Warto zobaczyć Południowy Tyrol

Tiroler Platzl is one of the largest initiatives in the greater Tyrol region. The park in the center of Marling was redesigned as part of Tyrol’s 200th anniversary in 2009. Rocks from the respective parts of Tyrol and the historic map, which shows the greater Tyrol region, commemorate Tyrol’s common history.

The Castle Ehrenburg was the residence of the Sirs von Ehrenburg, who were later called von Künigl. It was built in the 12th century. During the 15th century, the castle was extended, and in the year 1512, it was extended again with the arcade yard. In the year 1732, it was converted into a baroque castle. The big hall, the bay windows, the wooden paneling, and the paintings on the ceiling, as well as the castle chapel are very remarkable. The castle is not open to visitors.

Only visible from the outside.

The Versoaln vine at the vineyards near Katzenzungen Castle is the largest and probably oldest vine in the world. The foliage of the 360-year old vine rests on a traditional pergola of chestnut wood and measures 300 m².

At the instigation of the friends of the Austrian-Hungarian monarchy, local group Laces, the monument made of marble from Lasa, which was erected in 1908 and disappeared under mysterious circumstances in 1919, was replaced in 1994 by a valuable bronze bust from Prague. The monument commemorates the 60th anniversary of the reign of the penultimate Austrian-Hungarian Emperor, Franz Josef I of Habsburg Lorraine.

The castle has always guarded over the entrance to the Val Casies-Gsieser Tal valley. It was first documented in 1126 and was the main administration castle of Welsperg for about 800 years until 1907. It is open for visitors in summer.

Castel Monguelfo is not only a particular castle complex, but is also the oldes castle of Alta Pusteria. Castel Monguelfo, also called Castel Welsperg, is undoubtedly a particular castle complex and it is a core castle. One of the oldest parts of the castle is the high donjon, which has been constructed in 1126. The brothers Schwikher and Otto von Welsperg had this castle built. In these days the Lords of Welsperg were one of the most significant noble families of Tyrol. Due to their smart commercial activity and administrative work as well as their wedding politics they build up a fortune and increased their importance. For this reason in 1359 Georg von Welsperg purchased the castle on the opposite, Castel Tesido. Consequently both castles were in possession of the Lords of Welsperg. In the 15th and 16th century Castel Welsperg was considerably enlarged and also reconstructed. In 1765 there was a fire which destroyed parts of the castle complex, including the great hall and the commercial building. Despite of the fact that there were renovation works, the castle started decaying and has no longer been inhabited.

Today the castle complex is venue for numerous concerts and exhibitions, organised by the board of trustees.

Once you are here, take a hike through the Sommersürs biotope, also called Samesirs, located in a basin between the villages of Naz and Fiumes/Viums. The small habitat of little more than 2 hectares is a biotope of diverse fauna and flora. It is an invaluable refuge for numerous aquatic insects and birds, along with amphibians and reptiles. Cattail, sedge, and marsh clover populate the shallow lake shore.

Other nature habitats in the Natz-Schabs holiday region include Raiermoos, Zussis and Laugen.

The tour leads through the village of Natz and then turns right onto the Villages round trip [Dörferrunde] through the Fruhnwald forest up to the Waldertor viewpoint. Past Viums and the Viummer Kreuz cross, the route leads mainly through forest paths up to Schabs. Continue through the village trip through forest and later through orchards and then go left along the Villages round trip, up to the Flötscher Weiher pond. At the Seehof Hotel, cross the road and continue through meadows and woods, always
along the signposted road to Raas. Continue through the cultural grounds passing the water reservoir back to the street towards Natz. Follow the street to the right, at the Laugen sports field following the sign Dörferrunde. From here, the Villages round trip leads back to the starting point.

The two Tablander Lacken lakes are situated the west of the Tschigat (3,000 m) in shallow basins lime-covered by ice-age glaciers, which are framed by the Plattenspitze (2,828 m), the Tschigat and the Partschinser Rötelspitze (3,037 m) and are open to the west.
The Great Lake (2,649 m) is 160 m long, 90 m wide and about 8 m deep. The inflow comes from the slopes of the Rötelspitze. Most of the outflow runs underground into the Zieltal valley.
The Small Lake (2,666 m) is 50 m long and 40 m wide and has no visible inflow or outflow.

(Source: Menara H. & Rampold J. 1976: Südtiroler Bergseen. Athesia Bozen.)

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.

