Chapel of Saint Barbara

The Chapel of St. Barbara is a small, octagonal Gothic chapel located next to the parish church of Merano.

It was built in the 15th century on the site of an old cemetery chapel and was once closely connected to the cemetery surrounding the church. The building extends over two levels: the former cemetery chapel on the upper floor and the crypt on the lower floor.

Over time, the chapel was dedicated to various saints. Since the early 16th century, it has borne the name of St. Barbara. Later, the local coopers' guild helped maintain the chapel, as St. Barbara was their patron saint.

The interior of the chapel underwent extensive renovations in the 17th century. Today, visitors can admire a typical Gothic ribbed vault, a winged altarpiece from the late 19th century, and two side altars depicting religious scenes.

The Chapel of St. Barbara is a significant historical and architectural monument. It provides visitors with insights into the religious traditions and cultural heritage of the Merano region.

At Merano train station take either the bus no. 1 or bus no. 4 and get off at the Elisabeth Park stop at via Cavour. From there you reach the chapel of Saint Barbara in 10 minutes by foot.

The St Joseph Clinic has spacious disabled parking spaces. From there you can reach the chapel of Saint Barbara on foot in 10 minutes.

You will find bicycle parking spaces on Piazza Duomo. Please note that bicycles must be pushed to reach the chapel of Saint Barbara along via Portici or via Leonardo da Vinci, as these are pedestrianised areas. Take care not to park bicycles and e-scooters 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.

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

• Photography is sometimes allowed, sometimes not. Check the signs.
• 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.
• 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.