What you should sea in the magical spa town of Merano

In the heart of the city and at the same time surrounded by a Mediterranean park landscape lies the new thermal baths of Merano. The heart of the architecture is a monumental glass cube which seems to break down the barrier between inside and outside. This makes for a very natural experience for the guests – with a view of the impressive mountain world around Merano as well as the 51,000 m² Mediterranean park. Visitors to the thermal baths of Merano have a choice of 25 indoor and outdoor pools with ever-changing water fun, an elegant sauna landscape with 8 different saunas and steam baths, a specialized fitness center and a first-class spa and vital center.

The jewel of Merano architecture was and is the spa hotel, built on the Passer Promenade. The erection of this building in 1874 was a golden time in the history of our city. Back then, just as today, conferences, festivals, balls and many other events were organized in the spa hotel.

The residence of the Tyrolean prince, built in 1470, served as accommodation for the princes when they were visiting the city.

The Merano City Theater was designed by architect Martin Dulfer in 1899 and built in Munich Art Nouveau style. Both the inside and outside of the building are richly adorned with marble and other decorations.

It is among the largest and nicest horse stadiums in Europe and was built in 1935 on a 40 hectare plot after only a year of construction. Since then, the horse track in Merano Maia has been enchanting horse fans with its rich event programming.

The gardens of Trauttmansdorff Castle and the Tourism Museum
A must in the Merano area are the gardens of Trauttmansdorff Castle, which was chosen in 2005 as Italy’s Best Garden from 64 candidates. More than 80 garden landscapes from all over the world are presented on 12 hectares, as well as 11 artist pavilions, a spectacular observation deck by the famous architect Matteo Thun, and countless other attractions. Walking paths weave through water and terrace gardens down the hillside, lead into the Japanese garden or other sensual gardens, and down hillsides covered with cactus and succulents as well as southern crops like olive trees and grape vines. In the center of the garden, the castle lords over everything else. The Count of Trauttmansdorff had it rebuilt from Middle Age ruins in 1850; the Empress Sissi lived there during two winters for spa treatments. Now a tourism museum is located in the castle. It tells the story of 200 years of eventful Tyrolean tourism.