The railway line Verona-Bolzano was completed during the first half of the 20th century, while the railway Station dates back to 1928 and is the project of Angelo Mazzoni, with different allegorical sculptural contributions by Franz Ehrenhöfer (representing electricity, steam and rivers). The "Frog Fountain" right opposite the Station was rebuilt following the original design of 1930, following its destruction after the bombings of WWII.

The ice holes, also called ice cellars, are generally found in the Otradige, but also in Pontives/Laion three such ice cellars have been found. This is a rare natural phenomenon that can be explained by the physical principle of the wind tube. The warm summer air flows in the scree from the top to the bottom and is cooled down very much. The heavy cold air flows out of the "cellars" again and thus the surrounding area is also cooled very strongly. Ice forms on the rock surfaces. In the winter months, this system collapses as the conditions are reversed. The cellars were built over gaps in the ground and insulated from the outside. They look like small bunkers. 
The three ice cellars of Lajen are located in the Val Gardena valley at the turnoff to San Pietro in Valle. The largest one is located right next to the road and consists of two chambers. The two smaller ones are located in the forest.

Castelfeder (from castello, the Italian word for castle) is nestled between the holiday villages on this strategically important porphyry hill. Castelfeder is a prehistoric and Roman as well as early medieval settlement characterized by the remnants of several structures and buildings on a large hilltop. It is a true place of energy and a popular destination for excursions, especially in spring. Today, sections of the encircling defensive wall with the well-known "Kuchelen" castle walls, and parts of the Barbara chapel from the 6th century can still be seen. In addition, the sunny Castelfeder hill fascinates with its unique and diverse flora. A special feature is the smoothly polished fertility chute carved in porphyry. It was a central component of an ancient cult. Rumor has it that even today sliding down it results in the arrival of a much yearned-for baby.

Hiking up to see the Stoanernen Mandln, which translates roughly to ‘Men of Stone’, is quite a popular excursion.

The stone men are located atop a remarkable knoll on Alpine pasture and tower at an elevation of 2,000 metres above the municipality of Tschögglberg mountain plateau, looking out over the Sarentino Alps. Human figures made of stone such as these can also be found in other parts of South Tyrol: they served as a landmark frequently or were simply built by shepherds to pass the time.

Prehistoric flint tools and stone carvings have been found at the Stoanernen Mandln, however, demonstrating that this stone knoll has served as a passage from the Adige Valley into the Sarentino Valley for millennia.

Mythology and Witchcraft:
Myriad tales are linked to this place. In early modern times, people believed witches met with the devil up there, celebrating wild festivals, changing the weather, and sending strong thunderstorms down into the valley.

Tip: Sunrise and sunset hikes.

The Postbrücke is one of Merano’s most refined architectural statements – a bridge that embodies the elegance of floral Art Nouveau while connecting key parts of the historic centre. Constructed in 1909 at the request of local merchants, it was designed to replace an ageing wooden bridge and improve the flow of people and goods between the lively Sandplatz Square and the then still-growing districts across the Passer.

From the outset, this was more than just a practical structure – it was a symbol of modernity and urban refinement. The bridge rests on three evenly spaced piers and features two graceful, low-lying arches made of reinforced concrete – a cutting-edge material at the time. What gives the bridge its charm, however, are the decorative elements: delicately wrought white-painted railings with gilded floral details, finely modelled lanterns, and balustrades proudly engraved with the year 1909. These artistic flourishes evoke the spirit of early 20th-century craftsmanship and lend the bridge its unmistakable character.

Today, the Postbrücke is much more than a river crossing. It is a cherished meeting place for locals and visitors alike. People pause here to enjoy views of the surrounding mountains, to watch the river’s flow, or to move between the leafy Winter and Summer Promenades on one side, and the arcaded old town and Sandplatz Square on the other.

Recent restoration work has returned the Postbrücke to its original splendour: the bridge deck, railings, and embellishments now gleam once more, often adorned with fresh seasonal flowers. It stands not only as a monument to a bygone aesthetic, but as a vibrant part of Merano’s everyday life.

The bridge continues to mirror the town’s pulse – from the movement of goods in centuries past to today’s urban rhythm. For those who seek to experience Merano’s cultural and architectural soul, the Postbrücke is not just a route, but a destination.   

