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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 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.

The castle is located below the church. It can only be visited from the outside.

The Old Courthouse, also known as the Görz House, is one of Niederdorf’s most important historic buildings. It once served as the seat of justice under the Counts of Görz in the Puster Valley. Its northern facade still features painted coats of arms, including those of Görz and Tyrol, as well as noble families. The building reflects the village's former political and judicial significance in regional history.

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.

Due to the special circumstances, the castle is usually closed.
However, the Andrian Tourist Association organizes special openings.
For more information, please contact the Andrian Tourist Association.

Niederdorf’s current town hall was once the noble residence of the Kurz zum Thurn family. Around 1800, it received its elegant facade with Ionic columns. It later served as a toll office and military barracks. Since 1928, it has been the seat of the municipal administration.

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.

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

10 meditational spots are found along the side of the path until you reach the "Franziskus and Klara" chapel, the ruin from the Toblburg Castle.

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.

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.

First documented in 1159, the ruins were destroyed many times due to fires and battles, and have always been rebuilt. The castle ruin today bears the name “Sauschloss”, which literally translated means “pork/pig castle”, as according to a legend a pork was thrown out of the castle.

The ruins are only 15 minutes walk from the restaurant Noafer in Cologna/San Genesio.

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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.

Around 1200 the ruins of Rasen ( Neurasen und Altrasen ) were habitation and court of the sires of Rasen. 
The Rasun Nuova Castle in Oberrasen is privately owned and belongs to the Burgfrieder farm.

A steep path starts near the "Carabinieri" training centre in Vallunga and heads up to the castle ruins. Built at the beginning of the 13th century, it collapsed in 1525 and has never been rebuilt. It has been owned by the Wolkenstein family since the 14th century. Oswald von Wolkenstein, a famous minstrel and poet born in South Tyrol between 1376 and 1387, died in Merano 1445, probably spent his summers in the castle.

Access at your own risk. Children under 14 must be accompanied by an adult.

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.

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 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.

Glurns, the smallest town in South Tyrol, works its magic on every visitor with its charming medieval atmosphere, perfectly preserved town walls and its three picturesque gate towers. Virtually unchanged since the 16th century, there are echoes of the eventful history of this former trading town around every corner. With its romantic character, rich culture and idyllic surroundings, Glurns is a real alpine jewel. It is our pleasure to invite you to our beautiful town to share with you magical moments, historic festivals and spectacular cultural events.

While the beginnings of the village of Glurns probably go back to the Carolingian era, the first actual mention dates from 1163. Southeast of the clustered village on the bridge over the River Etsch, Meinhard II of Gorizia-Tirol created a city around the year 1290 in order to secure his power in the Upper Vinschgau Valley against the Bishop of Chur. This new settlement was described as a “burgum” in the year 1294. The two settlements – the village and the city of Glurns – existed for some 200 years alongside each other. After the destruction suffered during the Battle of Calven in 1499, the Habsburgs, especially Maximilian I, had Glurns fortified as a bulwark against the forces of Graubünden; the centres of the two settlements were thus connected by means of the new city walls, still in existence today. Among the oldest buildings that exist to this day are the residential and defensive towers, especially the so-called “Glurns Castle”, and the Spatzenturm tower in the southwest corner of the old town. The 16th century constructions succeed in dominating the city’s contemporary appearance.

The scheme to promote mountaineering villages in the Alpine regions supports environmentally-friendly, natural tourism. The network unites villages with a thriving natural and cultural landscape, which have been spared major technical innovations and where mountains and mountaineering are an integral part of the identity.
From leisurely “Waalweg” irrigation-channel trails through to the three-thousand metre climbs – enjoy all the authenticity of the Matsch Valley. The living traditions and customs offer you an insight into the active village community, and a stop-off to wander round the castle ruins at the entrance to the village brings the dreaded Matsch robber-barons back to fearsome life.

