Weekend in Merano. Merano is a fabulous city in northern Italy

Palm trees and olive groves in the valley, snow and glaciers in the mountains… thermal spa, favorite place Princess Elisabeth of Austria, known to friends and family simply as Sissi.

Like the nature of the surroundings of Merano, the town itself is just as contrasting: on one side of the Passirio River there are houses of traditional architecture, on the other - modern buildings. Villages surrounding the city, immersed in endless vineyards and apple orchards, is an excellent backdrop for hiking along the irrigation canals, which here, in the German manner, are called "Waalwege". In the side valleys, such as Val d'Ultimo and Val Passaria, there are completely different views. Scattered here and there traditional chalets, vintage keepers of local customs.

What to see

Kurhaus

The Kurhaus, an elegant Liberty-style palace, is the symbol of the city, facing the Passirio River on one side and the Liberta Corso on the other.

Its halls host cultural and social events, congresses, exhibitions, celebrations and concerts. Modern Kurhaus is a harmonious fusion of Art Nouveau and modern technologies. Its construction began in the second half of the 19th century. In 1874, the first building, the “flower pavilion”, was opened, which has remained almost unchanged to this day.

The building of the Kurhaus, according to the plan, was supposed to fulfill two main functions: a medical resort and a place of entertainment for guests. Therefore, it was equipped with smoking rooms and halls for games, conversations, readings, a ladies' room, a concert and ballroom, a stage, rooms for gambling, which were not inferior to a real casino in terms of intensity of passions. The Kurhaus, where many scientific congresses have always been held, has also greatly contributed to the fact that many people now associate Merano primarily with congress tourism.

The new wing of the palace, bearing the name "Kursaal", was built according to the project of Friedrich Ohman on December 31, 1914. The elegant foyer, spacious staircase, gallery, majestic ballroom and concert hall are an undeniable masterpiece of architecture. Stucco, gilded wrought iron and frescoes adorn the entire building. The rotunda, crowned with a dome, the tympanum of which is decorated with dancing girls, has become a symbol of the entire palace.

Historical baths

The former "Physiotherapy Center" is located on Via Huber. Once this building, built in 1907 according to the design of Max Langeinrich, a Bavarian architect, was the main thermal complex of Merano, which brought it to the international level in medical tourism. The three-story building is crowned with a dome, the entrance is decorated with an elegant semicircular portico, a marble staircase with blackened iron railings leads to the second floor. A massive wooden chandelier hangs from the ceiling, adorned with full-length statues of Tyroleans in traditional dress. On the second floor there is a waiting room, and in the corridor there are entrance doors to treatment rooms, now converted for other purposes.

Puccini Theater

The theater was built in 1900 by architect Martin Dülfer, one of the most original representatives of Jugendstil, as Art Nouveau was called in German in architecture.

Despite numerous deviations from the original design during construction, the building fully expresses the philosophy of eclecticism, fashionable in Bavaria, when the architect studied there. Marble decorations adorn both appearance and building interiors. Since 1937, the theater has been named after Giacomo Puccini, who lived in Merano in 1923.

Merano Historic Center

Via dei Portici, the street connecting Piazza Duomo and Piazza Grano, was built in 1200 at the behest of the Tyrolean Count Mainardo II.

The facades of the houses of the center, although built in different eras, have common feature- characteristic ledges, along which there are porticos. A long vaulted corridor 400 meters long rests on stone columns. The layout of traditional buildings with stairs, patios and attic windows is very beautiful. Locals still call the porticos differently: "Portici del Fiume" on the Passirio embankment, "Portici della montagna" overlooking Monte Benedetto; Portici Inferiori and Portici Superiori are separated by Via Cassa di Risparmio.

Via dei Portici is Merano's main shopping street. Here you can find everything from textiles and food to boutiques, restaurants and bars where you can take a break from shopping with a cup of cappuccino.

Route of the Empress Sissi

The Passirio River divides Merano into two parts. In winter, it is worth taking a walk along its right bank near the historical center. The first section starts from the Postal Bridge ("Ponte della Posta") and ends with the Theater Bridge ("Ponte del Teatro"). The second is a continuation of the first and ends at the Iron Bridge (“Ponte del Ferro”). The first section is interesting with artistically decorated flower beds, palm trees, ice cream parlors and just a cafe. From here, the Kurhaus looks particularly impressive with its Art Nouveau architecture. The second part of the route leads to an arrow where the Passirio flows into the Adige. In this place, well protected from the wind, there are many ancient buildings and very sunny. You can continue your walk by passing through the Wandelhalle covered gallery. It houses an art gallery with views of Alto Adige and busts of city public figures.

©trauttmansdorff.it

The embankment on the other side of the river is planted with Lebanese cedars, wellingtonias, poplars, pines, providing shelter in the summer heat. Therefore, it is also called the "Summer Embankment". At its beginning is the so-called Sissi Park, in which there is an elegant marble statue of Empress Elisabeth of Austria.

