Cultural attractions in Meran/Merano

The horse racecourse in Maia Bassa/Untermais is one of the largest and most beautiful in Europe. It is very centrally located, but also divides the urban body sharply. In 1886, the first horserace took place for Merano’s aristocratic visitors. But the modern-day period began only in 1936, when the Fascist regime had the new racecourse built by the star architect of the day, Vietti Violi. With stepped staircases, flat roofs and clear design features, its plastered buildings are excellent examples of the Italian rationalist style, which was developed out of the classical modernism of the Bauhaus school. At two stories high, 150 meters long and 20 meters high, the main grandstand seats 15,000 spectators. After its renovation, the building received the 2011 South Tyrolean Architecture Award.

Located on the Passer Promenade, it was built between 1883 and 1885 in a neo-Gothic style. The church belongs to the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Italy and is a true symbol. Particularly notable is the large Christ figure, blessing the faithful – a masterpiece made of Laas marble, inspired by Bertel Thorvaldsen’s statue.

The construction of the church is closely tied to the development of Merano as a spa town. As early as 1861, the first members of the Evangelical community began to organise in the city. In 1870, the first pastor was appointed, and in 1876 the Evangelical community of Merano was established as part of the Evangelical Church A.B. in Austria. This open, cosmopolitan atmosphere is still very much present in Merano today – the city has preserved its welcoming spirit over the centuries.

The building itself is steeped in a unique atmosphere. It sits amidst an idyllic garden and is crowned by a striking spire. The exterior walls are a true masterpiece of neo-Gothic architecture, with intricate flying buttresses and pointed windows. The interior is kept simple, offering plenty of space for reflection and prayer. Noteworthy are the wooden reliefs of the altar and pulpit, created by Franz Xaver Pendl, as well as the impressive crucifix.

The Christ Church is not just a place of worship but also a cultural meeting point. Regular sacred music concerts and organ performances take place here, and those strolling along the Passer Promenade can often feel as though they have been transported to another country. The atmosphere of the garden, the imposing building, and the harmony between nature and architecture make the Evangelical Christ Church a truly special destination for anyone visiting Merano.

Merano, with its cosmopolitan character, invites people to explore different cultures and religions. The Christ Church stands as an extraordinary testament to this unique heritage and is a place that reflects both the faith and the diversity of life in Merano.

The Wandelhalle was originally erected in the 1860s, to provide sheltered seating for visitors. It was meant to provide shelter and thus to enable visitors to enjoy the sunshine and the mild local climate even in winter. The Wandelhalle quickly became a popular gathering spot and was enlarged in 1891. There are busts of distinguished citizens in the middle section or Ehrenhalle (hall of honour), while the side walls are adorned with landscape depictions by such stellar artists as Franz Lenhart, Rudolf Complojer and Peter Demetz.

The "Human Shapes" project is a tribute to ten personalities from the past, who made a significant contribution to Merano’s cultural life during the course of their lives. The project embraced a wide temporal arch. It draws back to the theme of the plastic representation of the human shape, although it supports a free interpretation through contemporary art’s expressive means. The "Human Shapes" project has given life to an open-air art gallery along the Passer Promenade, between the Theater Bridge and the Iron Bridge. Every year, three to four busts of influential personalities were created.
Find out more at www.kunstmeranoarte.org

This parish church is located in the area of Maia Bassa (Untermais), at the end of Via Piave. The present bell tower stands on a 6-metre-high Romanesque base. The old Gothic church, built between the thirteenth and fourteenth centuries, is located below the apse of the current building, which was erected between 1934 and 1936. Inside, there are some ancient Romanesque relics, a priceless Gothic altar, and a number of frescoes dating back to the fifteenth century. Masses in German: Mondays and Tuesdays: 7:00 a.m. Wednesdays from Easter to All Saints’ Day: 7:00 p.m. Wednesday from All Saints until Easter: 6:00 p.m. Thursdays and Fridays: 7:00 a.m. Saturdays - from Easter to All Saints: 7:00 a.m. & 7:00 p.m. - from All Saints until Easter Saturday: 7:00 a.m. & 6:00 p.m. Sundays: 7:30 a.m. & 10:00 a.m. Masses in Italian: Sundays and public holidays in winter: 9:00 a.m. & 11:15 a.m. Sundays and public holidays in summer: 9:00 a.m.

