Historical architecture

In the middle of the old town of Brixen, a little hidden, you can find what you’re looking for: conviviality, down-to-earth folks, high passion. No frills. Just a simple restaurant. The secret of our Chefs? A bit of nostalgia for grandma's kitchen, a good dose of creativity and, above all, a lot of love for food. That's all. We rely on newly discovered recipes, well-tried traditions, always fresh and regional ingredients. And beer...we love it! The pale, the cloudy, the red, the dark ones. And because we love it so much, you can also find it in our aperitif and cocktails. You love it too? We have to meet! Grab a seat at the bar, in the beer garden or the courtyard and enjoy the time with your loved ones. The little ones are happy too: A playground, a children's menu and family atmosphere make children's eyes light up and the restaurant a location for the whole family. Cheers!

At the "Ansitz Romani", there is a small atmospheric restaurant, managed by your host Armin Pernstich in person and in which you can select from the delicate dishes of the sophisticated regional cuisine and from refined Italian dishes. Exquisite dishes, a glass of fine wine and the special atmosphere of the historic rooms and the picturesque inner courtyard make an evening in the "Taberna Romani" a wonderfully enjoyable experience.

Located between the Bolzano Town Gate and the Postbrücke – once spanning the wild waters of the Passer river – Sandplatz Square marks a graceful transition into Merano’s layered past. From here, winding alleyways lead into the historic Steinach district, whose weathered façades whisper tales of centuries gone by. Once a sandy riverbank and later a lively hub for salt trade and postal routes, Sandplatz has long stood at the crossroads of commerce, culture, and everyday life.

At its centre rises one of the city’s oldest monuments: the Baroque Marian column. A symbol of protection and belonging, it has served as a place of pause and reflection for generations. Nearby, a small fountain murmurs beneath façades dating from the Wilhelminian and Art Nouveau eras. Today, Sandplatz is both a local gathering place and a popular stop for visitors entering the city via the Bolzano Town Gate – a site where shopping, strolling, and cultural curiosity converge.

One architectural gem is the former Hotel Erzherzog Johann – later renamed “Esplanade” – an elegant showcase of 19th-century hospitality that also housed Merano’s main post office until 1913. Today, the building has been carefully restored and is home to boutiques and cafés. Across the square stands the stately Ansitz Hohensaal, which later became the seat of the Institute of the English Ladies, now flanked by the neo-Gothic Sacred Heart Church consecrated in 1904 and serving as a youth church since 2017.

Sandplatz remains a place of lively exchange: every Saturday, local farmers and artisans gather here for the weekly market, offering fresh produce, specialties, and regional flair. At the same time, the square is an ideal starting point for exploring the city: the medieval arcades, the Kurhaus palace, the riverside promenades, or the paths leading to the Gardens of Rametz Castle and Trauttmansdorff.

Sandplatz Square is more than just a stop along the way – it’s a vibrant part of Merano’s identity. A place where history is alive, architecture speaks, and new stories are written every day. 

Under Mussolini in the 1930s, Italian factory workers were settled in a garden city called the Semirurali. These very simple houses with gardens for self-sufficiency were demolished in the postwar period, and replaced by modern residential buildings. The new complex tried not to distribute and make freely accessible the individual residential buildings around the property but rather to plan squares and streets in accordance with the existing “rules of urban design.” In the spaces between, contiguous rows of buildings were built. They border the streets and squares, as was common in the cities before the relaxed construction of modern times gave up these norms. In spite of the row construction, the buildings stand out as individual homes because of the arrangement of loggias and glass coverings as the color scheme, and thereby convey a feeling of identity.

 

The justice palace, built in 1939 on architect Paolo Rossi´s project, tower over financial buildings; the bas-relief it sports is of Hans Piffrader. At the centre of the square the Naiads Fountain of 1960.

Whether you are having a well-earned stop for refreshments on a day trip or a leisurely evening after a long day’s hiking, the hungry and thirsty alpinist is in the right place here.

Dinner, a daily experience with dishes from local and neighboring cuisines, is complemented by fine wines from our well-stocked cellar. Our bar and lunchtime bistro also celebrate tradition with fresh snacks and meals in a relaxed atmosphere.

Restaurant and bistrot with summer garden. Refined typical dishes with mountain herbs and local products following the slow-food philosophy. Culinary weeks in spring and in autumn.