Tappiner route and trail

From this sun-drenched path you can enjoy amazing views of the basin in which Merano is located.

The trail was built and donated to the city by Franz Tappeiner, a doctor and scientist, a native of Val Venosta and a passionate apologist for Merano tourism. The route is a continuation of the Gilf trail ("Passegiata Gilf") and follows the profile of Monte Benedetto, ending in Quarazza. The total length is 4 km. You can get to it from Merano in different ways: from Via Galilei behind the cathedral, from the ascent of "Salita Silvana" to Via Verdi, from Castel S. Zeno and from the embankments. Along the entire route, in addition to typical representatives of local plants, you will meet cork oaks, eucalyptus, Mediterranean pines, agaves, olives and palm trees, bamboo and cacti that are quite exotic here.

A fragrant herb park was built next to the route in 2002, where about 230 species of different fragrant herbs and plants are cultivated. Nameplates help identify each plant. Ten telescopes were installed along the route, aimed at various buildings in the city and its environs. Telescopes are one of the thirty observation platforms of the route, which is called "Architecture in Focus".

Kitchen

Merano cuisine is a living tradition and centuries-old culture. Many tourists who come to a particular place try to comprehend its spirit through traditional cuisine. Merano is considered the apple capital of Alto Adige: the famous strudel is made from them, as well as natural cosmetics.

Only grapes can compete with apples, many varieties of which are used to produce quality wines and grappas. The famous Forst beer is brewed in Lagundo, a town just a few kilometers from Merano.

The most famous local product is speck, protected by the IGP Sudtirol quality mark (patented geographical name). In addition to speck, many other dishes are protected by this sign (primarily "kanederli", or dumplings). Local bread is baked from different cereals and seeds according to traditional recipes. "Schuttelbrot" - crispy rye bread, and "Paarl" - breads made from rye and wheat flour with fennel and caraway seeds.

A story about local cuisine would be incomplete without mentioning milk and dairy products, butter and yogurt, honey, wild berries, jams and aromatic herbs. All local products can be bought in shops and supermarkets, food boutiques and markets.

How to get there

By plane
The nearest airport is in Verona, Bolzano, Bergamo and Innsbruck. Then you should take the bus or train.

By train
Main branches:
Milan - Verona - Bolzano - Brennero
Venice - Verona - Bolzano - Brennero
Rome - Bologna - Verona - Bolzano - Brennero
Express train:
Rome - Bolzano
Regional trains:
Bolzano - Merano (at least once an hour)

By car
From South
Bolzano sud exit (at the junction with the Bolzano-Merano motorway)
motorway A22 Brennero
from the west
via Passo Resia - Highway SS 40
via Passo dello Stelvio - SS 38 (summer only)
from the east
via Passo Monte Croce (entrance to Val Pusteria, highway SS 49)
Via Val di Landro (entrance to Val Pusteria, highway SS 49)

Contacts

Accommodation agency in Merano
Corso Liberta, 45
39012 Merano - ITALIA
Email mail:
Tel: +39 0473 27 20 00

In the picturesque Alpine valley, under the patronage of St. Nicholas, the city of Merano, the second largest in the province of Bolzano, is located. The unique microclimate, the cleanest air and world-famous spa resorts make it a popular destination among fans of healthy recreation. As in many cities in South Tyrol, the population here is mixed: Austrians, of course, predominate, while only about a third are Italians. Accordingly, there are also two official languages on the territory of Merano - German and Italian.

The first people came to this warm valley three thousand years before the birth of Christ. All this time they lived here and did not know grief, and then the restless Romans drove them from their homes, partially enslaved and built their own military fortress Castrum Mayens, from which the village of Meran subsequently grew. The settlement grew and developed, thanks to which in the Middle Ages it practically became the capital of the Tyrolean county.

The local population loves warm summer evenings to tell that Meran gave his name to the famous Dukes of Meran, in the XII-XIII centuries. who decided the fate of the world in southeastern Germany. A pleasant delusion and nothing more: they became Meranian exclusively from the German word "sea", which has nothing to do with the settlement.

The city of Merano began to be considered in the XIII century, shortly before the transfer of the entire Tyrolean county under the rule of the Habsburgs. First and under the new government local population life was not bad, but then the ruling duke moved the capital to Innsbruck, and the city lost its status and trade relations, which, of course, could not but lead to disastrous consequences. Gradually, Merano fell almost into disrepair.

It took the city several centuries, not always calm, to more or less recover, but now it is almost the largest tourist center in South Tyrol. No wonder, because the famous thermal spring and high-quality spa treatments attract a large flow of people wishing to improve their health to the city. In addition, Merano attracts the public with its developed winemaking, traditional cuisine and several seasonal holidays.

lovers active rest Merano also has something to offer, because there are as many as five mining centers around the city. ski resorts different levels and price categories. Besides noteworthy architecture and charming views make the town a wonderful place for walking and relaxing, contemplative rest.

