Situated in a valley basin at the entrance of the Val Passiria, the Val Venosta and the Valle dell’Adige, Merano casts a spell over its visitors with its thermal baths.
A trip through the city of Merano, starting from the age of the Empress Sissi, we will talk about the healing properties of this place and we will discover this appreciated holiday destination.
They are the heart of the historic town of Merano: the Arcades. Here you can see how history and culture melt with everyday life in its many shops and cafés. Discover the Arcades of Merano with us!
Archduke Sigmund of Austria commissioned the construction of a small castle in the centre of Meran during the 15th Century. He used the castle as a city dwelling, and Emperor Maximilian I also visited the castle. As time moved on the castle was later used by the Tyrolean sovereigns as administrative headquarters and as a tax office. In 1875 the ownership transferred to the city of Merano, and presently the castle is a museum. The Prince’s Castle is open to the public from Easter until January.
Empress Sissy once resided in Castle Trauttmannsdorf in Merano. Today, however, the castle is home to South Tyrol‘s Tourism museum. The aptly named „Touriseum“ displays the colourful history of tourism in South Tyrol. A visit to the Touriseum becomes a pleasant journey, over 200 years back in time, exploring the history of tourism in South Tyrol.
They are definitely one of Merano‘s highlights: the Gardens of Trauttmansdorff Castle. 80 garden landscapes with plants from all over the world are situated within 12 hectares. Thanks to the mediterranean climate of Merano the gardens fascinate with their variety and make your visit an experience for all the senses!
Merano Arte, a house in the historic centre of Merano features three storeys and over five hundred square meters that are used for different exhibitions including artistic positions, architecture, literature, music, photography and the new media. Come and take a tour with us as we get to know Ursula Schnitzer, a long-time employee at Merano Arte.
There are over 80 Women‘s Museums world-wide and one of them can be found at the Kornplatz in Merano. The South Tyrolean Women‘s museum uses clothes, fashion trends, accessories and everyday items to depict the history of women and how women have lived during the different epochs all the way to the present day.
One of the most famous weekly markets of South Tyrol is the Friday’s market in Merano, a few steps away from the train station. Here can be found everything the heart desires: clothes and jewellery, fresh fruits and vegetables and all kinds of specialities of the region and Italy. Come with us and experience the tradition of the travelling market traders of South Tyrol.
Fresh fruits and vegetables straight from the farmer have a special value and offer more quality of life. We look over the farmers’ shoulders and visit the farmers’ market in Merano.
The Meran freethinker and artist Harry Reich, ever recognizable by his hat, bicycle and his open character, took us to very particular spots in Merano. A relaxing day with interesting meetings.
About 5 km from the center, the Merano 2000 skiing area provides slopes for every difficulty level and varied other possibilities: There is a vast trail network, a natural sledge track, a big area for kids and a monorail toboggan run
In Christmas time, Merano is completely taken in by a cheerful atmosphere. As we couldn’t resist, we went to experience this special feeling from different angles. In our tour we met a woodcarver from the Valgardena valley, tasted delicious wines at Castel Rametz and listened to hunting horn blowers at Castel Tirolo.
Enjoy with us a wonderful evening at the Christmas Market of Merano.
Merano, the second largest city of South Tyrol after Bolzano, comprises the districts of Quarazze, Maia Alta, Maia Bassa, Sinigo, Labers and the historic town and includes a territory that ranges from 263 m to 1,621 m asl. Located in a valley basin, it offers beneficial climatic conditions, making Mediterranean plants such as palm trees, olive trees and cypresses flourish. Moreover the mighty Alpine scenery confers a particular flair to the city.
Already in the 19th century Merano was a known climatic spa. Also scientists and physicians appreciated the Mediterranean climate and the crystal clear air, alleviating respiratory diseases. Also goat milk and grape cures were offered in these days.
Symbol of the city is the Kurhaus, which represents a masterpiece of the art nouveau period. It is located along the Passeggiata Passirio in the historic district. However, there are also many other attractions that are worth to be visited in Merano, such as castles and museums. Visiting the botanic gardens of Trauttmansdorff Castle, however, represents a real journey of discovery.
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