All of Caldaro’s best wines in one sweep! Enjoy top quality wines in a refined ambience which has been carefully furnished. For lunch and dinner they serve fine specialties as well as tasty appetizers to be combined to different, excellent wines.

Pure - simple - Emotion. A small breakfast, lunch, dinner, refreshing home-made lemonades and after-work drinks. Everything is local and seasonal. The restaurant has a charming outdoor area under a pergola and two traditional Stuben. Ambiente Award 2021 & Monocle Award 2019.

Located in Corso Libertà right in front of the main entrance of the Kurhaus, the restaurant ale-house Forsterbräu is a recognised landmark both for residents and tourists, thanks to its traditional cuisine, which can be enjoyed from lunchtime until late in the evening and above all for its eight different sorts of draught beer. There is one main dining room, several charming typical Stube and - during the warm season - the refreshing indoor garden with its chestnut trees. Up to 500 people can eat and drink at the same time and during the month of December you may taste the special Christmas beer. The unmissable Beer Feast has become a tradition and takes place every year during the third weekend of September, with good live music, outstanding meals and pints and pints of fresh Forst beer!

With its 65,000 square metres of space, Franzensfeste is the largest historical complex in South Tyrol. Begun in 1833 under Emperor Franz Josef, this masterpiece of Austrian fortress architecture was opened by Emperor Ferdinand in 1838 after a construction period of only five years. By this time, however, it had already lost its strategic importance and justification. The enormous effort and the horrendous costs - for nothing. From then on, the huge fortress was only of use as a depot and was frozen in the Sleeping Beauty sleep of a strictly guarded military installation for over a century and a half. Since the military left the fortress in 2003, Franzensfeste has been open to the public and was extensively renovated in the course of two major exhibitions in 2008 and 2009. As a South Tyrolean Provincial Museum, Franzensfeste Fortress is now a magnet for tourists and locals alike and a popular venue for a wide variety of exhibitions and events.

January and february: winter break

The square is surrounded by beautiful buildings of the Town Hall on the southern side (in neo-baroque style, with an interesting frescoes inside) and by Amonn House on the eastern side (facade decorated with stucco).

In the heart of Merano, right along the banks of the Passer River, stands one of the city’s most iconic landmarks: the Kurhaus. This architectural jewel of the Belle Époque first opened its doors in 1874 and quickly captured the imagination of Europe’s high society with its elegant façade and lavish interiors. Its radiant white exterior still echoes the opulence of the Gründerzeit era, while the distinctive dome and playful Art Nouveau flourishes are the result of a major expansion between 1912 and 1914, led by famed Viennese architect Friedrich Ohmann. It was then that the building gained its defining features: the grand Kursaal, the Rotunda, and the celebrated Art Nouveau dome.

At the height of the Austro-Hungarian Empire, the Kurhaus served as Merano’s vibrant social heart. Its ornate halls hosted aristocrats and intellectuals who gathered to dance, attend concerts, and exchange ideas in an atmosphere of refined leisure. Empress Elisabeth of Austria, known as Sisi, is said to have strolled through its rooms, and Emperor Franz Joseph I himself paid a visit. Literary figures like Rainer Maria Rilke and composers such as Richard Strauss and Franz Lehár drew inspiration from the region’s mild climate and exclusive ambiance. In the Mirror Hall – today the Pavillon des Fleurs – chamber music once filled the air, while outside, palm trees and flowerbeds lent a Mediterranean charm.

Over the decades, the Kurhaus became increasingly renowned, and Merano rose to prominence as a cultural and spa destination.

To this day, the Kurhaus defines the cityscape of Merano with its majestic architecture and unparalleled location on the Passer Promenade. Framed by lush Mediterranean plantings and the dramatic peaks of the Texelgruppe Nature Park, the building radiates elegance at the heart of the old town. Outside its stately gates, visitors and locals alike stroll beneath the chestnut trees; inside, marble columns, intricate stucco work, and ceiling frescoes evoke a bygone era. Yet the Kurhaus is more than a relic of the past – it is a living, breathing part of Merano’s identity.