The rectangular keep was once part of the imposing Ortenstein Castle, which loomed high above the town. Originally built as the residence of the Tyrolean burgrave, the castle underwent numerous alterations over the centuries and was eventually dismantled in the 16th century—except for the Gunpowder Tower. From 1626, the tower was used as a gunpowder storage to protect the city of Merano from a potentially catastrophic explosion during the Thirty Years' War. This is how it earned its name and became an important part of the town’s defensive structures.

With its two interconnected towers, the Gunpowder Tower was particularly well protected from attacks. To the north, remnants of defensive moats can still be seen, which once served as the last line of defence against invading forces.

Today, the Gunpowder Tower offers a fantastic panoramic view of Merano and the Adige Valley. The steep climb is well worth the effort: from here, you can enjoy a breathtaking view of the town and the surrounding nature. The tower is not just a piece of history, but also a wonderful viewpoint that brings the city's past and its defences to life.

Whether you’re a history enthusiast or simply looking to take in the view, the Gunpowder Tower is a must-visit during your time in Merano.


The Gunpowder Tower is located on the Tappeiner Promenade, which is basically accessible and therefore well suited for wheelchairs and pushchairs, although it is paved with gravel. The best access point for families with pushchairs or wheelchair users is from Quarazze, as the entrance is level. From there, the Gunpowder Tower is about a 1-hour walk. Alternatively, you can also start from the via Galilei street or the Gilf Promenade, although these two paths have a difference in altitude of around 60 metres. Thorough planning is therefore advisable. This tour is also suitable for older people and families with children. There are various benches along the way where you can take a break.

The Gunpowder Tower is accessible only via stairs, making it unsuitable for those with limited mobility.

Please note: There are no public toilets along the Tappeiner Promenade. However, you can stop off at the various restaurants and cafés. Please enquire in advance about their opening hours.

There is no tactile guidance system or other aids for the blind on the promenades in Merano and at the Gunpowder Tower.

As you stroll through Merano today, you can feel it everywhere – the legacy of a spa town steeped in history. At the center of this legacy stands the Historic Thermal Baths Merano: a place where health, science, and the elegance of refined living have long come together.
By the end of the 19th century, Merano had already earned acclaim as a haven of wellness. Its mild Alpine climate, pristine mountain air, and therapeutic treatments attracted nobles, artists, and intellectuals. But it was the opening of the Historic Thermal Baths in 1906 that marked Merano’s transformation into one of Central Europe’s most progressive health destinations. The concept was visionary: combining cutting-edge medical treatments with the stylish atmosphere of a spa resort.
Designed by architect Max Langheinrich, the building still impresses with its commanding dome and harmonious symmetry. A sweeping semicircular portico, supported by stately columns, adorns the façade – now the entrance to the Civic Hall. Inside, a broad, ornately decorated marble staircase leads to the upper floor. From the beginning, the building embodied the merging of scientific progress with the art of well-being. It housed state-of- the-art bath facilities, inhalation rooms, and light therapy equipment – alongside early innovations like an electric heating system, which was groundbreaking at the time.
Interesting Insights:
- The early days of the facility focused on the celebrated Merano Grape Cure – a wellness trend embraced by the European elite.
- The Historic Thermal Baths were architecturally and medically ahead of their time. Treatments addressed respiratory conditions, circulatory issues, and nervous disorders. Drinking therapies with mineral-rich spring water were especially popular – combining health with indulgence.
- The thermal complex also served as a social hub: mornings were devoted to treatments, while afternoons were spent promenading along the Passer or enjoying concerts at the nearby Kurhaus. Merano thus became synonymous with cultured living, medical sophistication, and restorative leisure.
A walk through Merano is incomplete without pausing at the Historic Thermal Baths. The building stands as a silent witness to how a small Alpine town made its way onto the grand stage of Europe – with a singular blend of natural healing, bold innovation, and timeless elegance.

