This quaint little town has already in the past been a popular place of establishment with many famous scientists and doctors.

Above all, they appreciated the mild, Mediterranean climate and the clear, curative air of this northern Italian spa resort.

Not only in South Tyrol, but far across its borders, Meran has become a synonym for mild climate and fresh air.
The picture shows the lower arcades, seen from the Kornplatz. Diagonally to it runs Rennweg. Much attention and interest was dedicated to the spa, and therefore it has become a world-famous town. For centuries Meran was considered to be the centre of Tyrol’s counties, and its cultural landscape is enriched by many splendid and magnificent buildings, especially castles and mansions, which date back to the time of the counts and earls.

The spa town Meran and its surroundings have the highest density of mighty and splendid castles throughout Europe.
Not least, this can be put down to the fact that the former “Meranerland” was an important historic seat of many counts. At the same time it used to be junction and core of Tyrol with regard to history.
This is the reason why there is a lot to discover in “Meranerland”, from old castles, art-historical monuments, little churches with wonderful frescos, exhibitions giving a deeper insight into the customs and traditions and the historical development of the region, to unique and almost unspoiled natural landscapes.

One of Merano’s most recent attractions, which is especially appropriate for a town of parks and gardens is the magnificent Botanical gardens opened in 2001. Trauttmansdorff Castle, in the middle of the Gardens, houses an interesting Museum of Tourism (see Touriseum).

The entire area extends over 12 hectares/29.7 acres (the Gardens cover about 8.5 ha/21 acres). It has a footpath network of nearly 7 km/4.3 miles and vertical drops of up to 100 metres/105 yards. It is home to a unique plant world comprising 4,000 different species and 17,000 individual plants.

For further information visit: www.trauttmansdorff.it

Merano: Thermal Baths

Surrounded by a Mediterranean park landscape, the Merano Thermal Baths are situated in the heart of the town of Merano. They offer an oasis of relaxation and wellbeing with many aquatic and spa attractions for locals and visitors to South Tyrol alike. The spa treatments and thermal traditions of Merano have been revived and newly interpreted in an innovative and pleasant ambience. The central architectural feature of the baths is an imposing glass cube, where the dividing line between the interior and the exterior seem to disappear. One has the sensation of being in the midst of nature, with views of the majestic mountains around Merano and the 51,000 sq m Mediterranean park, where a varied bathing landscape has been laid out between palms and a water lily lake.
25 indoor and outdoor swimming pools await visitors to the Merano Thermal Baths offering new aquatic experiences. But we also strongly recommend the 1,250 sq m elegant sauna landscape with 8 different saunas and steam baths, as well as the fitness centre which specialises in preventive health treatments and fitness checks. A highlight of the Merano Thermal Baths is the 1,400 sq m Spa & Vital Centre, where natural South Tyrolean raw materials such as apples, grapes, herbs and whey are used for unique health and wellbeing treatments.

For more informations: www.termemerano.it