Located in the southern part of Merano’s old town, the Bolzano Gate is a well-preserved remnant of medieval urban architecture. Constructed in the 14th century, it once served as the city's southern entrance and remains one of three surviving gates in Merano today. The gate’s name reflects its orientation toward Bolzano, the present-day capital of South Tyrol. A fourth gate, the Ultimo Gate, originally stood on Freiheitsstraße street but was later relocated further west before being demolished in 1884.
The Bolzano Gate is a three-story tower crowned by a steeply pitched gable roof. Its southern façade is adorned with a stone relief of the double-headed eagle – the emblem of the Habsburgs – alongside the coats of arms of Austria, Tyrol, and Merano. These heraldic elements underscore Merano’s historical role within the Habsburg monarchy.
Originally, the gate was part of an extensive city wall system built between the 14th and 17th centuries. This fortification enclosed the city center and parts of the Steinach district, serving both as protection from external threats and as a means of regulating trade. Over the centuries, sections of the wall were rebuilt multiple times, particularly after destructive floods caused by the Passer River. The Bolzano Gate stands at Sandplatz square – a square named after the sandy deposits of the Passer River. Nearby is the former Hotel Erzherzog Johann, later known as Hotel Esplanade, which has since been restored and now houses shops and public offices.
Today, the Bolzano Gate is not only an architectural landmark but also an active part of the cityscape. It forms a symbolic and physical threshold between the modern parts of Merano and its historic core, with its medieval arcades, boutiques, and cafés. A visit to the Bolzano Gate offers both a glimpse into the city’s medieval heritage and a vibrant entry point into the daily life of the old town.

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.

Ansitz Heufler by Norbert Niederkofler

Ansitz Heufler, located in the picturesque Antholz Valley in South Tyrol, is a historic manor house dating back to 1580. Built by the noble family Hohenbühel zu Heufler, the estate is regarded as an outstanding example of Renaissance architecture and has been carefully preserved to maintain its historical value.

The wood-paneled rooms on the first floor are among the most atmospheric in the entire region—most notably the historic “Hearnstube”, adorned with an intricately crafted ceramic stove bearing the Heufler family coat of arms. Celebrated as one of the most beautiful parlors in all of Tyrol, it impressively blends artisan craftsmanship with living tradition.

On the door to the Hearnstube, one can see a fine engraving of the south façade of Ansitz Heufler: a square, three-story structure surrounded by four diagonally positioned corner towers with characteristic gabled roofs.

The old “Rauchkuchl”, now transformed into a stylish lounge bar, was once a traditional open kitchen where food was cooked and smoked over an open flame or in a smoke channel – a method that added rich flavor and ensured long preservation.

Among the most distinctive architectural features are the bay windows and the towers themselves, all topped with steep gabled roofs. The large windows on the first floor are decorated with finely wrought iron grilles, adorned with elegant floral motifs.

Today, Ansitz Heufler presents itself as a refined residence offering luxurious hospitality and culinary excellence. Guests are immersed in a unique experience where historical charm meets modern comfort – an authentic journey back in time through the preserved spirit of an ancient noble home.

Since May 2025, the estate has been led by South Tyrolean Three Michelin Star chef Norbert Niederkofler, who has breathed new life into the residence, infusing it with his signature philosophy, “Cook the Mountain”. Ansitz Heufler features 10 rooms, a public restaurant, and a bar with a scenic terrace.

Ganglegg is the best-researched fortified Bronze-Age/Iron-Age Alpine settlement in the entire Alpine region.

The medieval Schoneck Castle is located 958 meters above sea level and is said to be the birthplace of the famous poet and playwright Oswald von Wolkenstein (1377-1445), although this has not been historically proven . It is believed that the ruins of Pacherhof, birthplace of famous artist and sculptor Michael Pacher, are also nearby. Schöneck Castle was built in the mid-13th century by the Dukes of Rödeneck; The first mention of this complex dates back to 1155 and 1164.

Over time, it became the property of the Tyrolean counts, and Engelmar von Willanders later became the owner of the Schoneck estate. Today, not only the cathedral is preserved, but also fragments of the palace, ruins of the chapel and fragments of the historic wall. In the ruins of the castle chapel there is also a fresco by master Michael Pacher. The castle is private property and inaccessible. Today, there is also a restaurant of the same name nearby.

The castle is private property and may not be entered.

Häuserl am Stein is one of the most fascinatingly odd buildings in all of South Tyrol. Its history, in fact, sounds a bit like a fairy tale. A long time ago, just below St. Pankraz in Ulten Valley many small farm houses were situated at the banks of the Falschauer brook. In 1882 the river was flooded and took every single house with it, apart from one. The legendary Häuserl am Stein, in fact, had been built by pure accident on a gigantic rock which only became visible after the floods.

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.

At Kaserbach, where hydroelectric power was once used, lies the former artisan zone that characterized village life back then. Our path leads past the smithy, the knitter mill and the old sawmill. At that time, the grain of the Lüsner farmers was ground in the mill. The "Stricker mill", whose historical roots reach back to the year 1645, has remained true to its original function until today.

Witches'spring: adventure path with the witch Curadina to the sulfur springs

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.