Trauttmansdorff Castle

Trauttmansdorff Castle is the most famous building V historical center cities. Already in the 14th century, a small fortified building stood here, but the Trauttmansdorff family, who bought this land, decided that the former building was not large enough for their family nest, so in the 16th century the castle was replanned, expanded and supplemented with several new buildings. However, the music did not play for long: the family died out, and the castle fell into disrepair, and until the middle of the century before last, only mice and spiders were the only inhabitants of the previously luxurious chambers. Then a representative of one of the side branches of the family bought the castle, returned it to its former glory, and even added a few neo-Gothic touches. Empress Elisabeth of Bavaria even stayed here, and it was thanks to her visit that the branch of thermal medicine began to develop here. At the end of the last century, the castle became the property of the state, became home to the Tourist Museum, and a vast Botanical Garden, opened to the public in 2001, stretches around the building for almost 12 hectares.

Castle of the Prince Regents

Built in the middle of the last millennium, for several centuries it became the home of successive ruling princes of the province. At the end of the 18th century, this castle was empty and fell into decay, and in the 19th century they even wanted to completely demolish it, but changed their minds, deciding that it was bright architectural monument. The building has been extensively restored to its original Gothic appearance and is now a museum that immerses visitors in a recreated medieval setting.

Kursaal

The undoubted symbol of the city is, of course, the famous Kursaal, whose walls became the home of the thermal center. The development of this magnificent majestic building at the beginning of the 20th century was commissioned by the authorities of Merano famous architect, a native of Austria, Friedrich Omann. This light, spacious building with huge windows and snow-white columns, which for many years has become another symbol of Merano, clearly gravitates towards the Rococo style. Even if you have chosen this city not as a place of health, a visit to the Kursaal should not be neglected.

Church of St. Nicholas

Another key attraction of Merano is the Orthodox Church of St. Nicholas. At the end of the 19th century, the Russian aristocracy learned about the healing properties of local sources and began to regularly come here "on the water". After a short period of time, a charitable society was organized here, whose goal was to help compatriots in need of treatment. And at one fine moment, the local Russian Mission came up with the idea of building a Russian house and an Orthodox church here. Money was collected from all over the country by subscription, and now, we have before us the result of all the work - a two-story building topped with a dome and a cross typical for Orthodox churches, on the second floor of which the church itself is located, and on the first - something like a Russian museum.

Merano thermal spa

The healing properties of mineral waters from the sources of the resort of Merano have been known since ancient times - the natural gas radon, with which the waters are saturated, has a healing effect in a large number of diseases. If you want to experience the miraculous properties, it is worth visiting the local spa "Terme Merano", which is the largest in the city. It features 13 indoor and 12 outdoor pools, plenty of saunas, underground thermae, waterfalls, spa services, gyms and more.

In addition to the internal infrastructure, the complex boasts an excellent location - made in the form of a giant glass cube, it is located on the banks of the Passirio River, surrounded by lush gardens.

Leisure

Merano is famous not only for its thermal healing springs, mud baths and ski slopes. Cultural life cities can also please you with many interesting events. Various festivals and holidays are regularly held here. So, in April you have the opportunity to participate in the Meranflora flower festival, which captures almost the entire city. If you are a fan of equestrian sports, your chances of having fun are increased, as horse riding competitions are held at the local hippodrome at least four times a year. At the end of summer, several venues host the festival classical music, which brings together famous orchestras from all over the world. If your visit to Merano coincided with the eve of the winter holidays, the famous Christmas Market will surely infect you with its warm atmosphere of expectation of miracle and magic.

How to get there

By car - take the A22 motorway, exit Bolzano, then take the expressway free road Bolzano-Merano.

Alto Adige's transport system allows you to use one ticket for train and bus. Merano has regular trains and buses from Bolzano. The ticket price is 5, 10 and 25 EUR, it is especially advantageous to buy a weekly bus pass at a price of 25 EUR for 30 trips. You can also take a taxi from Bolzano if your budget allows. Trains run from Milan, Verona, Venice, Brennero and Rome.

local transport

Merano is small, so you can easily get around on foot or by bike. Buses run regularly within the city and beyond, to the main ski resorts buses run several times a day. Their approximate schedule can be viewed.

Hotels

Merano is great for a quiet contemplative vacation, so most of the hotels here are cozy and conducive to relaxation and relaxation. So, Aster (3 *), located near the city center (20 minutes walk), attracts visitors with its quiet atmosphere, spacious rooms, a small pool and delicious and nutritious breakfasts. By the way, there is a special system of discounts for visitors to thermal springs. This hotel is ideal for families with children or a romantic getaway.