The Engelrast viewing platform on Puflatsch offers a breathtaking 360° panoramic view of the Alpe di Siusi, the Val Gardena and the Dolomites. The platform is surrounded by a metal plate that gives a detailed description of the fantastic mountain panorama of the entire Alpe di Siusi with Sciliar, Sassolungo and Sassolungo, as well as the surrounding mountain ranges. You can find out which mountains you can see in which direction of the sky and how high the peaks are. A nice detail of this platform is the little angel enthroned above this vantage point. A visit to this magnificent viewpoint with some wooden benches is worthwhile. The Engelrast is located near the mountain station of the Telemix Puflatsch. You can reach the viewing platform on foot from Compatsch on the Alpe di Siusi following hiking trail no. 14 or by taking the Puflatsch cable car.

At the end of the parking lot, pass the game reserve. Trail. n° 9 continues through the forest, along the ditch until it turns left crossing a small bridge over the waters of the glacier. The winding path continues up to three cascades, made up of water from the glacier, then descending to the flat section of the woodlands and back again to the starting point.

The roman miliary stone (201 a.C.) was found in 1958 by the Prugger brother while building the power station in Oberolang. The miliary stone stil reported the original incisions made by the roman Emperor Settimo Severo (193-211 a.C.) and his sonsCaracalla and Geta. Now the roman miliary stone is positioned near the Hotel Alte Goste in Oberolang/ Valdaora di Sopra.

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.

Over time, the stream Gaiderbach has cut deeply into the porphyry rock and formed a narrow, distinctive gorge with waterfalls. The gorge presents itself simply fascinating and breathtaking: the mossy rock faces, the power of the water, the species-rich vegetation (including ferns and various species of orchids) form an undisturbed interplay of nature.

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 castle ruins of "Castelforte/Festenstein" can be described as Andriano's symbol. It reigns over Andriano from the lofty, rocky outcrop of the Gola del Rio Gaido, and can only be reached via a steep mountain climb. Its location was certainly a pondered choice by the stonemason to ensure the weapons of the enemies would never reach the castle. At the same time, the spectacular location of the castle offers a 360° view across the lower Valle dell'Adige. "Festenstein" was first mentioned in written documents in the mid-13th century. We assume that the castle was built at the time or greatly expanded. Regardless, it had already been built by the time the Counts of Appiano oversaw the valley, they probably assigned one of their vassals to administer the castle.
Managing such a castle would have been tedious work  and included collecting taxes from farms, the constant worry about providing the castle with water, food, and firewood, improvement works and endless suveillance shifts. All these tasks, considering the virtually inaccessible location of the castle, would have been pure torture. Sometime between the 13th and 14th century the castle was damaged, probably during the ongoing skirmishes of the time, because in 1383 it became property of the Lords of Villandro, who were tasked with restoring the decrepit ruins to their former glory. This shows how the castle still had a role to play at the end of the 14th century.

In the following period, the castle changed hands various times. In the 15th century it belonged to the Sparrenberger, members of the gentry, followed by the Lords Lanser of Appiano between 1654 and 1818.

In 2008,  Count Meinhard Khuen von Belasi purchased the castle ruins and commissioned, together with the South Tyrolean Office for Cultural Heritage, various restoration measures to secure the state of the walls and protect the castle from further deterioration.

After years of restoration work, Castelforte is now open to visitors. On various dates, the Andriano Tourist Association enables a special opening of the castle.
Special Opening of the Ruins Festenstein 2023:

Sunday, 02.04.2023
Friday,07.04.2023
Sunday, 16.04.2023
Friday,21.04.2023 cancelled
Sunday, 30.04.2023
Friday,05.05.2023
Friday,12.05.2023 cancelled
Friday,19.05.2023
Monday, 29.05.2023
Friday, 02.06.2023
Saturday, 10.06.2023
Sunday, 11.06.2023
Friday,16.06.2023
Friday,23.06.2023
Friday,07.07.2023
Friday,21.07.2023
Friday,11.08.2023
Friday,25.08.2023
Sunday, 03.09.2023
Friday,08.09.2023
Friday,15.09.2023
Friday,22.09.2023
Sunday, 01.10.2023
Friday,06.10.2023
Sunday, 15.10.2023

Opening times:  10:00 – 15:00

Cancelled in bad weather!

The castle was built between 1622 and 1641 by Engelhard Dietrich von Wolkenstein-Trostburg. It is located between Selva and S.Cristina and was used as a summer and hunting lodge. In 1863, Count Leopold von Wolkenstein-Trostburg granted the castle to S.Cristina municipality to transform it into a almshouse. The castle has been owned by the Franchetti Barons since 1926, and it is currently closed to the public.

