Overview of the most famous sights in South Tyrol near Merano/Meran
1. the Bolzano and Merano arcades
2. spa centre Merano
3. gardens of Trautmannsdorf Castle
4. castles around Merano
5. mausoleum of Archduke Johann
6. thermal baths Merano
Favourite sights in South Tyrol
1. Bolzano and Merano arcades
The historic centre of Merano extends north of the River Passer and is home to the medieval Laubengasse, an 800-year-old shopping street. Originally founded by Meinhard II, Merano flourished as an up-and-coming town at the time and became the provincial capital of the county of Tyrol. The arcades are divided into mountain arcades facing Küchelberg and water arcades facing Passer.
Today, at 400 metres long, the Merano arcades are the longest in the whole of Tyrol and invite you to take a relaxed stroll and shop while enjoying a cappuccino in the sun. The arcades stretch from Kornplatz to Pfarrplatz with the parish church of St Nicholas. In addition, the nearby Freiheitsstraße is home to the weekly Merano market.
The Bolzano arcades are a popular meeting place for strolling and shopping. Here you will find a mixture of traditional shops and international chain stores. Numerous cafés also invite you to linger and chat. The Mercantile Museum offers a tour of underground Bolzano and provides information about the history of the arcades. The Bolzano arcades are designed as a pedestrian zone, but you will also find paid car parks in the surrounding area, such as at Victory Square and Walther Square. Bus connections are also available at Siegesplatz and Waltherplatz.
2. Spa house Merano
The famous Kurhaus is considered Merano's most recognisable landmark and is therefore one of the city's top sights. This is not surprising, as Merano has long been known as a renowned spa resort that aristocrats loved to visit. The Kurhaus first opened its doors in 1874 and included a bathing establishment, function rooms, halls for events and celebrations and a restaurant.
It once housed the central Hall of Mirrors, which is now known as the Kleiner Kursaal.
The Großer Kursaal was designed in the Art Nouveau style by architect Friedrich Ohmann. Known for his work in Prague and Vienna, he used reinforced concrete construction for the first time in Merano, which caused a sensation at the time. With its excellent acoustics, the ballroom is often used today for concerts and balls. During the Advent season, the sight serves as an elegant backdrop for the Merano Christmas market. In addition to its role as an event venue, the Kurhaus Merano is also a member of the "Historic Conference Centres of Europe" (HCCE) and is home to the Merano spa administration, which serves as a contact point for guests of the spa town.
3. GARDENS OF TRAUTTMANSDORFF CASTLE IN MERANO
The Gardens of Trauttmansdorff Castle near Merano are one of the sights in South Tyrol where nature and art meet in a unique way. Since 2001, these gardens have been home to over 80 landscaped gardens from all over the world and offer numerous exclusive experiences - including ten artists' pavilions, a breathtaking viewing platform by Matteo Thun, a "Botanical Underworld" and a "Garden for Lovers". The garden landscapes can be divided into 4 large gardens: These include miniature forests from Africa and Asia, landscape of the Mediterranean region, a water and terraced landscape modelled on a historical model and the native natural landscapes.
Thanks to their unique appearance and impressive design, the gardens were recognised as the most beautiful gardens in Italy back in 2005. In 2013, they were given the honour of being named "International Garden of the Year".
You can admire the gardens from 1 April to 15 November.
4. Castles in South Tyrol
South Tyrol is famous for its large number of castles and fortresses. Some of the most impressive of these buildings can be found in the holiday region of Merano and Environs. Particularly noteworthy are Tyrol Castle and the imposing Scena Castle, as well as Goyen Castle, Thurn Castle and Vernaun Castle, which can be reached directly from Scena after short, picturesque hikes.
Scena Castle, which towers above the village centre, can be seen from afar and offers regular guided tours from 3 April to 31 October. The halls and rooms are furnished with a painting and portrait gallery, a collection of weapons and numerous artefacts that reflect the history of South Tyrol.
You can also immerse yourself in the majestic atmosphere of Tyrol Castle, the proud residence of the former Counts of Tyrol and the namesake of the entire province. From 15 March to 19 November, the Provincial Museum of Cultural and Regional History invites you to discover the fascinating aspects of medieval and modern regional history on an exciting journey through 15 informative exhibition rooms.
5. Archduke Johann Mausoleum
In Schenna, on a hill next to the Maria Himmelfahrt parish church, is the Archduke Johann Mausoleum, an impressive neo-Gothic burial chapel. The building was constructed according to the plans of architect Prof. Moritz Wappler by renowned artists from Innsbruck and Verona. It is made of red sandstone and granite from the Ifinger, Scena's local mountain. The mausoleum is the resting place of Archduke Johann and his family, including his son Franz Count of Merano and his wife Theresa Countess Lamberg. Inside the light-flooded building there is a neo-Gothic altar and a window with the names of the family saints. The mausoleum has a car park and can also be reached by bus.
6. SPA MERAN
The Merano Thermal Baths - one of the most popular attractions in Tyrol - are enthroned in the centre of the spa town of Merano. The striking glass and steel cube, which creates a warm atmosphere with wooden elements, fascinates visitors and is an impressive example of modern architecture in an Alpine setting. The thermal spa boasts fantastic indoor and outdoor pools. Outside you will also find a natural pool that is completely free of chemicals. As a special highlight, the thermal spa also organises a few concerts in the summer months.
You can visit the thermal baths throughout the week from 9:00-21:00, although the last possible entry is at 18:30. The associated sauna opens at 2 pm on weekdays and from 10 am at weekends.