Ansitz Plantitscherhof (4 *) belongs to a higher price category and boasts a magnificent panorama of the mountains surrounding it and a well-developed wellness center. It features an indoor pool, several spa treatments, baths and saunas, and a rooftop terrace with several hot tubs. The local restaurant with an impressive wine list deserves special praise; it is not for nothing that it is very popular with visitors.

Garni Partaneshof (4 *) offers a luxurious garden and extensive vineyards, so you can taste local wines and buy a bottle or two at any time. The location of the hotel is extremely successful, because this quiet corner seems to merge with the surrounding delightful nature. Each room has its own balcony or terrace.

Pollinger (4 *) also has its own wellness center, gym and several swimming pools, and the windows of all rooms, without exception, overlook picturesque mountain Texel. The hotel's restaurant is renowned for its excellent value for money and will delight you with Italian, Mediterranean and local cuisine, as well as some international dishes.

Restaurants

Basically, Milano restaurants offer, of course, Mediterranean and South Tyrolean cuisine, but you can also find something unusual.

So, the Sissi restaurant - Andrea Fenoglio definitely gravitates towards Italian cuisine. The institution is not cheap, but the price here is undeniably justified. The masterful work of the chefs, impressive portions, compliments from the institution before each change of dishes, and at the same time, a fairly simple atmosphere make it homely and cozy.

Many consider Castel Fragsburg the best in Merano. It is perfect for a business meeting, and for a family lunch, and for a romantic dinner. The restaurant staff will take into account any of your preferences and will make every effort to ensure that you have only pleasant emotions from your visit, and in the voluminous menu and wine list you will definitely be able to find a dish to your liking.

Restaurant Ristorante Bar Mainardo, which is a mixture of German and Italian cuisine visited not only by tourists, but also by local residents. The prices here are reasonable, the food is delicious, and the wine list boasts several exclusive varieties. It is better to book tables in advance - the place is clearly popular.

The cuisine of the La Bruschetta restaurant is typically Italian, but the usual pasta and pizza are cooked here with such skill that you should seriously be afraid for your fingers. Cozy homely atmosphere, not too high prices and friendly staff make La Bruschetta a trendy place to hang out with family or friends. Therefore, in order not to be left without dinner, take care of the issue of booking a table in advance.

shopping

The most striking event of the year in Merano is, of course, the Christmas Market, which is set aside for several key streets and squares of the city. Here you will find everything you need for your holidays. In addition, the warm atmosphere prevailing here will surely charge you with positive energy for the whole year.

Every week, the city hosts the Friday Market, where you should go in search of farm products and household items. It is also worth wandering around the Arcades - you can often find a lot of interesting and inexpensive items there.

Enclosed in the arms of the majestic and proud Alps, the city of Merano is famous for its mild climate and is rightfully considered the "pearl" of South Tyrol.

Merano (ital. Merano, German Meran) is located in the province, on the banks of the Passirio River, near the border with Austria.

This small old town lies in the very "heart" of the Alpine valley, which is surrounded on all sides by the Tessa mountain range (the height of which reaches 3335 meters), at an altitude of 325 meters above sea level, which causes an incredibly mild Mediterranean climate of these places. Merano is famous all over the world not only for its natural landscapes: first of all, it has the reputation of a city of health.

Starting from the 19th century, Russian aristocrats discovered the thermal springs of Merano: good healers recommended the wonderful climate of the city and healing waters local places.

In Italy, Merano is also called the "blooming city", as there is a luxurious subtropical park on its territory.

In addition to good spas, the city is famous for its gastronomic and wine traditions. The most famous festivals of Merano are the "vine festival" (October), "horse races" and "weeks of music" (August-September).

Around Merano there are 5 ski resorts of various classes for every taste and level of professionalism of skiers.

How to get to Merano?

By plane

The nearest airport to Merano is Bolzano Airport. From here you can get to Merano by bus or taxi.

Merano in summer. Photo burggrafenamt.com

By car

You can get to Merano along the A22 motorway (Autostrada del Brennero), exit to Bolzano-South, then along the Bolzano-Merano free expressway (MEBO), exit to MERANO MAIA BASSA or MERANO CENTRO.

Free parking is available at piazza Prader (from here the city center can be reached on foot or by SASA bus lines).

Merano. Photo flickr.com

By train

The most convenient way to get to Merano is by train. All trains on the Munich-Verona line stop in Bolzano, from there trains run every half an hour to Merano. Merano train station is near the city center.

Trains run from Milan, Verona, Venice, Brennero and Rome.

Information about trains on the website www.trenitalia.it.

Kursaal, photo: vigilhof.it

In winter, the famous () takes place in Merano, where you can buy handmade products for every taste and budget.

The famous Christmas market, photo: Italy in Russian

Where to stay in Merano?

