Culten Documentation Centre

For some years now, the Val d'Ultimo in the Merano region has boasted another museum in addition to the Ultimo Valley Museum and the lahnersäge National Park House: the Culten Documentation Centre (Dokumentationzentrum Culten). It's housed in a 15th-century farmhouse, the outbuildings of which were dismantled and reconstructed 50 metres away.

During this work, not only were 15th-century objects such as coins, dice, and hairpins unearthed, but also the oldest surviving playing cards in South Tyrol. Culten illuminates the prehistory and early history of the people here, recounting their way of life and showcasing archaeological finds.

It comprises three areas: the documentation centre itself, with the reconstruction of a burnt offering altar and a mysterious underground area, the "F'Hochhaus" farmhouse with regular special exhibitions, and the outdoor area featuring typical crops of the valley. The Val d'Ultimo was already settled during the Bronze and Iron Ages, from around 2200 BC.

At the heart of the exhibition is a settlement from the period between 1400 and 600 BC, which was repurposed as a burnt offering site in the 6th century BC. How do get there: You'll find the Culten Documentation Centre on the church hill of Santa Valburga, on the road leading from the village centre to the parish church. There's a car park at the beginning of the road (10 minutes' walk).