Today, the Kurhaus pulses with cultural life. It regularly opens its doors for a wide array of events: classical and contemporary concerts during the internationally acclaimed Merano Music Weeks, glamorous balls, prestigious conferences, and trendsetting gatherings like the Merano WineFestival all find a home here.

The Kurhaus offers an inspiring setting where young artists share the stage with world- renowned performers. Food lovers discover the region’s finest flavors during gourmet events, stylish banquets, and culinary festivals. All of these occasions have one thing in common: a quiet sophistication that lingers long after the evening ends. The Kurhaus Merano is not merely a historical monument – it is a timeless space where past and present meet in harmony, creating moments of beauty, culture, and connection.

It all began in 1871 with the construction of the railway line from Lienz to Fortezza, which was owned by the Südbahngesellschaft in Vienna. In 1878 the Grand Hotel in Toblach was opened, thus giving rise to tourism in South Tyrol. Dobbiaco and the Grand Hotel soon became a destination for illustrious guests, especially in summer. The Hotel Südbahn became a prestigious meeting place for prominent personalities and, thanks to continuous investment, the building was gradually expanded.

The development of the Grand Hotel in Toblach
During the First World War, the Grand Hotel suffered little damage and became a military hospital. At the end of the war the complex was totally abandoned. In 1934 the building was auctioned off and bought by the ‘Istituto di Credito Fondiario delle Tre Venezie’. Fortunately, Italy was experiencing a phase of commercial growth and Italian customers discovered Toblach as a charming place for Alpine summer tourism.

In the period following the world wars, the building housed various institutions and facilities, going through a new phase of life. In the 1990s, it underwent a major and costly renovation.

The Grand Hotel today
What for its time was a luxury hotel now houses a Culture and Congress Centers, youth hostel, first class restaurant, Nature Parks Visitor Centre, Music School, Youth Service, training centre and social flats. The centrepiece of the entire complex is the splendid ‘Gustav Mahler’ Auditorium, dedicated to the Bohemian composer of the same name: with a capacity of 460 seats and excellent acoustics, it represents the beating heart of cultural activity.  
Today, the Grand Hotel in Toblach is home to the Euregio Cultural Centre, which houses the impressive Gustav Mahler Hall and a Guesthouse. 

The old Nives barn, in the middle of a sprawling tourist village structure, was to be preserved as a reminder of the farming past and used for exhibiting purposes. Through the renovation, surfaces were created in the section made of stone and in the solid wood construction of the barn. The interior spaces below were plastered, and those above were paneled with larch. In order to enlarge the exhibition space the barn was connected through a short passageway to a new structure, forming an elegant architectural contrast. A visually light pavilion, the structural steelwork, was surrounded on all sides by a glass facade. As a result, the building allows insight into what is happening inside and develops a dialogue with passers-by, who are encouraged by its transparency to visit.

The mansion called ‚Wassererhof‘ is located on the foot of the Schlern close to a nearby wellspring. The homestead dates back to the year 1366. In 1996, the father of the twins Andreas and Christoph Mock bought the run-down homestead. After a renovation, the homestead has become an amazing ensemble of buildings emitting a sense of gentleness supported by an expressive architecture. Now the Wassererhof is a winery and a ‘Buschenschank’ (a traditional seasonal farm inn) with familiar management. The two brothers cooperate, helping each other with solidarity and this is the guarantee of their success. Andreas is the cook. The traditional cuisine is his top priority: fresh, homemade and surprisingly refined. The twin Christoph is the farmer and the winemaker of the Wassererhof. For generations they have broadened their knowledge in wine culture both in the vineyards and in the winery with the objective to press a wine of outstanding quality and taste.

Tasting and sale of wines from Tenutae Lageder, grow using biodynamic methods, and from Alois Lageder, as well as from selected native wineries of Italy, France and other countries. Also: spirits, oils and culinary specialities.

The food is great, the pizza is excellent, the relaxed atmosphere caters for any occasion. The Tarscher Wirt knows how to do what a typical village inn needs to be doing. 

The estate tavern with the panoramic view from its large terrace is worth a trip. Enjoy the wide range of Elena Walch wines while gazing at the scenic view of Lake Caldaro. The wines can be accompanied by cold regional delicacies – chosen specialties from Alto Adige to pair with your wine choice. After a guided vineyard tour, it is the ideal place to experience, in a glass, the vineyards you just visited. Open from April to November, 11.00 am – 6.30 pm, closed Tuesday.