Brunnenplatz Square is situated between the Reichenbach, Rosenstein and Rundegg manors, on a noisy street intersection that was long without an eastern border. Urban planning considerations thus played an important role in the idea of closing the square off again. This was achieved with the early positioning of the main facade, which also had to take the height of the adjacent residences into consideration and was supposed to offer a timely addition. The bank's two-story glass front was thus intended as a stone facade of travertine, with irregular openings, to match the manor walls in a way and, similar to a trompe l’oeil, make it look like a five-story structure. A shed roof marks the main entrance to the bank and to the passageway, with a store, apartments, offices on the upper floors, and a public parking garage.

Conciliar church dating back to the sixteenth century, with an adjoining monastery of the Capuchin friars. It is located adjacent to the Porta Venosta (Vinschger Tor) Gate. Masses in German: Weekdays: 6:30 a.m. Sundays and public holidays: 7:00 a.m. & 10:00 a.m. Masses in Italian: Weekdays: 7:30 a.m. Sundays and public holidays: 8:30 a.m.

Nestled in the historic Steinach district of Merano, the Passirio Gate – also referred to as the “Pseirer Gate,” named after the German term for the Passeiertal Valley – is a striking remnant of the city’s medieval fortifications. This stone tower marked the northern boundary of the old city wall and functioned as both a defensive structure and a checkpoint for trade and travelers entering from the Passeiertal Valley. Of the original four city gates, three remain today. The fourth, the Ultimo Gate, once located on Freiheitsstraße street and later rebuilt farther west, was demolished in 1884.
Characterized by its slim, tower-like form, the Passirio Gate rises over three stories and features small windows and a steep gabled roof. A pointed arch forms the entrance, while the southern interior wall is adorned with a fresco of the red Tyrolean eagle – a powerful symbol of Merano’s historical ties to the County of Tyrol.
In the Middle Ages, the gate played a vital role, as it guarded access to major trade routes over the Timmelsjoch and Jaufen Pass passes. Because the valley floor was largely marshland, merchants and travelers used mountain routes to reach the Ötztal in North Tyrol and continue on to Innsbruck. The gate thus became a strategic point in the flow of goods and people.
Today, the Passirio Gate serves as a picturesque starting point for scenic walks, such as the popular Tappeiner Promenade, which offers sweeping views over the city. Just a short stroll away are other cultural highlights, including the Palais Mamming Museum, the Powder Tower, and the St. Barbara Chapel.
A visit to the Passirio Gate is more than just a glimpse into medieval architecture – it’s an invitation to explore Merano’s rich past and vibrant cultural tapestry.

The Tennis Centre in Via Piave 46 - in the middle of town with its own restaurant - has nine perfectly well kept clay courts (five of which are lighted) and two hard courts and is open from April to October. Between the end of October and the end of May you may play indoor on heated courts.

The Merano Tennis Club is well equipped with ample and comfortable locker rooms and showers.

The housing complex is situated north of the racetrack in a quiet residential area. The rectangular plot of land is reflected in the geometric lines of the four-story block of apartments containing sixteen flats: The outlines and facade are simple and clear, without any design effects. A large protruding attic forms a concise end to the roofline. The division of the front of the lightly plastered walls occurs through two types of window: full length balcony windows, and the windows of the rooms reaching up to the ceiling, which are placed in alternation, creating a lively structural arrangement. The colorful balcony parapets add to the visual effect. The clear design is of particular benefit inside the well laid out apartments − everything is light, friendly and easy to furnish.

Merano’s curative water contains a small amount of radon, and is suitable for therapeutic bathing. Thermal baths were built early on in order to expand the therapeutic offering. After 2000, this outdated facility was demolished and a beautiful urban planning solution, comprising outdoor pool with park, bathing complex and hotel, was designed by Berlin architects in a collaboration with Rüdiger Baumann, thus enhancing the promenade with a central square. Matteo Thun continued the planning in a restrained, almost severe, modern style and produced two successfully scaled buildings on the square, by now always lively; they offer a beautiful panoramic view of the landscape and city. The continuous use of natural stone in warm tones softens the rigid perpendicularity of the building, which is also loosened by rhythmically placed glass surfaces. This architecture allowed for the successful creation of a modern counterpart to the Kurhaus.

