All Relaxing Places

merano

Marco Mastromatteo

Merano, the beloved city by Princess Sissi

Merano is a South Tyrolean city surrounded by mountains even if its position is at the bottom of the valley. It occupies a privileged position among some important valleys of the area: Val Venosta, Val Passiria, Val d’Adige and Val d’Ultimo.

A bit of history

There are historical testimonies of the city already in Roman times. Thanks to the activities promoted by the counts of Tirolo, who settled in the territory from the Middle Ages, the city began to develop becoming a real city in the thirteenth century. The apex of its economic, commercial and legal importance reaches it in the nineteenth century. It becomes a famous spa, as well as a holiday resort, of the Austro-Hungarian royal house. Merano is remembered as the city loved by Princess Sissi so much that it has a very simple trekking route dedicated to her. The mild climate and the beneficial properties of its waters make it a destination for tourists, especially from central and northern Europe. After a period of stoppage in its economic development due to the two world wars, Merano resumed being a privileged destination for tourism in South Tyrol towards the 1970s.

The bond with Princess Sissi and Trauttmansdorff Castle

The Empress of Austria Elisabeth of Bavaria (Sissi) arrived for the first time in Merano in 1870 together with her two daughters to benefit from the thermal treatments that the city offered. For her stay she chose Trauttmansdorff Castle, specially refurbished in its furnishings, where she stayed for several months. During her stay she loved to take walks in the city and in the mountains. Thanks to the rapid recovery of her daughter and the presence of the empress in the city, Merano soon became a privileged destination for illustrious personalities of the time and her castle also became a very popular place to stay.

The Castle, also known as Castel Neuberg (di Nova), originally belonged to the Trauttmansdorf family. Later it passed in inheritance first to Cavalier Moritz von Leon, then to Friedrich von Deuster of Kitzingen who was expropriated during the Nazi-Fascist period to pass into the hands of the National Combatants Association until 1977 when the provincial administration took over, which still manages the property. The interior of the castle houses the Museum of Tourism with interactive displays tailored to even the youngest visitors. In 20 rooms 200 years of history of local tourism are told with a fascinating and engaging journey. There are also rooms that show the splendor of the frescoes and furnishings of its past.

The city of gardens and promenades

Merano is also known as the city of gardens and walks. The best-known gardens are those of Trauttmansdorf Castle which contain the largest botanical garden in Europe. In its 12 hectares of extension, ecosystems from all over the world have been recreated, all with their plant species, for a total of 80 botanical environments. As if this were not enough, to increase the involvement of visitors there are several multisensory stations, themed gardens and some specimens of the animal kingdom (such as reptiles and parrots). All within a unique setting that dominates the valley, with breathtaking views and artistic installations that help you admire the surrounding nature even more, such as Matteo Thun’s binoculars.

Among the walks that the city offers there is undoubtedly the Sissi path that leads to the gardens of Trauttmansdorff Castle, starting from the Empress Elisabeth Park in the city center. Among the other suggestive walks that can be taken there are: the Tappeiner walk, the Gilfpromenade, the winter walk, the summer walk, the panoramic path (Panoramasweg), the walk along Passirio.

Art nouveau and liberty style

Merano retains many buildings of Art Nouveau style that tell the magnificence of a not too distant past made up of illustrious personalities and important presences. Noteworthy is the Kurhaus, the headquarters of the company that welcomes visitors to the city. Opened in 1874 it has always been the reference point for travelers and also hosts many local and international events. Another historic building that reflects the Art Nouveau style of many other places is undoubtedly the Wandelhalle, built in 1850 and home to sporting events, concerts and cultural events. Suggestive are also the arcades of the city that outline the shopping street, with artisan businesses that represent one of the riches of the place. To experience the medieval city you have to go to Rione Steinach, the oldest district of Merano, dating back to the 12th century.

Crafts and food

Also known for its characteristic Christmas markets along the banks of the Passirio river, there are several artisans in the city who deal with woodworking but also weaving wool to make unique products. Among other artisanal activities, the production of musical instruments and bookbinding also cover roles of considerable interest.

The cuisine of Merano is a combination of Alpine and Mediterranean dishes. The basic products are local and are various flours, with which to make tasty baked goods such as schwarzbrot (black bread), bretzen, strudel and many others. Excellent is the speck which is used for the preparation of typical dishes such as canederli in broth or consumed as an appetizer together with other local cured meats. A strong Austrian influence is also recognized in the gastronomy of Merano, especially in desserts, such as the Kaiserschmarrn, also known as the Emperor’s omelette.