Merano and Bolzano form the intersection of the Tyrolean and Italian way of life. This is where Tyrolean culture meets la dolce vita - bacon dumplings meet spaghetti. This is what makes Merano so special. Merano has been the capital of the province of Tyrol since 1317 and was the economic centre of the southern Alps early on thanks to its function as a trading hub.
However, as early as the 15th century, the importance of the burgraviate and its capital Merano began to wane. The princely court was moved to Innsbruck and Merano remained the small town that it still is today. However, its importance as a cultural centre was preserved.
Merano's current heyday dates back to 1836. The Viennese doctor Dr. Johann Huber, personal physician to the ailing Princess Mathilde Schwarzenberg from Vienna, discovered Merano's mild climate and the Merano grapes as the ideal cure for his wealthy Viennese patients, thus triggering a Europe-wide trend. Soon the nobility, the bourgeoisie and all kinds of celebrities were travelling to Merano, most notably the Austrian Empress Sissi, who stayed here several times for a cure. Merano's Art Nouveau villas, promenades lined with flowers and Mediterranean plants, parks and the numerous promenades along the River Passer bear witness to this period. Today, Merano is a modern city where new architecture with these elements provides a charming backdrop for any holiday. One highlight is the new Merano thermal spa designed by South Tyrolean star architect Matteo Thun with its spacious park in the centre of the city. This is also the starting point for the Sissi Trail through the Obermaiser villa district to the gardens of Trauttmansdorff Castle. The latter was voted the most beautiful garden in Italy in 2005.
The old promenades along the Passer river are home to numerous cafés serving the best Italian coffee specialities. On the famous Tappeinerweg above Merano you can savour the excellent South Tyrolean cuisine - a symbiosis of traditional Tyrolean delicacies and Italian cuisine.
Winding arcades and fascinating courtyards from the 12th and 13th centuries can still be found in Merano's old town today. The Merano arcades invite you to enjoy a shopping experience under Gothic arcades. Your Alpine Wellness Hotel near Merano will provide you with all the information you need and we will be happy to give you special tips on site.
If you would like to discover Merano under expert guidance, we will be happy to organise an art history tour for you, during which you will pass the most important sights and experience the history, art and culture of Merano in a lively way.
However, as early as the 15th century, the importance of the burgraviate and its capital Merano began to wane. The princely court was moved to Innsbruck and Merano remained the small town that it still is today. However, its importance as a cultural centre was preserved.
Merano's current heyday dates back to 1836. The Viennese doctor Dr. Johann Huber, personal physician to the ailing Princess Mathilde Schwarzenberg from Vienna, discovered Merano's mild climate and the Merano grapes as the ideal cure for his wealthy Viennese patients, thus triggering a Europe-wide trend. Soon the nobility, the bourgeoisie and all kinds of celebrities were travelling to Merano, most notably the Austrian Empress Sissi, who stayed here several times for a cure. Merano's Art Nouveau villas, promenades lined with flowers and Mediterranean plants, parks and the numerous promenades along the River Passer bear witness to this period. Today, Merano is a modern city where new architecture with these elements provides a charming backdrop for any holiday. One highlight is the new Merano thermal spa designed by South Tyrolean star architect Matteo Thun with its spacious park in the centre of the city. This is also the starting point for the Sissi Trail through the Obermaiser villa district to the gardens of Trauttmansdorff Castle. The latter was voted the most beautiful garden in Italy in 2005.
The old promenades along the Passer river are home to numerous cafés serving the best Italian coffee specialities. On the famous Tappeinerweg above Merano you can savour the excellent South Tyrolean cuisine - a symbiosis of traditional Tyrolean delicacies and Italian cuisine.
Winding arcades and fascinating courtyards from the 12th and 13th centuries can still be found in Merano's old town today. The Merano arcades invite you to enjoy a shopping experience under Gothic arcades. Your Alpine Wellness Hotel near Merano will provide you with all the information you need and we will be happy to give you special tips on site.
If you would like to discover Merano under expert guidance, we will be happy to organise an art history tour for you, during which you will pass the most important sights and experience the history, art and culture of Merano in a lively way.