A very reserved building structure was created on a narrow building site between the multiform heritage-listed building of the former Grand Hotel Savoy and some simple row houses. The basic cubic shape tapers slightly at both of the lower floors, lending the solid building a floating feeling. Staggered windows in the facades, uniform in size, break up the building’s austerity. A transparent, visually light glass bridge elegantly links the new building with the facade of the old Savoy. The simple form of the new concrete structure, with flat roof, lends both buildings a contrapuntal aesthetic appeal. The cool clarity of the design is also reflected in the interior of the new building, which has a transparent and fluidly designed sequence of rooms.

In the heart of Merano’s green oasis – nestled between the Passer River and swaying palms – stands a graceful marble figure on a pedestal: the statue of Empress Elisabeth of Austria, affectionately known as “Sisi.” Few individuals have shaped Merano’s history as profoundly as she did. Without Sisi, the town may never have blossomed into the celebrated spa destination that continues to charm visitors from around the globe.

When Empress Elisabeth first came to Merano for a health cure in 1870, the town was still a quiet and somewhat undiscovered retreat. Famous for her beauty, wanderlust, and deep affinity for nature, the Empress sought a gentle climate and healing air – and found them both in Merano. Her presence quickly made headlines. Wherever Sisi stayed, Europe’s high society followed. Soon, aristocrats, artists, and intellectuals arrived, hotels and sanatoriums flourished, and Merano entered a golden age of cultural and economic prosperity.

Elisabeth Park was created in 1903 in her honor – a serene retreat along the Passer River that still retains its romantic charm. Amidst manicured flowerbeds and shaded pathways, the statue – crafted by artist Hermann Klotz – has stood since the park’s inception. It depicts Sisi with refined elegance: draped in a delicate veil, her posture poised yet gentle, surrounded by an atmosphere that still whispers of imperial grace.

What sets this statue apart is its subtle realism. Unlike many idealized portrayals of the Empress, this depiction is tender and introspective. Sisi appears thoughtful – almost vulnerable –, a portrayal that may come closer to the woman she truly was than the glorified images found elsewhere.

Interesting Insights

• Sculptor Hermann Klotz designed the statue so that Sisi gazes toward the majestic mountains – a quiet tribute to her deep love for nature and the Alps.
• Today, Elisabeth Park offers not only historical depth but also a tranquil space to unwind: whether on a shaded bench beneath old trees or strolling the riverside promenade, visitors are accompanied by the gentle murmur of the Passer and a sense of timeless elegance.
• In spring, the park becomes especially enchanting: blooming magnolias and camellias fill the air with fragrance, making it a beloved spot for both locals and guests.

A walk through Elisabeth Park is like stepping back in time – where the refined elegance of the Belle Époque meets the relaxed rhythm of South Tyrol. Anyone visiting Merano should pause by the Sisi statue – and perhaps carry away a touch of the inspiration that once so deeply stirred the Empress herself.

This bronze statue dedicated to South Tyrol’s most important freedom fighter is located in a small park in front of the train station. It was erected in 1914 to commemorate the centennial of Tyrol’s return to Austria after years of Napoleonic rule.

Three of the original four town gates still exist. The gates took the name oft the valleys or the towns fhey faced: Val Venosta, Bolzano, Val Passiria and Val d'Ultimo. The Ultimo Gate was situated in what is today piazza Teatro. On both sides of the Passiria Gate it is still possible to see what was once the town wall, built towards the end of the 13th century.

The Hospital Church of the Holy Spirit is one of Merano’s most important spiritual centers and art monuments. So it was deliberately a provocation towards the German-speaking religious population when the city’s fascist Italian-speaking government built its Casa del Fascio right next door, in order to obstruct the view of the historical church as you approach the old town. Even worse, the old hospital had to be demolished to make way for the new construction. Despite this architectural history, which is rather inglorious for the Italians, the building ranks among the masterpieces of Italian rationalism, architecturally speaking. The widely visible open tower, the horizontally layered facades, the bands of brick and loosened floor plan make this building one of the most interesting construction works of its time.

