Dress appropriately in religious spaces– covering shoulders and thighs keeps you on the safe side.
• Uneven floors and narrow stairs can sometimes make things tricky. Take your time and stay safe.
• Accessibility matters: Not all cultural sites are fully accessible, but where they are, give priority to those who need it. It’s a matter of dignity – for them and for you.
• Pets are best left outside unless otherwise allowed, as they’re not usually permitted inside cultural spaces.
• Check emergency exits and evacuation plans– just in case. If there’s an emergency, stay calm, follow the signs, and head to the assembly point outside.

Most of this might seem obvious – and it is! But a little reminder never hurts. By being calm, mindful, and respectful, you’re making a big difference – for yourself, your surroundings, and future generations.