The idyllic Lech Sant (Ladin for ‘Holy Lake’) is the largest mountain lake on the Mastlé Alm. The meadow at the edge of the lake with a magnificent view on the Odle peaks invites you to linger and relax.

At the foot of the might rock face of the Santner, hidden deep in forest, lies the legendary castle ruin of Hauenstein. The castel dates back to the 12th century and was built by the Lords of Hauenstein and enlarged in the 15th and 16th century. One of the owners was the famous minnesinger Oswald von Wolkenstein.
Today all that remains of the former glory are the castle walls, and yet the site continues to emanate a very special, mysterious energy.
According to an old legend, a secret passageway runs between the two castles of Hauenstein and Salegg. And every so often, or so they say in the area around the Schlern, you can hear the spine-chilling wails of a banished damsel.

Suldenbach

 

Der Suldenbach der im Prader Ortsteil Schmelz das enge Gebirgstal verlässt  und später in die Etsch mündet, setzt sich aus dem Trafoi- und Suldnerbach samt deren Nebengewässer zusammen und nennt sich nach dem größeren der beiden, Suldenbach. Dieser Wildbach, im wahrsten Sinne des Wortes, hat die Geschicke des Dorfes Prad und seiner Bewohner stets maßgeblich geprägt. Der Suldenbach, noch von unseren Vätern als der Teufel selbst genannt, war bis zu seiner endgültigen Verbauung im 19. und vor allem 20. Jahrhundert unberechenbar. In seiner Urgewalt, ständig laufwechselnd, hatte der verheerende Wildbach,  als Vollstrecker seiner Wut, den Bauern in Prad-Agums wiederholt auf Jahre die Hoffnung und den Böden die Fruchtbarkeit geraubt, indem er eine Unmenge von Steinen, Geröll und Sand zurückließ. Der Grundherr bzw. die Gerichtsbarkeit gewährte in solchen Fällen zwar einen Steuernachlass, aber weder den Ernte-Verlust noch die  Furcht vor neuen Schicksalsschlägen des Vinschgau weit größten Wildbaches konnten sie nicht ersetzen. Ungeachtet der Willkür dieser Naturgewalten, gab es mitunter auch solche von Menschhand selbst ausgelöste Katastrophen. Darunter fallen jene,

 

 

 

 

die durch das Holztriften aus den Wäldern des Trafoi- und Suldentals auf dem Suldenbach verursacht wurden. So berichtet uns eine “Kundschaftsurkunde“ vom 17. September 1517, dass zu „Unzeiten“ (unbeaufsichtigt) der Holzrechen auf „Beide Wasser“ (Gomagoi) brach. Dieser hatte die Aufgabe das „angewasserte Holz“ (ins Wasser betriebene Holzstämme) aufzuhalten. An die 2000 Baumstämme wurden auf einen Schlag fortgeschwemmt und erreichten schließlich Prad. Unter dem Dorf bei der „Tschengler prugkhen“ machte das Triftholz einen „Knopf“, der Bach wurde aufgestaut, der Runst eingesandet bis zu den hintersten Kalköfen in der „Schmelz“. Wasser und Holz traten über die Ufer, drangen in Haus und Feld und zerstörten alles was sich ihnen in den Weg stellte. Das Holzflößen, von Prad bewilligt vom Heilig-Kreuz-Tag (14. 9)  bis St. Jörgen-Tag (24.4.), verursachte stets eine Lockerung des Bergfußes sowie des Bachbettes selbst und war damit neben den Holz-Kahlschlägen Mitauslöser so manchen Unheils. Während die Lichtensteiner von Tschenglsberg als Grundherren für je 1000 Prügel, die auf dem Bache getriftet wurden, ein Pfund Pfeffer Zinsabgabe einforderten, blieb die ohnehin notorisch arme Bevölkerung bei Instandsetzung und Wiederaufbau von Flur und Haus zumeist auf sich gestellt.