Magnificent buildings were created long the Passer Promenade, intended for the noble audiences of the Hapsburg Monarchy. The architect Martin Dulfer, who was 40 years old at the time, was able to build his first theater here, which became one of the most important representatives of the Baroque-style Art Nouveau; he followed this theater with three others. The theater in Merano was built in just fourteen months, under the supervision of Wilhelm Kürschner, who would later become Bolzano’s city architect. The iron construction of the stage area came from Munich, the stage equipment from Vienna and the seats from Berlin. Important details of the original structure have been changed, but the building remains one of South Tyrol’s few preserved Art Nouveau buildings. The theater’s clear plan is functionally divided into the stage area, auditorium, and foyer; it seats 500 spectators.

The Lido Merano is an ideal place to cool off on hot summer days and have fun with the whole family.

Swimming pool:
Olympic pool (50 x 25 metres): Ideal for sporty swimmers and anyone who likes to swim laps.
Medium pool (30 x 15 metres): Offers plenty of space for swimming and splashing around.

Water slides:
Two 100 metre long water slides: The highest water slides of their kind in South Tyrol guarantee thrills and fun.

Further offers:
Diving towers: For the brave who want to take the plunge into the cool water.
Children's pool: A safe and entertaining area for the youngest bathers.
Sunbathing lawns: Spacious areas for sunbathing and relaxing.
Catering: A restaurant and a kiosk cater for the physical well-being of visitors.

Accessibility:
The Lido Merano is barrier-free and has special facilities for people with disabilities.

Further information:
Address: Via del Piscina 38, 39012 Merano
Telephone: +39 0473 447651
Website: https://www.meranarena.it/it/strutture-sportive/lido

There are few places where German- and Italian-speaking cultures intersect as vividly as in Merano – and for over 70 years, the Academy of German-Italian Studies has stood at the heart of this dialogue. Founded in 1949, the Academy embodies openness, intellectual curiosity, and cultural exchange – values that reflect the spirit of Merano itself. Its mission is clear: to connect two great cultural traditions that share a rich, and at times contested, history – and to highlight the creative energy that emerges from this encounter. Through interdisciplinary events, the Academy brings together voices from literature, science, philosophy, and the arts, creating intellectual momentum that resonates far beyond the city. One of the Academy’s most compelling features is its setting: the majestic Villa San Marco, an architectural jewel nestled in a park above Merano’s historic centre. Whether attending a lecture or taking part in a literary discussion in the garden, visitors quickly sense that knowledge here is not only rigorous, but also human, engaging, and alive.

Exciting Insights:
Among the Academy’s historical inspirations is the writer and Nobel laureate Hermann Hesse, who spent time in Merano and held the city dear. His presence is still felt at the summer academies – through readings, discussions, and literary walks in his spirit. In addition to classic lectures, the Academy increasingly embraces contemporary formats that speak to younger audiences: literature workshops, philosophical salons, open-air readings, and round tables on urgent issues such as migration, identity, or climate ethics. All events are held bilingually – sometimes even playfully blending the two languages.
Yet the Academy is not reserved for academics or students. It is open to anyone with a love of language, culture, and new perspectives. This inclusivity is what makes it unique: a place where horizons expand – with curiosity, generosity, and the shared strength of two cultures. To truly understand Merano, one must experience the Academy of German-Italian Studies. It is here that the bridge between North and South is not only imagined – but lived.

The arcades of Merano are not just a piece of history but a living part of the city. Built in the 13th century by Meinhard II as a commercial route linking Piazza del Grano and Piazza Duomo, they once served as the beating heart of Merano. With over 400 metres in length, they are the longest arcades in South Tyrol, and today they blend tradition and modernity.