Castel Tirolo is located on the outskirts of the city of Tirolo, which is not far from Merano, and it is thanks to him that the whole region of Tyrol got its name. This is a very ancient Romanesque castle: the first fortification appeared in this place back in the 11th century (some of its ruins have also been preserved, which can be seen in the cellars). The castle tower was added to the building in the 12th century, and at the beginning of the 20th century it was modified and built on.

Castel Tirolo, photo: agriturismo.agraria.org

The first palace, located in the castle and being the residence of the rulers, was built in the 13th century for the ruler Meinhard II. Unfortunately, it was destroyed, but you can still admire the palace of the counts, built in the 19th century.

Opening hours of the castle: from mid-March to early December, daily from 10.00 to 17.00, in August until 18.00.

Day off: Monday

Entrance fee: € 7.00

Prince's Castle (Castello Principesco)

Address: Via Galilei, Merano

Tel.: +39 329 0186390

The Castello Principesco was built in 1470. In those days, Merano was the main city of Tyrol, so the castle became the residence for many Tyrolean rulers.

Castle built in gothic style, excellently preserved: once inside the Castello Principesco, you can admire the paintings of the walls and ceilings of the interiors, as well as valuable art objects that belonged to the families of the rulers of Tyrol: paintings, furniture, musical instruments, etc.

Prince's castle. Photo burggrafenamt.com

Opening hours: from March to the first Sunday of January from Tuesday to Saturday from 11.00 to 17.00, on Sundays and public holidays from 11.00 to 13.00.

Closed: Monday, months of January and February

Trauttmansdorf Castle (Castello Trauttmansdorf)

Address: Via San Valentino 51 a

Tel.: +39 0473 258819 (Cashier)

The neo-gothic Trauttmannsdorff castle was erected in 1850 on the ruins of medieval fortress XIV century as a residence for the counts, whose name is the castle. The fame of the castle was brought by the Austrian Empress Elisabeth, known as Sissi, who was a frequent visitor to the castle.

Trauttmansdorff Castle is known for its luxurious gardens, which brought Merano fame all over the world and the title of "pearl" of Tyrol. Here, on terraces caressed by the bright sun, plants from all over the planet bloom and smell fragrant. In the Trauttmansdorf Gardens you can admire the northernmost olive grove in Italy, a cactus garden, "water" gardens, a Japanese garden, an alpine garden and other botanical sections, of which there are no more, no less, but as many as 80! Needless to say, there are countless thematic routes that run through the gardens.

Trauttmansdorff castle. Photo burggrafenamt.com

In 2005, the Trauttmansdorff Gardens received the title of the most beautiful in Italy.

There is also a Tourism Museum on the territory of the castle, where you can learn a lot about the beautiful Empress Sissi.

Trauttmansdorf. Photo flickr.com

Trauttmansdorff Castle, by the way, is included in a tourist route"Sissi Road", passing through Germany, Hungary, Austria, Switzerland, Greece and Italy and uniting the most beautiful places loved by the Empress.

You can get acquainted with the schedule of the Trauttmansdorff castle and the cost of entrance tickets on the official website of the castle.

Shen Castle. Mausoleum (Castello Scena. Mausoleum)

Address: A l Castello 14, Scena (near Merano)

Tel.: +39 0473 945630

Shena Castle was built in the 14th century and still belongs to the family of the Counts of Merano. Yes, local aristocrats continue to live here, but the non-residential part of the castle is open to the public. Once in the castle, you can enjoy the splendor of the Renaissance halls, valuable paintings and see an extensive collection of ancient weapons.

Scena. Photo flickr.com

Not far from Schön Castle is the majestic mausoleum of Archduke Johann of Austria and his family.

Opening hours: from last numbers March-month to November.

Day off: Sunday

Tour price: € 8.00 - castle only, € 8.50 castle + mausoleum

Contact persons: Count and Countess Spiegelfeld.

Old city

Walking through the old town of Merano, you can admire the fourteenth-century palazzo, built in neoclassical and Liberty style. Here is also the Cathedral of St. Nicholas, built in the German Gothic style, preserving, inside, a monumental statue of St. Christopher of the 15th century and a statue of St. Nicholas of the 14th century.

Cathedral of Merano. Photo flickr.com

Once you reach Piazza Duomo (where the cathedral is located), turn onto Via dei Portici, a long arched corridor supported by stone columns that leads to Piazza del Grano. Founded in 1200 by Count Meinhard II of Tyrol, Via dei Portici is still Merano's main shopping street.

Don't miss the Piazza Theatre, located in the heart of the city, Via delle Corsica with its medieval buildings, Piazza della Rena, the Postal and Roman Bridge, the oldest crossing over the Passirio River, built in 1616 to replace a wooden bridge.