South Tyrol's highest refuge is located on the southern side of the Stubai Alps at an altitude of 3,195 meters. The Becherhaus was built in 1894 by the German and Austrian Alpine Club, but subsequently received several conversions and renovations. The latest renovation work on the highest building site in South Tyrol was completed in the summer of 2021 after about a year of work. The original construction period lasted from March to August 1894, for which 25 tons of material were brought from Maiern to the summit. In the same year, the hut was opened under the name "Kaiserin-Elisabeth-Schutzhaus". The name was then changed a few years later. The chapel "Maria im Schnee" was also built and can still be visited today.

Despite its impressive location, the refuge offers mountaineers running water, hot meals in the comfortable Stube dining room and space for 100 people; the fire safety equipment, technical facilities and energy-generation system are also up to date. The Becherhaus is open from the end of June to mid-September. Well-known peaks such as Wilder Freiger (3418 m), Zuckerhütl (3505 m), Sonklarspitze (3463 m) and Botzer (3250 m) round off the Becherhaus in the area of eternal snow. 

Starting from the head of the Ridnauntal valley in the direction of the Aglsbodenalm, you reach the Becherhaus via the Grohmann and Teplitzer refuges. After the Teplitzerhütte, past the picturesque Vogelhüttensee lake, continue on trail no. 9 over boulders and well-secured passages with wire ropes and step bars, crossing a moraine to below the Becherfelsen rock. The last part of the hike is via serpentines up to the Becherhaus. Mountaineering experience, surefootedness and appropriate equipment are essential! The way back is via the ascent path.

The Brixen Pharmacy Museum leads into the past of a Brixen townhouse with splendid wall panelling, murals and tiled stoves. The house containing the Peer Pharmacy holds a rich store of rare medicaments that relate the diversity and imagination of the healing art. This wonderful little museum is also highly recommended for all lovers of architecture and modern art.

A pavilion in the garden. An island of pleasure. Culinary delights, almost as beautiful as they taste. The creations of Manuel Ebner combine traditional flavours with modern and unexpected nuances. Each element looks like a work of art and every bite is an adventure for all senses. Surrounded by colorful vineyards, the green forest, fruit orchads and countless flowers, while tasting our culinary delicacies you will enjoy incomparable views: It’s simply the perfect setting for a perfect meal. The bar offers refreshments and exquisite coffee specialities in a modern feel-good atmosphere even in the afternoon.

Visiting the town of Certosa/Karthaus is like a journey into the past. The town was built inside the walls of the Cloister of Certosa degli Angeli, founded in 1326 and reopened in 1782. The Via Crucis of the ancient cloister is especially interesting.

This unusual house is situated amongst a quite standard new village architecture. It consists of two sections: one constructed from parts of a 300-year-old farmhouse in which the farmer's and architect's family have been living for centuries, and another new building that crouches under the large tree trunks. The idea to live under mounted tree trunks came to the architect when he was a child playing in the woods, and he subsequently made it a reality. The stacked, untreated tree trunks do not hide a dingy living space beneath, but rather glass walls and openings that create an artful play of light when inside. In addition many other materials were used, from rough concrete mixed with glass shards to the extremely shiny stainless steel kitchen. A highly imaginative design here from the architect.

In the heart of Bolzano, at the Parkhotel Laurin, the Laurin restaurant welcomes its guests in an atmosphere full of charm and history. The dining room, with its palm trees, Art Nouveau furniture and contemporary art, reflects the elegance of Art Nouveau. From spring to autumn, guests can enjoy lunch or dinner in the garden, in the shade of large cedar trees. The cuisine showcases South Tyrol with local and seasonal ingredients, interpreted between tradition and Mediterranean creativity: dry-aged meat from the grill, fresh fish, and vegetarian and vegan dishes. As a supporter of the ‘Fair Cooking’ initiative, the restaurant uses fair trade ingredients. The wine list includes over 400 labels, including South Tyrolean producers, Italian and international selections, rarities and biodynamic wines. An elegant atmosphere, attentive service and authentic cuisine make Laurin a reference point for anyone wishing to discover the contemporary flavours of Bolzano.

