Palm trees and glaciers, a Mediterranean atmosphere and cultural activities - Merano is the second largest town in South Tyrol
Where Bolzano is the lively capital of the region and the meeting point between north and south, Merano is the historic climatic health resort between botanical gardens and spa promenades. For centuries it has been appreciated for its pure air and mild Mediterranean climate, qualities that soon made Merano famous as a spa town. Richard Strauss, Rainer Maria Rilke and Frank Kafka took turns as guests here. In the past, goat's milk and grape cures were offered as a supplement for well-being, but today it is the Merano Thermal Baths and events such as the Grape Festival, the Merano WineFestival and the Merano Christmas Market that delight visitors.
Merano is still the ideal place to stroll and relax. Its location is favourable: The town lies in the middle of a valley basin at the entrance to the Val Passiria, Val Venosta and Valle dell'Adige. Quarazze, the villa district of Maia Alta, Maia Bassa with the Merano-Maia Racecourse, Sinigo, Labers and the historic centre stretch out between the Montefranco and the Monte Benedetto. In between flows the Passirio River and lie the longest arcades in Tyrol: They have been Merano's shopping street for 800 years. The vegetation along the promenades consists of palm trees, olive trees and cypresses. Small highlights such as a statue of Sissi, a floral arrangement and hidden cafés show the attention to detail. Above them, the glaciers are enthroned as a contrast.
The town's landmark is the Kurhaus, a masterpiece of Art Nouveau on the Cure Promenade. Just opposite is the modern thermal complex, which - hidden from any view - is much larger than expected: In summer, the spacious park with its shady trees and outdoor pools opens. On the edge of the town are the Gardens of Trauttmansdorff Castle, a variety of scents, colours and impressions. Already Empress Sissi resided in the castle during her stays in Merano, so there is no better place for the Museum of Tourism, the Touriseum. Other museums such as the Women's Museum, the Prince's Castle and the Municipal Museum are dedicated to further inspiring topics.
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