Kurhaus

Address: Corso Liberta 33, Merano

The Kurhaus is one of the symbols of Merano, it can often be seen on postcards and pictures. The building, which today hosts conferences and concerts, was erected in 1874, and at the beginning of the 20th century, Friedrich Ochmann, an architect from Vienna, added a magnificent Art Nouveau hall and a rotunda to the Kurhaus, the ceiling of which was decorated with works by famous artists: Rudolf Jettmar , Alexander Rothaug, Horazio Gaigher and others.

Teatro Puccini

Address: Piazza Teatro, 2

The beautiful art nouveau theater was built in 1900 by the architect Martin Dülfer. If you get inside, you will be surprised by the luxury of the interiors, done in red and gold and richly decorated with murals and stucco.

Maze Garden Kränzel

The garden is located in the Kränzel wine house, each visitor can choose his own route between entertainment, art and wine.

Knottnkino, photo: hafling-meran2000.eu

The Franz Messner project is an open-air cinema on an observation deck with an endless film - a breathtaking view of the valley and the Alto Adige.

Women's Museum (Museo delle Donne)

Address: Via Mainardo 2, Merano

Tel: +39 0473 231216

Merano has a very unusual museum, which we recommend visiting for an inquisitive tourist. This is a museum dedicated exclusively to women, their Everyday life, their ideals of beauty and pursuits

The museum was founded by Evelyn Ortner (1944-1997), who started collecting women's everyday objects at a young age. The items came to Evelyn through her vintage shop "Petersilie" and later they all formed an extensive private collection. The museum has six rooms dedicated to outfits, accessories, household items and other objects that tell women's life over the past 200 years.

Museo delle donne. Photo flickr.com

The permanent exhibition is updated every two / three years. The exhibits form a magnificent timeless picture of time, allowing you to understand the world of women.

Baths of Merano

There are several spa resorts in Merano itself. The most popular of them is the Thermal Complex, located in the very center of the city. You will immediately notice its building, made in the form of a giant glass cube.

The Merano Thermal Complex has as many as 25 pools with thermal water, 15 of which are open all year round. In the same center there are various saunas and spas, and even a water lily pond where you can swim.

At the Thermal Complex, you can choose the wellness programs that suit you or treat yourself to spa treatments while admiring the amazing mountain landscapes through the glass walls.

Festivals in Merano

Wine Festival in Merano

This magnificent "wine summit" every November gathers hundreds of true connoisseurs of the best wines from all over the world.

As for producers, before being allowed to participate in the festival, each wine presented by them must pass a professional selection and gain a sufficient passing score. It is precisely because of the strict selection that only the best of the best from all over the world get to the Merano Wine Festival.

Wine Festival in Merano. Photo flickr.com

The festival traditionally takes place in the halls of the Kurhaus. During the tastings, guests will be able to personally get acquainted with the famous winemakers: they themselves stand behind the tasting stands and pour the wines.

The festival also includes a culinary part, which is organized by famous European chefs. Tastings, culinary shows, a gastronomic exhibition of delicacies, luxurious dinners - all this is included in the program of the Meran festival.

Christmas market in Merano

At the end of November, the traditional Christmas market begins in Merano. On central square towns set up brightly colored stalls that offer guests South Tyrolean handicrafts and gastronomy. Here the spirit of Christmas is felt most keenly: the aroma of cinnamon and Christmas sweets is in the air, the counters are filled with traditional Christmas tree decorations, and everyone is in an excellent mood.

How nice it is to enjoy hot mulled wine or Tyrolean cuisine, watching the beauty of the snow-capped Alps, while the kids frolic, riding retro carousels or on a skating rink, isn't it?

Christmas market in Merano. Photo flickr.com

Spring in Merno (Meraner Frühling)

At the end of March, an incredibly beautiful spring festival begins in Merano, which combines artistic creativity and gardening art into a single whole. These days Merano turns into a blooming oasis filled with flower sculptures and installations.

During the festival, the city also hosts a gastronomic fair where local products are put up for sale.

Spring in Merano. Photo flickr.com

grape festival

The Merano Grape Festival is one of the most important events in the city's calendar of events. It has been held annually since 1886 at the end of the grape harvest, on the third weekend in October. During the festival, the streets and squares of Merano become the stage for South Tyrol's largest folklore festival, as well as tasting oases serving local specialities. The main stage of the festival is the Kurhaus terrace: it is here that various performers perform.

The Grape Festival culminates in a colorful parade in traditional costumes accompanied by the music of South Tyrol bands and a festive fair selling handicrafts and gastronomy.

Grape Festival. Photo flickr.com

What to try

In Merano you can taste the best dishes South Tyrolean cuisine, special attention deserves the Forst brewery, where, together with traditional dishes you can try the region, which is in no way inferior to similar German products.

Traditional dishes of the region at the Forst Brasserie, photo: Italy in Russian

In Merano, you should try excellent South Tyrolean herbal teas, which are collected in the local Alps.