The South Tyrolean Folklore Museum is the oldest of the provincial museums in South Tyrol and offers a view of social life in the past. The noble residence “Mair am Hof”, built in the 17th century, gives you the opportunity of following a striking itinerary through the refined world of local aristocracy. The stately rooms of the landed gentry and the collections of the museum are located inside the residence. Translocated original farm houses, craft workshops and cottage gardens are situated on the three hectares of the green area. A walk through the open air site takes you into the everyday world of various peasant groups of the past: from the self-sufficient farmers to rural craftsmen, cottagers and labourers.

As the way to someone’s heart is through his stomach, we at the “Alter Schlachthof” select our products almost exclusively from local farmers and selected suppliers from the immediate vicinity. Because only using fresh, natural and high-quality ingredients, we are able to create dishes for you which are delicious and healthy at the same time. This applies to South Tyrolean classics as well as forays into the international cuisine, vegetarian and vegan variations and titbits which are suitable for guests with food intolerances.

The Wandelhalle, Merano’s iconic covered promenade, was built between 1864 and 1866 – even before the heyday of the Belle Époque. Today, it ranks among the city’s most culturally and historically significant landmarks. As one of the earliest examples of representative spa architecture in the Habsburg Monarchy, it also marks an important architectural transition: bridging the refined classicism of late Biedermeier with the emerging Jugendstil, distinguished by ornamental motifs and vivid wall paintings.

This light-filled colonnade follows the curve of the Winter Promenade along the Passer river – offering a shady retreat on warm summer days and a sun-drenched path for winter strolls. Initially met with public resistance, the project was championed by Merano’s visionary mayor, Valentin Haller, who saw in it the potential to redefine the town as a modern spa destination. He persisted – and prevailed. By 1891, the Wandelhalle had evolved into an open-air gallery, adorned with busts, commemorative plaques, and sweeping landscape paintings by local artists such as Lenhart, Complojer, and Demetz – celebrating South Tyrol’s natural beauty in painterly form.

Architecturally, the structure is a gem of 19th-century ironwork: its delicate cast-iron framework was produced by the acclaimed Viennese foundry Griedel, echoing the design language of Otto Wagner’s urban rail stations and the early Paris Métro. The arcade stretches nearly 100 metres, inviting passers-by to linger, promenade, or enjoy a concert beneath its sheltering arches.

Today, the Wandelhalle is a beloved public space in Merano: mornings begin with espresso at the adjacent café overlooking the Passer, while Saturdays bring a bustling flea market that attracts artists, collectors, and curious strollers. The venue also plays host to regular open-air concerts and cultural events, continuing the tradition of spa music that once defined Merano’s elegant leisure culture.

For younger visitors, the Wandelhalle offers a uniquely atmospheric encounter with history, nature, and art – a place where riverside flair and artistic expression come together in the open air. It also marks the start of several scenic routes: from here, the Kurpromenade leads past Art Nouveau villas, the Kurhaus, and on to the Tappeiner Promenade or the Steinerner Steg.

The Wandelhalle is also rich in anecdote: in the 19th century, it was a favourite gathering place for so-called “whey cure guests”, who would stroll here in the early morning light – fasting, breathing the fresh air, and accompanied by gentle music known as Molkenkonzerte.

At its centre stands the Hall of Honour, still bearing busts of historical figures – among them Duke Karl Theodor, brother of Empress Elisabeth and a practising ophthalmologist in Merano. The Wandelhalle thus offers not only aesthetic pleasure, but also quiet traces of the town’s storied past – captured in cast iron, paint, and sunlight. 

The Fascist Youth GIL Buildings emerged in Merano/Meran, Bressanone/Brixen and Bolzano/Bozen in the 1930s according to designs by the architects Miozzo and Mansutti. Although in need of renovation, only the Bressanone structure has retained its original form. In Bolzano one of the most important buildings of Fascist Italy's rationalism period, a structure that had already been dilapidated, has been successfully repurposed. It was renovated and expanded through a competition. The fact that an Austrian architect achieved this, shows the overlap of cultures in Bolzano. The renovated, heritage-listed old building sections, painted in Tuscany red, were contrasted with a transparent building of glass and steel on a lightweight concrete structure, which also redefined the urban context with a vestibule, garden café and garden courtyard. The design of the interior spaces is just as light as that of the external appearance.