The MMM Ripa, the fifth of the Messner Mountain Museums, was inaugurated in July 2011 after having undergone extensive renovation works. In former times the Castle of Brunico served as a summer residence for the prince bishops of Bressanone, whereas today it houses a museum dedicated to Asian, African, South-American and European mountain peoples. The exhibition tells about the lives of 25 mountain peoples, including the Touareg, Massai, Mongolians, Sherpas, Turkmens, Beduins and the Walser. Reinhold Messner lived in the villages of several mountain peoples for 10 years. During this unique experience, he discovered that despite being very different from one another, they all show deep respect for nature and religions.

The initial part of the exhibition path at the entrance is dedicated to the typical dwellings of mountain peoples. The different smells, the music and the different videos ensure an immersive and sensorial experience. The upper floors are devoted to Europe and America, as well as religions, everyday life of mountain peoples and the typical architecture of these areas. One part of the exposition highlights the importance of water - a critical good for life in the mountains.

The episcopal rooms with their original furniture are definitely worth a visit. We recommend ending your day at the museum with a visit to the keep which is reachable from the inner courtyard by ascending the more than 100 steps. Once at the top you can admire a truly amazing view of the Brunico basin and the more than 3,000 m high mountains of the valle Aurina. Contrary to what you may think, the location of the museum was actually carefully chosen. Messner built this museum right here because he wanted it to represent the centre of mountain life amidst hundreds of mountain farms which can be seen from the keep. End your visit at the museum with a refreshing drink at the bar in the inner courtyard.