Merano has about 38,000 inhabitants and is the second largest town in South
Tyrol. The spa is surrounded by high mountains (up to 3.3337m) in a basin. Meran
comes from a Roman period settlement and was first mentioned in the year 857. On
Küchelberg above Meran the Tyrolean freedom fighter won a battle against the
Bavarians and French in 1809. After the first world war Merano came along with
the entire South Tyrol to Italy.
Meran has a long tradition as a spa and tourist resort. Mainly because of the
mild, Mediterranean climate and pure air. Around Merano, there are some excellent
ski resorts. The Hippodrome of Merano is one of the largest in Europe. He is the
district Untermmais and has a 5 km long race track, on which was held the first
race in 1935. Highlights of the season are the Haflinger horse riding on Easter
Monday and the Grand Prix of Merano, a highly doped obstacle race on the last Sunday
in September.
Sights in Merano: Parish Church of St. Nicholas with Barbara chapel, synagogue,
parish church, Zenoburg, Otto Castle, Powder Tower, Old Town, City theater,
spa, Spa Baths, post bridge, boardwalk. Tourism Museum, City Museum, Women's
Museum, Castle Tyrol. Botanical Garden, Castle Trautmannsdorf, Meran Christmas with
devil parades. |
