Merano is a city in the Italian province of Bolzano of the Trentino-Alto Adige region, by the Paccirio River, 112 kilometers from the border with Austria, among the peaks of the Alpine mountains.
Merano is a unique place where we see nearby mountain peaks, palm trees, cypress trees, medieval knights’s castles, magnificent cathedrals, vineyards climbing on the mountain slopes, olive groves, blooming azaleas and a sea of other flowers. Merano resembles a tropical park, carefully sheltered from the winds and cold by the Tessa mountain range.
It attracts not only a mild, healthy Mediterranean climate, but also thermal springs discovered here in the 19th century.
Merano, located in a fabulous valley between the mountains near a fast mountain river, will give an unforgettable experience to those who wish to improve their health, and lovers of skiing, and connoisseurs of attractions and ancient architecture. And festivals and holidays will convince everyone who came here that there is no better place than Merano on Earth!
Story
The area around the current Merano since 15 BC was part of the Roman Empire, a military camp was set up here. In the Middle Ages, these lands became part of the county of Tyrol, Merano became the capital, and since the 13th century it has the status of a city.
Since 1363, the territory of Tyrol was transferred into the possession of the Habsburg dynasty and incorporated into Austria. The city was again annexed to Italy only after 1918. National languages are German and Italian. According to the composition of the population in the city, about 70% of Austrians, 26% of Italians, as well as representatives of other nationalities.
Terms
Natural mineral waters in Merano contain radon, which beneficially affects the nervous, circulatory, musculoskeletal and other body systems.
Local healing waters improve the general condition and normalize the body:
- Remove toxins and toxic substances;
- Accelerate metabolic processes;
- Beneficial effect on the skin;
- Improve the psychological state, etc.
Thermes (Terme Merano) are housed in an original modern cube-shaped glass building. The complex includes 25 pools with mineral water, saunas, spa centers. During the procedures, you can enjoy beautiful views through the glass walls of the thermal complex.
The official website of the term: www.termemerano.it/it
I advise you to read about the thermal springs on the island of Ischia and Lake Garda
Sights
Merano is located in the province of knight's castles and other sights of the early Middle Ages, located in the Old Town. It is worth taking a walk slowly, looking at the streets, squares, buildings:
- Cathedral of St. Nicholas (Duomo di Merano);
- Roman bridge over the Passirio river built in 1616, etc.
Tirolo Castle
Tirolo (Castel Tirolo) gave its name to the whole Tyrolean region. It is located in the neighboring town of Tirolo. The castle was built in the Romanesque style in the XI century, then in the XII century the tower was erected, and at the beginning of the XX century it was slightly modified and made higher.
Princely castle
Castello Principesco, founded in 1470, was a castle for the ruling families of the region. The appearance of the fortress in the early Gothic style has survived to this day. Visitors to the castle can see wall panels and shades painted by ancient masters, relics preserved from the inhabitants of the castle (musical instruments, paintings, furniture, etc.)
Trauttmansdorf Castle
Trauttmansdorf (Castello Trauttmansdorf), built in Merano in 1850 on the site of fortifications of the XIV century, was intended to the count family Trauttmansdorf. The castle was visited with pleasure by the Empress of Austria, Elizabeth.
The castle is famous for its Botanical gardens and greenhouses.collected plants from all over the globe in 80 zones on the same territory. Groves of olive trees, cactus thickets, Japanese-style gardens, alpine slides, a pond with exotic fish, and others adjoin here.
The castle houses the Museum of Tourism, which presents a unique exhibition dedicated to the Empress of Austria Elizabeth.
Schen Castle and Mausoleum
The castle of Scena (Castello Scena), founded in the XIV century, now belongs to the noble count family Spiegelfeld. Tourists can explore the non-residential half of the castle:
- Halls with interiors and decor of the Renaissance;
- Picturesque canvases;
- A collection of weapons of different centuries.
Near the castle is the Mausoleum, the tomb of the representatives of the Archduke Johann of Austria family.
Kurhaus
Kurhaus, Kurzal is a building constructed in 1874 and supplemented with a ceremonial ballroom at the beginning of the 20th century. Kursaus hosts scientific forums and symposiums, exhibitions, music events, etc.
St. Nicholas Orthodox Church
Church of St. Nicholas (Chiesa russo-ortodossa di San Nicola), built in 1895-1897 with the permission of the Government of Austria and with the blessing of the Holy Synod for the money collected by subscription, it belongs to the Korsun diocese of the Russian Orthodox Church. Services ceased after World War I and resumed in 1997 and are performed 3-5 times a year.
Puccini Theater
The theater (Teatro Puccini) was built in 1900. It features luxurious decor and stucco ceilings. The theater invites you to performances, concerts, presentations, entertainment and scientific events.
Museum of Women
The museum (Museo delle Donne), invented by Evelyn Ortner (Evelyn Ortner, 1944-1997), represents the world of women. The exposition offers exhibits demonstrating the development of fashion, interests and hobbies of women at different times.
In the museum you can see items of clothing, jewelry, shoes from different eras, get acquainted with the woman’s homework, household items. Spinning wheels, sewing machines, prams, hairstyling accessories - the multifaceted and mysterious world of female charm unfolds before visitors to the Museo delle Donne.
