Cermes: Explore Monteleone Castle, seven gardens, and a special labyrinth
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South of Marlengo, on the way through the Adige Valley towards Merano, lies the tranquil village of Cermes with its hamlets of Baslano and Monteleone. The village stretches amidst extensive orchards on the slopes of the valley.
Above Cermes rises the Monte San Vigilio, known as Vigiljoch in German, a small hiking and skiing area. The road from Cermes leads to the Palade Pass, the gateway from South Tyrol to the Trentino. Several hiking trails begin here, and the Passo Palade Bunker houses a remarkable mineral exhibition.
Monteleone Castle (Schloss Lebenberg) towers above Cermes. Built in 1426 by the Lords of Marling and once called Castel Monte Leone (literally: Lions' Mountain Castle), the complex has been expanded over the centuries. A guided tour allows you to admire the French ornamental garden, the three-storey chapel, the courtyards, the Knights' Hall, and the Rococo-style Hall of Mirrors.
The hill, however, was settled much earlier: Wall structures found at Monteleone date back at least to the Roman Imperial era. Other sights include the Parish Church of St. Sebastian and the small St. Anna Church. Also worth visiting is the Kränzel Winery with its seven gardens, including a labyrinth and the Garden of Trust. Merano is only five kilometres away.
The spa town attracts visitors with its culture, shopping, and varied nightlife. Above Cermes begins the 12-kilometre-long Marlengo Waalweg path, the longest one of its kind in South Tyrol. It leads to Tel at the entrance to the Venosta Valley. Along the way, you'll enjoy magnificent views of the Merano basin with the Dolomites and the peaks of the Texel Group. These are often still snow-covered when, around Cermes and in the Merano area, the apple trees are already in full bloom.
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