Sights in Merano and environs: visit and marvel

In 2005, one of the most renowned sights in Merano/Meran opened its doors: the thermal baths. Take a walk across town and you will soon catch sight of this veritable architectural masterpiece: a vast elegant cube made out of glass and steel. This building hosts the spa centre of Merano/Meran. The interior architect Matteo Thun designed these thermal baths. One highlight here is the thermal spring water with is said to have healing properties; another highlight is the use of products taken straight out of South Tyrol’s nature. The thermal baths impress with saunas, massages and a vast fitness programme –anything a wellness fan may need.

Located directly at the famous Passer promenade in Merano/Meran you find the two other famous buildings in town: the Kurhaus and the Municipal Theatre. The architecture of these Art-Nouveau-style houses is elegant and unique. The Kurhaus and Theatre offer a great range of rooms, which are a popular site for conferences, concerts, festivals and other cultural events. Something truly special is the Kursaal, ornate with Art Nouveau paintings and decorations. The festive setting makes for a uniquely elegant atmosphere for every event.

One of the most famous sights in Merano and South Tyrol are the gardens of Trauttmansdorff castle. The gardens extend over twelve hectares and offer an altitude difference of 100 metres. Here you enjoy wonderful views, not only to the gardens, but also to the surrounding mountain world and the nearby town Merano/Meran. In the over 80 garden landscapes you find plants from all over the world. Beside the manifold flora, you also find a great diversity of fauna. The gardens are the home of rabbits, pygmy goats, snakes, Chinese ducks and Japanese carps, making for an exciting highlight for kids in particular. The Trauttmansdorff Castle is home to the Touriseum, South Tyrol’s Museum of Tourism. Here you can find out all about the last 200 years of tourism history in Tyrol.

Right in the green heart of Merano/Meran, surrounded by tall trees, you find a monument in honour of Empress Sisi. It wants to remind us that the Empress spent a great amount of time in the spa town during her several visits and in fact named Merano/Meran her favourite place. Empress Sisi loved to go for extensive walks in and outside town.

About 2.5 km from Hotel Meinhardt you find Scena Castle. This castle was built in 1320 and offers great insights into local history, art and culture. It features an exhibition with historic weapons, paintings and the largest private collection showcasing local freedom fighter Andreas Hofer. A great opportunity to find out about how life used to be and a definite must for culture and history fans. The castle is well worth a visit, alone for its wonderful view of Scena/Schenna and Merano and environs. You can visit Scena Castle during a tour offered from the Holy Week until All Saints at 10:30, 11:30, 14:00 and 15:00 hours; the castle is closed on Sundays and bank holidays.