The arcades offer a fascinating architectural experience, taking you from Gothic to neoclassical façades. Their winding alleys, steep stairs, and shaded arches tell stories of times gone by. Beneath the arches, where lively trade once took place, you'll now find charming shops, cosy cafés, and historical buildings.

The distinction between the mountain and water arcades, combined with the perfect blend of historical and modern elements, gives the arcades a unique charm. Strolling through the Laubengasse feels like a journey into the past – yet remains vibrant and contemporary.

The upper Portici arcades are wheelchair and pushchair accessible. The path has a slight incline (rise) from piazza del Grano square towards piazza Duomo square.

There is no tactile guidance system or other aids for blind people under the arcades.

An old villa, a lush park, and stories waiting beneath the surface – Villa Freischütz in Merano is more than just a museum. It’s a place of memory, a lens into a time often overlooked in South Tyrol: the interwar years. Built in 1909 as a summer residence, the villa bore witness to Merano’s golden age as a spa destination. But what makes its collection truly unique is its authenticity: the legacy of the von Franz Fromm family, who lived in the house for nearly a century. Here, history isn’t pieced together from textbooks. It lives in the furniture, the photographs, the clothing, the handwritten notes. It tells of a world in transition – of monarchy fading, Italian rule emerging, and a society caught between tradition and change.
Exciting Insights:
• The collection features more than 10,000 original objects – many of them carefully arranged throughout the house to evoke the feel of a lived-in home.
• The villa offers intimate “living room tours”: guests can wander freely through parlors, studies, and bedrooms, guided by the personal stories behind the objects.
• A highlight: the expansive park with towering old trees and hidden sculptures – perfect for reflecting after a journey through time.
For culture lovers, Villa Freischütz offers a different perspective on Merano. Not just as a refined spa town, but as a mirror of social and political transformation. The museum’s concept is intentionally personal: there are no long-winded wall texts or physical barriers. Instead, letters, accessories, and household items speak for themselves – sometimes quietly, sometimes disarmingly direct. Among jazz records and Art Nouveau vases, patriotic postcards and delicate diary entries, a rich mosaic unfolds – layered, complex, and deeply human.
This is no conventional museum. It’s a home that invites exploration, reflection, and conversation. And that’s precisely what makes Villa Freischütz one of the most fascinating places for those who don’t just want to study history – but truly feel it.

Earlier there was a natural bend in the river between the Bozen Gate and the bank of the river Passer, where sand collected, and the square laid out later in this area was named after it. Here, next to the Bozen Gate, is the building that used to be one of Meran´s oldest inns: the former Hotel Erzherzog Johann later renamed the Hotel Esplanade. Until 1913 the post office was located in the hotel. Nowadays the renovated Esplanade houses shops, offices and a café. Opposite you will see the "Ansitz Hohensaal2 an ancient noble residence that now accommodates the college of the "Englische Fraulein" and a neo-Romanesque church, the Herz Jesu Kirche (Church of the Sacred Heart). Currently it is difficult to see the square as it is in the process of being dug up in order to build a private underground car park. The Post bridge is the finest Art Nouveau bridge in Meran. The approach to the town from Bozen and the south was very important for the Meran merchants, and there were a number of different bridges here over the centuries, linking the Heiliggeistkirche/Spitalskirche (Church of the Holy Spirit/Hospital Church) with the town. The Art Nouveau bridge, renovated a few years ago, dates from 1909 and is the most elegant of Meran´s bridges.

The Steinerner Steg or “Roman Bridge” is the oldest bridge over the River Passer and was was built in the 17th century. It is situated where the winter and summer promenades end, and where the Gilfpromenade begins. This, and replaced a medieval wooden structure that linked Obermais to the city centre. Its original function was to carry the drinking water pipeline from one side of the river to the other. The Steinerner Steg is often also erroneously called the “Roman Bridge”, probably on account of its apparently Roman/ancient construction method.

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.

This sculpture, created by contemporary South Tyrolean artist Ulrich Egger, is made from stainless steel and cement; it measures 4 metres in height and 8 metres in length. It is set in the centre of a traffic circle on Viale Europa, near the train station. The sculpture expresses the dream of visual vertigo, and the flow of daily life, time, and collective memory in the circularity of the gaze.