Holidays
Christmas Fair
Christmas Fair unfolds in the main square. Carousels are set for children, and in colorful pavilions, customers are offered goods produced by local enterprises, workshops, and craftsmen:
- Christmas decorations;
- Tyrolean foods and sweets;
- Clay and wooden utensils;
- Souvenirs, etc.
Grape festival
The Grape Festival is traditionally held in late October at several venues in the city:
- Festival of Tyrolean Folk Dance and Songs;
- Gastronomic festival;
- Parade in national costumes;
- Fair.
Wine festival
A wine festival for producers and lovers takes place in early November of each year in the Kurhaus building.
In addition to wine tasting, the festival organizes culinary fights, exhibitions of gourmet products, banquets.
Hotels
When choosing a hotel in Merano, tourists need to consider the goals of the trip:
- Lovers of attractions and vacationers who have come to improve their health choose hotels located in the city within walking distance from thermal springs and cultural objects;
- Guests of the ski resort are welcome at the foot of the Alpine Mountains.
Merano has a large selection of luxury accommodation options and budget options.
5 stars
5 star hotels are located in the old part of Merano, have their own wellness and fitness centers. Large rooms are equipped with modern appliances, minibars, guests are provided with a set of cosmetics, bathrobes for spa treatments. Daily cleaning and linen change. At guests' disposal are restaurants with a varied menu, swimming pools, VIP services.
Park hotel mignon
Park Hotel Mignon is located in the city center, has a free car park. All classic-style rooms have balconies overlooking the mountain ranges. The hotel has its own SPA-center, which is very popular for massages, body wraps, masks, various types of jacuzzi, saunas, baths, outdoor and indoor pools. Merano 2000 Ski Resort is 3 km away.
Relais & Chateaux Hotel Castel Fragsburg
Hotel Castel Fragsburg, set in a picturesque hunting castle amid mountains and wildlife, offers wonderful views of the Dolomites from the terrace and verandas. The hotel invites you to the SPA-center, as well as to the restaurant with national dishes.
Merano city center is a 15-minute drive from the hotel.
4 stars
4 star hotels invite you to relax in cozy small rooms, many of which have views of the picturesque nature. 4 star hotels have their own spa centers and gyms or are located within walking distance from them.
Hotel Therme Merano
Terme Merano, located in the city center, invites guests to the SPA-center and fitness room, an outdoor pool, a Jacuzzi. Comfortable bathrobes are provided for guests to visit the wellness treatments. The terrace restaurant with mountain views and 24-hour bars will delight guests with Alpine dishes and a variety of drinks, as well as the opportunity to eat at the buffet any time of the day.
Hotel Garni Partaneshof
Garni Partaneshof is located in the middle of the vineyard garden, so the hotel offers its own wines - they can be tasted and purchased. A beautiful view of the mountains opens from the balconies in the rooms and from the shared terrace. The city center is about 20 minutes on foot.
3 stars
3 star hotels offer budget compact rooms with all amenities, with daily cleaning and linen change once a week. Sports and playgrounds, swimming pools, a varied menu of restaurants will delight vacationers with children.
Hotel ladurner
Ladurner, located in Merano in the center of the park near the Botanical Garden and Trauttmansdorf Castle, offers comfortable rooms with balconies. Guests will enjoy the spacious terrace and two swimming pools, children will enjoy a special playground for games. The city center can be reached in 15 minutes, and to get to the ski resort "Merano 2000", you need to drive only 3 kilometers by car.
Hotel Gartenresidence Zea Curtis
Gartenresidence Zea Curtis, surrounded by a garden, offers the services of a SPA center, swimming pools, gym, baths and saunas. Guests can relax in the relaxation room or on the spacious terrace, in the room’s balcony or in the cozy patio. The hotel has a playground for children, tennis tables, bike rental is available. Hotel guests have discounts at several restaurants and a golf club. Mineral springs and city attractions are a 15-minute walk from the hotel.
Apartments and B&B
The apartments invite families with children to relax, preferring to cook on their own and stay in small buildings. The B&B option will be optimal for guests who prefer an active lifestyle, hiking, sports.
Villa Verdi Apartments
Verdi Apartments is a Queen Victoria-style apartment surrounded by a garden, located one and a half kilometers from the historic center of Merano. The apartments have a kitchen with all necessary appliances, spacious rooms with balconies overlooking the mountains.
The beach is a 19-minute walk from the apartments, and the Merano 2000 ski slopes are a 20-minute drive away.
The apartments have free internet access, parking, bike rental, free admission to the pools of the neighboring hotel.
B&B Grafenstein
Set amidst a beautiful garden, Grafenstein Bed and Breakfast is 1 km from Merano 2000 Ski Resort. The rooms have carpeted floors, bathrooms with all amenities, balconies with mountain views.
You can drive to the historical part of Merano in 5 minutes.
How to get there
The most convenient way to get to Merano is by train from Milan, Verona, Venice, Brennero and Rome to Bolzano station, and from there take an electric train to your destination. Up-to-date information on trains and ticket prices is available on the official website www.trenitalia.com.
