Merano – South Tyrol’s city of the sun
Merano is located on a sunny borough, less than one-hour drive from Terento. Built at an altitude of 320 m, Merano is the city of the Passirio River and the joining point between Val Venosta, Val Passiria and Val d’Ultimo in a basin surrounded by high mountain chains like the Sarentine and Venoste Alps and the Ortles Group.
Its protected position ensures a Mediterranean climate for up to 300 days a year with very low humidity. These circumstances have made Merano a popular therapeutic location ever since the XIX century. Even Elizabeth (Sissi) the Austrian empress has spent some time here on various occasions. Palm trees, cypress trees and cedars of Lebanon grow here, with the 3000m snowy mountain-tops in the background, giving the city a Mediterranean feel right in the middle of the Alps.
A walk through the city is enough to be completely fascinated by its charm. The historic centre with its medieval alleyways, the city’s doors and St.Niccolo’s cathedral are an open invitation to stay.
The porticos in the city centre are a fascinating collection of arcades, bow windows and romantic courtyards; a large variety of shops and boutiques invite you to browse around. There is a covered ‘winter walk’ with a “Wandelhalle” and a ‘summer walk’ (with Sissi’s monument), both leading towards the so called Posta bridge and the Passirio Walk with many inviting cafes, ice-cream parlours and the famous Kurhaus, a monument to the city built in 1914. For a bird view of the city’s marvels you should try the Tappeiner Walk, a feast of plants and flowers. This 4 km walk unwinds along the sides of Mount Benedetto, from Merano’s Powder depot Tower to the borough of Quarazze, offering a spectacular panoramic view of the old city and the Val D’Adige.
A walk through the city is enough to be completely fascinated by its charm. The historic centre with its medieval alleyways, the city’s doors and St.Niccolo’s cathedral are an open invitation to stay.
The porticos in the city centre are a fascinating collection of arcades, bow windows and romantic courtyards; a large variety of shops and boutiques invite you to browse around. There is a covered ‘winter walk’ with a “Wandelhalle” and a ‘summer walk’ (with Sissi’s monument), both leading towards the so called Posta bridge and the Passirio Walk with many inviting cafes, ice-cream parlours and the famous Kurhaus, a monument to the city built in 1914. For a bird view of the city’s marvels you should try the Tappeiner Walk, a feast of plants and flowers. This 4 km walk unwinds along the sides of Mount Benedetto, from Merano’s Powder depot Tower to the borough of Quarazze, offering a spectacular panoramic view of the old city and the Val D’Adige.