Trauttmansdorff was honored as Italy's Most Beautiful Garden in 2005. The complex comprises approximately 12 hectares of gardens, with about 5,800 species of plants and 80 different garden landscapes. The gardens are crossed by paths and waterways, and lined with pavilions. The castle – once the holiday residence of Empress Sissi – has been meticulously restored and complemented by a restaurant and visitor center. In addition to elegant stainless-steel details for bridges, railings and furniture, of particular note are the Aviary and the Viewing Platform. These two modern structures lend the gardens an architectural three-dimensionality. Both represent light yet bold architecture, made of stainless or galvanized steel, and seem to float over the gardens. Visitors access the Viewing Platform across steps that are virtually transparent. The platform towers above the treetops; meanwhile a dizzying bridge high above the gardens protrudes out of the aviary.

In the vibrant heart of Merano, at the corner of Laubengasse and Galileistraße streets, rises the stately Merano Town Hall – a building that bridges political history and modernist design. Constructed between 1929 and 1932 based on plans by architect Ettore Sottsass Sr., the new Town Hall replaced the former municipal building, which had been demolished following Italy’s annexation of South Tyrol after the fall of the Austro-Hungarian Empire. The structure embodies the ideological and aesthetic language of the fascist era, standing in bold contrast to the medieval character of the old town.
The architecture is marked by the hallmarks of Italian Rationalism: clean, geometric lines, a restrained functionalism, and monumental clarity. Its most defining element is the clock tower, a vertical landmark that shapes Merano’s skyline and opens the view toward the nearby Prince’s Castle. The façade is embellished with sculptural reliefs by Bolzano artist Albert Stolz, illustrating historical scenes and lending the building a sense of cultural gravitas.
Inside, the building continues its architectural narrative with a grand staircase made of fine materials such as marble and terrazzo, where clarity of form and refined surfaces evoke a timeless modernity. The Town Hall maintains a visual dialogue with its historical surroundings and integrates harmoniously into the urban fabric.
More than just the administrative heart of the city, the Merano Town Hall stands as a significant example of modern architecture in South Tyrol. It exemplifies the interplay between historical legacy and forward-thinking design. For lovers of architecture and history alike, it offers a compelling stop: a place to reflect on Merano’s past while admiring the formal language of early 20th-century architecture.

Few individuals have left a mark on Merano quite like Dr. Franz Tappeiner (1816–1902) – physician, humanist, and tireless advocate for the city’s development. His monument on the Passer Promenade serves as a lasting reminder of the man whose vision transformed Merano from the ground up.
Dr. Tappeiner was far more than a 19th-century physician. He championed a revolutionary concept of health: one that extended beyond hospital walls to embrace light, movement, and nature. Among the first to recognize the healing potential of Merano’s mild climate, he spearheaded initiatives that turned the town into a destination for Europe’s social and intellectual elite. Perhaps his most enduring legacy is the Tappeiner Promenade – one of Europe’s most scenic walking paths. Lined with Mediterranean flora and offering sweeping views over the city, this trail perfectly embodies Tappeiner’s belief in the restorative power of nature. His ideas were decades ahead of their time.
The statue, created by Franz Ehrenhöfer and unveiled in 1903, shows Tappeiner in a thoughtful stance, gazing out toward the city. Dressed in a long coat and holding a hat, he appears to have paused just briefly – before continuing on his path. The pedestal bears the Latin inscription Amicus patriae – Friend of the Fatherland.
True to his character, Tappeiner declined all public honors during his lifetime. The monument was erected posthumously, as a gesture of profound respect and gratitude from the town he helped shape. Its location on the Passer Promenade is no coincidence: it brings together nature, leisure, and city life – the very elements Tappeiner believed were essential to well-being.
His spirit still resonates in Merano’s tree-lined avenues, serene parks, and gently winding mountain trails. Visitors today don’t just discover a city – they encounter an idea: that of health, beauty, and joy in harmony with the natural world. Dr. Franz Tappeiner was its earliest and most passionate ambassador.