Einer effizienten Bachverbauung standen hingegen nicht nur die Gemeinden von Mals, Tartsch und Glurns als Waldbesitzer im Trafoi- und Suldental, abgeneigt gegenüber, sondern natürlich auch die Kalkofen-Betreiber von Prad. Musste ihr Schlägerholz doch auf dem Wasserweg nach Prad transportiert werden. So blieb es der Bevölkerung von Prad-Agums überlassen, den Wassern des Suldenbaches, zumindest in Dorf-Nähe Einhalt zu gebieten. Allein die konstruktiven Maßnahmen  reichten zumeist nur vorübergehend aus, einem anschwellenden Bach hielten die primitiven Archen nicht Stand. Eine wirkungsvolle Verbauung konnte schließlich erst durch Errichtung von gemauerten Klausen und Uferschutzmauern unter Leitung des Tiroler Bauamtes zu Beginn des 20. Jahrhunderts erzielt werden. Letzte Baumaßnahmen am 1600 m lang regulierten Bachlauf fanden mit einem Kostenaufwand von 1,86 Mrd. Lire  in den Jahren von 1986 bis inklusive 1990 statt.

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. 

The Fahlburg Castle, originally „Tower of Vall“, was built during the 13th Century and owned by the Lords von Zobel. After the extinction of this family, there were some disputes over its ownership amongst the heirs. It is said that the minnesinger Oswald von Wolkenstein was kept captive by Barbara Jäger in the „Vall“, where he wrote songs and lamented bitterly about the tortures. In 1597, Jakob Andrä von Brandis bought the „Fahlburg“. The re-building work for changing the fortress into a Renaissance castle finished in 1640. Today, it is owned by Count Jakob von Brandis, a descendant of the dynasty of the counts von Brandis. The castle still hosts old tiled stoves, wooden ceilings and paintings by the Barouque painter Stefan Kessler. The castle‘s chapel has two levels and the sanctuary is consecrated. Today, events such asweddings, conferences, concerts etc. are arranged.

After over 400 years in family ownership, the castle was sold to the Athesia Group in 2021, whose founder in South Tyrol, Canon Michael Gamper, was born and raised in the immediate vicinity. The castle has been carefully restored since 2023.

Castel Lebenberg is one of the most beautiful castles in Burggrafenamt, built in the 13th century. By the lords of Marling. Very extensive castle complex of late gothic castle chapel with valuable frescoes including some from the 14th century. Picturesque courtyards, French Ornamental Garden, Hall of Mirrors in the rococo style and knights hall with a large figure pedigree of the Counts of Fuchs, 1426 to its extinction in 1828 the owner of the castle, now since 1925 in the possession of the van Rossem van Sinoutskerke family, Farmer room with Gothic farm furniture and armory.

Above the village of Tscherms towers one of the most beautiful castles of the area: Castel Lebenberg. The landmark of Tscherms is visible from far away and enthroned on a moraine hill. It offers a beautiful view over the Etsch Valley.

The castle was built by the Masters of Marling, which then called themselves the Masters of Lebenberg. Later the Fuchs von Fuchsberg Family gained possession of the castle for nearly 400 years. Nowadays Castle Lebenberg is privately owned and the owners live here full time. Guided tours allow visitors to experience this architectural example of times long gone.

The well preserved castle has a lot to offer for visitors who are interested in arts and history: The 3 story chapel from the 14th century, romantic inner courtyards, a French flower garden, the hall of mirrors in Rococo style, an armoury as well as fully furnished rooms from various epochs and farmers rooms with gothic farmer's furniture are among the many things to see.

Lovers of medieval murals will enjoy the precious gothic frescos which have only recently been discovered.

The imposing complex of buildings from the 13th century is fully preserved to this day and can be visited daily. 

The historic archades are the heart of the medieval Commercial centre, a title that it has conserved up to the present day, thanks to the unbroken chain of Shops which Stretch out before you, some traditional and typical and others more modern and elegant. The facades are a bright presentation of different architectural styles: the bay windows, the stucco decorations. The old Town Hall has some beautiful archways, which are expecially nice, which now houses the Headquarters of the Local History Archive, built with a ponted arch with some nice fresco decorations. The alleys which connect to the parallel streets are also interesting. Of special mention are those of the old Town Hall, now home to the Town Records Office, with pointed arches and pleasant decorative fresco effect. also of note are the alley which connect to the parallel streets that maintain the architectural style of the buildings around and abound in various activities (shops, warehouses, cellars, courtyards, workshops).

The romantic Castle ruin Rafenstein rises high above the city of Bolzano at the entrace of Sarentino Valley. 

The Strassberg castel ruin lies on a hill near Gossensass/Colle Isarco and is a real landmark. It was first mentioned in 1280 and for a long time local seat of the regional government and court of justice. The decline started in the 17th century. The ruin is privately owned and can only be visited from the outside.