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Known locally as the Steinerner Steg, and erroneously referred to as Ponte Romano, this historic footbridge has long been a landmark of Merano. Built between 1616 and 1617 by the Bressanone/Brixen master builder Andrä Tanner, the bridge links the medieval old town to the verdant quarter of Maia Alta/Obermais, gracefully spanning the Passer river with two asymmetrical arches of solid quarry stone.
One of its most distinctive features is the gentle bend at the midpoint, combined with its crenellated stone parapet – details that give the structure the character of a small fortress and lend it an unmistakably historic silhouette. Constructed almost entirely from local porphyry, the bridge blends harmoniously into the Alpine landscape that frames the city.
A curious historical detail lies between the arches: a narrow, sloping ledge known as Ritsch once served as a wastewater chute, directing sewage from the town directly into the river. Beneath the current stonework, remnants of an older wooden drainage system still remain – quiet witnesses to centuries of everyday life.
Despite its evocative name, the bridge has no Roman origins. The designation Ponte Romano was introduced during the Fascist period in 1927 and has no historical basis. The current structure replaced a series of earlier wooden bridges that had repeatedly fallen victim to the river’s floods. Since its construction, the Steinerner Steg has stood firm against the elements – its most recent thorough restoration took place in 1987.
Today, this traffic-free bridge is more than just a thoroughfare. It is a beloved spot for walkers and residents, a vantage point for photographers, and a tranquil refuge within the urban fabric of Merano. From here, visitors can admire the dramatic Passer gorge, the lush promenades that run alongside it, and the sweeping views of the mountains beyond.
By day, the bridge offers a striking interplay of Alpine freshness and Mediterranean charm. By night, illuminated by gentle lanterns and accompanied by soft sounds from the nearby summer events, it transforms into a place of quiet elegance. Framed by peaks and palms, the Steinerner Steg is a living part of Merano’s cultural identity and an atmospheric link between past and present.

Seeschlössl: this romantic house is situated on the west bank of the large Montiggl Lake. History: Josef von Zastrow, who came from Germany and also owned Aichberg, in 1888, built it. At this time he also owned both the lakes. In 1902 the village of Eppan took over both lakes. Architectural style: the whole building is very pleasing and blends in well with the scenery. The style is middle Aged, the windows have pointed arches and the gables have a staircase form finish. The painter Max Sparer from Tramin often painted this house. Walking: as soon as you get to know the two Montiggler Lakes, it is no problem to find this beautiful house. Walks through the Spring Valley and round the large lake take you past this house

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 Saalhaus is a type of building which is about 45 to 60 meters deep with a façade width of 5-11 meters. Through the entry door in the façade, you pass through a long, vaulted archway into the inner courtyard onto which rooms, used as storerooms, open. In the heart of the house, facing the courtyard, is the "Saal" or hall, a room of large dimensions, reaching from the ground floor up to the roof. Thanks to its opening onto the courtyard and its dormer windows, the room is well lit and remains cool during the summer months. These characteristics make it suitable for many domestic activities, for example, the preparation of agricultural products or drying of laundry. All the second-floor rooms and the balconies for accessing the upper floors face this room; all of this contributes to making the "Saal" the heart of family life. It is possible to look at the internal structure of a Saalhaus while passing through the pedestrian passageway that leads through the inner courtyard of Via Andreas Hofer 32.

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.

 

Just a short walk from the old town and set against the Alpine-Mediterranean backdrop of the Merano basin, the Merano Lido has been a beloved summer retreat for over a century. In South Tyrol, “Lido” is the classic name for an open-air public pool – and Merano’s version is among the most iconic. Combining the charm of Art Nouveau with modern leisure comforts, it offers a refreshing escape for locals and visitors alike.
The Lido was already attracting bathers in the early 20th century – drawn by its central location, sporting facilities, and laid-back atmosphere. After a careful renovation in 2014/15, the pool was upgraded to a modern sports and recreation centre, while preserving its historic flair.
At the heart of the complex is a 50-metre Olympic-size pool, perfect for serious swimmers. A mid-sized leisure pool, diving tower, whirlpool area, and massage jets provide variety, while two towering waterslides – 13 metres high and nearly 100 metres long – add an element of excitement for thrill-seekers of all ages. Diving boards (1m and 3m) and starting blocks enhance the facility’s athletic profile.
The spacious sunbathing lawn is dotted with mature trees and includes a sandy beach area, comfortable loungers, and a family-friendly children’s zone with playground and paddling pool. Several cafés and bistros offer refreshments: from ice cream and snacks at the kiosk to cocktails at the stylish Zanzibar bar – ideal for a quick espresso, a gelato, or an evening aperitivo. The Lido also hosts events such as the popular “Cool Swim Meeting” – a summer highlight for competitive swimmers from across the region.
Fascinating facts & history
• Film legend Bud Spencer once trained here – a nod to the pool’s athletic roots.
• Originally built in the 1930s, it’s one of South Tyrol’s oldest outdoor pools and has long been a favourite among spa visitors and locals.
• The 2014/15 renovation preserved the Art Nouveau architecture while adding modern, accessible sports features.
• Since 2016, the “Cool Swim Meeting” has brought hundreds of swimmers to Merano each summer.

