From palm trees to glaciers: Merano, South Tyrol’s charming spa town, is the second largest town in South Tyrol
Bolzano is the vibrant capital, a melting pot between north and south. Merano, on the other hand, presents itself as a historic spa resort, nestled between botanical gardens and elegant promenades. For centuries, people have appreciated the pure air and mild climate, which earned Meran its reputation as a spa town. Richard Strauss, Rainer Maria Rilke, and Franz Kafka were among its prominent guests.
In the past, goat's milk and grape cures were offered to promote well-being. Today, the Merano Thermal Baths, as well as events like the Grape Festival, the WineFestival, and the Christmas Market, attract visitors. Even today, Merano invites you to stroll and relax. The spa town's location is ideal: Merano lies in a basin at the entrance to the Val Passiria valley, the Val Venosta valley, and the Valle dell'Adige valley.
Quarazze, the villa district of Maia Alta, Maia Bassa with its Merano-Maia Racecourse, Sinigo, Labers, and the old town stretch between the Montefranco and the Küchelberg. The Passirio River meanders between them, and the Arcades of Merano - the longest in all of Tyrol - line the streets.
For 800 years, they have formed Merano's shopping mile. The Mediterranean vegetation, which you can best admire along the promenades, includes palm trees, olive trees, and cypresses. Small details, such as a statue of Sisi, floral wreaths, and hidden cafés, demonstrate the attention to detail. In contrast, glaciers tower above. The town's landmark is the Kurhaus, an Art Nouveau masterpiece on the Lungo Passirio, so to say to Spa Promenade. Directly opposite is the thermal bath complex, which - hidden from curious eyes - is more extensive than you might think.
In summer, the large park with its shady trees opens its gates. On the outskirts of the town, the Gardens of Trauttmansdorff Castle await you, transporting you to a world of fragrances, colours, and impressions. Empress Sisi once resided in the castle itself. Therefore, it now fittingly houses the Touriseum, South Tyrol's museum of tourism. Other museums, such as the Women's Museum, the Villa Freischütz, and the Municipal Museum, are dedicated to other fascinating topics.
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