Also, the city is famous for its apples, cheeses, smoked bacon, (Lagrein, Schiava and Gewürztramin) and apple juice.

In one of the Alpine valleys of South Tyrol, there is a colorful Italian resort town Merano. It has everything for which Italy is chosen when going on vacation. snow covered mountain slopes in winter and Mediterranean vegetation in summer, palatial architectural complexes and the original grandeur of the waterfall, the fragrance of roses and olive groves ... In a word, Italy!

Merano is located almost on the Austrian border in the center of the mountain range at an altitude of 235m in the province of Bolzano. It can rightly be called a town of natural contrasts: the backdrop for green olive trees, palm trees and vineyards are the snow-covered peaks of the Alps, reaching 3,335m in height.

A bit of history...

The surrounding of the city on all sides by mountain ranges has made a great contribution to soft climatic conditions, thanks to which Merano acquired the status of a resort in the 19th century. Even then, many doctors recommended health trips to the city of Merano for patients. And the resort gained general fame in Europe after Elisabeth (Empress of Austria) came here for two winters in a row to breathe the crystal air of the Alps (of course, in health care). By the way, the former belonging of Merano to the Austro-Hungarian Empire is confirmed by “material evidence”: a monument to Empress Sisi (as Elizabeth was affectionately called) has been preserved here. In 1867, a railway connection was opened with Brenn, and in 1881 with Bolzano, thus joining Merano to the pan-European transport network.

About the source and healing properties of water

Almost in the very center of the town, on the vast territory of the park, the buildings of the Terme Merano thermal park are located. This is a real oasis of health and pleasure, which includes 25 pools with thermal water, 13 of which are indoors, saunas that occupy more than a kilometer of area, underground thermal baths, jacuzzis (water temperature 18 - 37 degrees), geysers and waterfalls. The buildings of the thermal park are also noteworthy. One of them is a majestic cube made of steel and glass. This architectural marvel is located on the south bank of the Passirio.

The waters of the Merano thermal springs contain radon gas, which has a beneficial effect on the nervous system, blood vessels, joints and helps with venous insufficiency and other circulatory disorders.

Indications for a wellness trip to Terme Merano are: diseases of the heart, blood vessels, respiratory organs and gastrointestinal tract, overweight, dermatological and gynecological problems, joint and back pain, chronic fatigue and the desire for rejuvenation.

Wellness programs Terme Merano

All procedures carried out by specialists in Merano are aimed at general improvement of the body and restoration of the psycho-emotional background. Comprehensive medical and aesthetic measures have one goal - to bring physical and psychological health into a state of balance. After consulting professionals in just one week in Merano, you can achieve amazing results: remove toxins from the body, stimulate metabolic processes, improve skin and muscle tone, relax and get a boost of energy that will not interfere with the fight against aging. Swimming pools, wraps, irrigation, inhalations, massages, hydromassages, SPA treatments - this is not a complete list of Terme Merano procedures. And in the Palace Merano hotel you can also undergo a course of treatment according to the Henri Chenot system.

Attractions Merano

It is impossible to rest in Italy, to be treated in Terme Merano and not see the sights of Merano. Although there are not as many of them as in Rome or Florence, there is something for the intellectual tourist to stop at here. You should start your journey from the historical part of the town, called " Old city”, appreciating its medieval arcades on Laubengasse, the square and very narrow streets. A must-see is Trauttmansdorff Castle, named after Count Trauttmansdorff, who reconstructed it in the 19th century. Now it houses the Museum of Tourism. And, of course, the Botanical Garden - a real sanctuary of exotic and local Tyrolean vegetation - you can not miss it! Moreover, you don’t have to go far: the garden, recognized in 2005 as the best botanical garden in the country, spreads around the Trauttmansdorff Castle.

Another undoubted advantage of the town are its hotels. Unlike other provincial resorts in Italy, Merano hotels can satisfy tourists with a variety of needs in terms of comfort and cost of living. So, a few steps from the Old Town is the Palace Merano 5 * built in 1906. It is connected to the 13th century castle, which has several guest rooms. Right on the territory of the thermal park is the Steigenberger Hotel 4 *, whose design solution combines retro, elegant classics, cool avant-garde and Tyrolean decorative elements. Well, in a quiet part of the town, just a five-minute walk from railway station the WESTEND 3 * hotel is located.

Recreation and entertainment

Although the Terme Merano has continued to attract foreigners for decades, today the town has more to offer than just a dip in mineral waters and mud wraps. In winter, skiers come here: half an hour from the city there is the Merano 2000 station, the length of which is 40 km. Well, summer is the time for lovers of equestrian sports (there is a riding school here) and golf (fields are located at various heights).