The rectory, a baroque building and former Vilas residence, was owned by the Lutterotti family in 1741. In 1858 it was acquired by the municipality to house the school and the parish office. The windows and the entrance portal of the three-storey building have stone surrounds, and the attic has nine ox eyes. Inside, there are numerous stucco-decorated rooms and delicate wrought-iron balustrades. The 17th century chapel was originally dedicated to the Blessed Virgin Mary, St. Joseph and St. Anthony of Padua.

In Eppan | Piganò, above Castel Gandegg, you find near Castel Englar the residence Moos Schulthaus. A little bit hidden, how it is usual for an insider tip, you can find a nice little museum for Middle Aged living.

Around the middle of the 13th century the dynasty of the Rottenburger built a Romanesque residential tower above the location Pigenò. Around the 14th century it was transformed and extended into a gothic residence for hunting. After the extinction of the Rottenburg in 1410, the complex ended up in the hands of the princes and later on to the Lords of Firmian and around 1500 to the Earl Spaur who expanded it even more. Until the middle of the 19th century it remained in the hands of the aristocrats of Schulthaus. With this intense change of property and the related architectural procedures caused a special fusion of connected elements, interlaced and on different levels situated premises and last but not least style characteristics of different époques. In 1958 Walther Amonn, merchant of Bozen and patron, bought the complex and had it costly restored and opened it for the public in 1985.

Well worth seeing are especially the frescos of the premises, which are a unique example of gothic mural art and give an insight in the life and philosophy of that time.

For the exploration of this historical valuable area around Castel Moss-Schulthaus, with the castles Englar and Gandegg together with the residences of Pigenò, we suggest the marked hiking and biking trails.

Enjoy good home-made food in our traditional country inn. We serve varied menus with biological products from our farm.

BOOKING REQUIRED!!

Structure built on L-shaped plan consisting of two wings. The residential building to the north, facing the
road, dates from the Middle Ages as indicated by regular stone layers and corner blocks. It is topped by
a late-medieval extension that is linked to the core building under a single gable roof. The upper floor
features Renaissance fixtures: a panelled room with coffered ceiling, dentil friezes and a wall closet
dating from 1628. Immediately to the northeast is a round-arched entrance to the courtyard.
The south-facing wing has a passage with vaulting cells at ground level; an outside staircase in the
courtyard runs round a corner to the first floor. Topped with hip roof.

The “zur Goldenen Krone” Inn dates from the 14th century and had a long row of spacious arcades supported on massive stone blocks. The entrance to the inner courtyard of the inn dates from the 17th century. The year 1650 is engraved in the key. The farm was ceded by the Lichtenstein family to the monastery of St. Michele all’Adige in 1470. In the 16th century, the Perkmanns were mostly the owners or rather leaseholders of the house, in the 17th century the Feigenputz and the Röll, Traxl and Lutterotti in the 18th century. It was considered the best inn between Bolzano and Trento and had a wealthy clientele. Despite decay in the previous two centuries, ownership of the building passed to the Mutschlechner family in 1811, who used it not only as an inn, but also for retail trade, horse-drawn carriage hire, a distillery and a butcher's shop.

The building complex, comprising the old hotel and the new residence apartments, is located at the entrance of the valley-side entrance to Selva/Wolkenstein, and is easily accessible both by car and by public transport. Based upon the modern mountain architecture of the 1920s, an elongated wing was designed on the constricted plot that adapts to the natural lay of the land and adjoins itself to the scale of the existing hotel to which it is attached. The reinforced-concrete support structure was built with materials that suit the surrounding landscape: dark impregnated larch wood in the outdoor area, bright spruce wood in the interiors, oak floors, quartzite, white stucco, black steel, leather and natural-colored materials. The ventilated horizontal wooden slats in front of the wooden-clad facade and balconies form as a "second skin”, so to speak, a sort of filter between the interior and exterior spaces.

L’affascinante paese di Ora è circondato da vigneti che gli conferiscono il suo tipico carattere rurale. Il centro del paese è fiancheggiato da mura in pietra naturale e vicoli stretti che ricordano un labirinto, da cui il nome labirinto di vicoli. Le origini del primo insediamento risalgono all'età della pietra e ancora oggi gli edifici medievali, che conferiscono al paese il suo fascino particolare, testimoniano i tempi passati.

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.

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.

Is it your dream to share a table with knights or even live at a castle? Neuhaus Castle makes it possible, for special events and weddings. In summer, the castle is also a venue for art and culture.

Guides/programmes: no private guided tours. The program includes art exhibitions, musical events, and outdoor games. The tavern and castle are open throughout the year.

During the renovations in 1992 at the church of "Our Lady Al Colle", carried out by the regional authority for the protection of monuments, the Laces Menhir (dating between 3300-2200 BC) was discovered. The Laces Menhir is made from pure marble and, apart from symbolizing the Adige mountain group, it is also linked to the Lombard Valcamonica mountain group. The Menhir is daily from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. accessible for visitors.