In addition, the city of Merano is a regular venue for many festivals. For example, once every two years at the end of April, florists from all over Europe come here for the Meranflora festival. Riding competitions are held at least three times a year. From the end of August throughout September, the Puccini Theatre, the Pavilion of Flowers and the Kursaale host classical music concerts with famous European orchestras. Well, the Christmas Market will brighten up the days of tourists who find themselves in the vicinity of Merano before the New Year. The entire Passirio embankment turns out to be lined with tents with homemade cakes and Christmas souvenirs. Not only foreigners, but also locals come here with the whole family: to enjoy Italian hospitality, a truly family atmosphere, and ... of course, to buy something delicious for the Christmas table.

Merano has a unique location: the city, which is surrounded by the Alps, is distinguished by its mild mediterranean climate friendly in both summer and winter. I liked it here so much a few years ago that I could not help but return to the town where I left a piece of my heart again.

1. When I was in Merano for the first time, the whole January week I enjoyed the sun and daytime temperatures reaching 14 degrees. This time it was colder, which, however, did not prevent me from enjoying the time spent here.

2. If you look for information about Merano, the first thing you will come across is an advertisement for Dr. Chenot's clinic, from where our and foreign stars come out thinner and rejuvenated in a week. The place was not chosen by chance - the city stands on thermal springs, in the outdoor pools of which you can swim while admiring the Alps. Several routes have been laid along the Adige River, along which vacationers flank in the same way as they flaunted a hundred or more years ago. Here, for example, the daughter of Dostoevsky was treated, and here she died - her tombstone can be found in the city cemetery of Bolzano.

3. Century after century, life in Merano flows slowly, which already treats nervous, Internet addicts and others suffering from the pace of modernity.

4. It is good to come to Merano in winter, in December-January, not only because of the climate, but also because of the Christmas markets that work here the entire first week of January. Those pavilions with bright roofs are just left from the festive market.

5. The architecture of Merano is more like Austria than Italy.

9. Yes, January can be like this in the Alps!

10. Alto Adige has 2 official languages - Italian and German, and therefore all signs, price tags, menus and signs can be given in both at once.

11. The city has many pleasant architectural details that catch the eye: bay windows, murals, sculptures, carved windows, bright walls of houses.

12. All this beautiful architecture is superbly complemented by a spectacular backdrop - the Alps make this landscape even more attractive. It is thanks to the view of the mountains that opens from almost anywhere in the city that Merano, in my opinion, wins the competition in beauty over Bolzano.

13. Local handsome;)

15. Let's watch the locals for a bit. They dress more in the Austrian spirit than in the Italian one, so I didn’t find any particularly remarkable heroes for my photos - just people on the streets.

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17. The Tyrolean hat is the most popular headdress on both sides of the Alps.

19. Time in Merano flows surprisingly slowly - where can you hurry when you live in such a climate and beauty? A lot of things haven't changed in years. I already said that I was vacationing in Merano three years ago: then my husband and I really fell in love with the Sissi restaurant, where we managed to go five times in a week, probably. On this trip, we again booked a table: of the changes in three years, we noted only a new frame for the chef and an Apple Watch on his arm. The menu, staff uniforms, decor have remained the same, which can only surprise those who live in Moscow and are used to how everything is changing rapidly in our restaurants. If you're in town, don't miss this restaurant and especially this low temperature truffle egg. I think if you come back in another three years, it will still be on the menu.

20. One of the places where my husband and I did not get last time is the village of Tirolo, located above Merano. In the summer there is a lift, but we were in the winter when it was closed. This time we arrived by car and finally reached Tirolo.

21. The main reason why you should go to this sleeping village is the stunning views of the valley surrounding Merano.

22. A careful look will see as many as 2 castles in the previous photo. It is believed that South Tyrol is the richest region in Europe with castles.

23. Yes, yes, they are found here on every hill, sometimes even two at once.

24. Silence, peace, wet air - this is how I found Tirolo in January.

25. The whole of South Tyrol is a story about grapes and apples, which this index tells perfectly. Apple path to the left, wine path to the right.

26. Those Tyrolean tractor drivers who did not go on vacation in January wear white shirts. See, right?

27. If you get to Merano, be sure to get to the Miramonte Hotel, standing on a hill above the city. I didn't do it last time, that's why I came back. Do you think it was worth coming back for this view?

28. I did not live in the hotel, but, apparently, it is beautiful. Even if you live elsewhere, come here for lunch, which is served in the hall with panoramic windows. The view is one of the best in my life. In more warm weather you can also dine on the terrace, on which the title photo of this post was taken.

29. The restaurant has a modern menu that interprets South Tyrolean classics. I ordered, for example, goose speck. It's good that even when the official lunch time is over (and here, as in all of Italy, it is sacredly revered), you will still be fed dishes from a shorter menu.

30. At the entrance to Merano stands the charming church of St. Catherine. Its outlines, rough stone walls and background of indescribable beauty reminded me of Georgia. Well, what, I, that Georgia is our native Italy.

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