Medieval tower high above Gargazon and the Etschtal Valley. The Trautson coat of arms can be seen above the round arched entrance. The tower is believed to have been built by Bertold Chrello-Trautson, whose name appears in records dating from 1237.

A cable car always means an intrusion into the mountains. For the fragile high-mountain landscape above Selva/Wolkenstein, an architect was commissioned for a suitable design. For the 2.2-km cable car, which has the capacity to transport 3,000 people per hour, three structures were to be designed: the base, intermediate and summit stations. The equipment rooms were to be situated underground to the extent possible, allowing passengers to step into spacious, glazed entrance areas that are covered by protective, undulating concrete shells. The smooth lines of the base station integrates into the terrain with smooth lines. The steel structure of the open intermediate station has a glassy, transparent look, and passengers are greeted at the summit station by the welcoming gesture of a concrete shell above the glazed hall.

The lime pit was built of bricks and reminds of the shape of a well. There was produced lime for the construction of houses.
Wolves were also caught on the basis of stories.

The Red Tower is named after the red color of its paint, but it is also named Hornberger Tower. It was bulit in 1430.                                                     

You will soon find more information about the Garber in Prissian/Prissiano.

There used to be two large residential units here: in the front part was the house of the tailor Ulrich Leb, mentioned in 1523, called am "Prunnen", named after the village fountain which stood in front of this house until the first decade of the 21st century; and in the rear part of the house was the "Haus an der Stiegen", first mentioned in 1526 with Conz Puphtaler. Inhabitants of these houses include cobblers, coopers, bailiffs and schoolmasters. Even a baking oven is mentioned: in the 17th century, when Montan had no baker of its own, the "Brothieter" also served bread here from time to time.

Peter, Elisabeth and Anna Terleth were the last private owners from 1875. With a foundation, they laid the foundation stone for the old people's home that has stood here since 2010.

The farm gate to the east and the farmhouse parlour to the south have been preserved from the old days and have both been well integrated into the new building.

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.

The “Liebenstein” estate with its Maria-Hilf fresco dates back to the 16th century. In the first documents it is referred to as "Hof der Plattner genannt Röll". At the beginning of the 18th century, the two original buildings were combined into a single complex and given the name "Ansitz Liebenstein". The An der Lan family were the last noble owners of the house.

The house of Peter Mitterhofer is first mentioned as the Zimmerhaus im Obergarten in a document dating to 1431. Peter Mitterhofer (1822-1893) lived in the house for 31 years and developed six typewriter models in his workshop there; the first of these prototypes was also the earliest of its kind, in 1864. It is known that Peter Mitterhofer designed six different typewriter models during the period between 1864 and 1869. The first model (1864, The Unsuccessful) is housed today at the Technical Museum of Industry and Commerce in Vienna. The second model was discovered accidentally in 1911 hidden in a secret compartment in the attic of Peter Mitterhofer’s house in Partschins/Parcines. The third model remains missing to this day – although Peter Mitterhofer travelled with it from Partschins/Parcines to Vienna on foot in 1866. The fourth model (the Meran model) was created in 1866, with the help of better financial resources after his return from Vienna. This model is on display at the Palais Mamming City Museum in Meran/Merano. Peter Mitterhofer completed his fifth typewriter prototype in 1869 (the Wien model). It was his intention to build a perfectly functioning typewriter. For this model he would need much more time than he had been promised in his subsidy request of 1866 in Vienna.

He made the journey from Partschins/Parcines to Vienna on foot for the second time in December 1869. There is evidence that Peter Mitterhofer received 150 guilders from the Emperor Franz Joseph I for his Meran model. This typewriter passed into the collection of the Polytechnic, where it faded into obscurity. On June 21, 1910, a typewriter labeled as old typewriter of unknown origin, allegedly Austrian was delivered to the Technical Museum in Vienna along with many other items.

The evidence that the model was connected with Peter Mitterhofer is provided by a letter from Peter Mitterhofer to Franz Ferdinand Goldegg zu Lindenburg (1798-1878). The character of the font and a close comparison of the lettering in this typewritten letter leave no doubt as to this analysis.

The interiors of the residence are not open to the public. The inventor’s grave and memorial stone are located in the old cemetery at the east wall of the Pfarrkirche Partschins parish church.

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.

Be inspired culinary delights! A visit to the Castle Sichelburg with Mirko Mair is the combination of indulgence and history. Experience the magnificent paneled rooms and the impressive vaults of Sichelburg contemporary cuisine in a historic setting.

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.

An alley leads to the church between the Steinbock inn and the village smith. The alley is called “Defregger-alley” due to the fact that the history painter Franz von Defregger (1835-1921) used this idyllic subject as a background for his famous painting “Das letzte Aufgebot – the last array”. This alley, which depicts the ensemble of both churches and the cemetery, was left unchanged in the last 500 years.