Meran in South Tyrol

Above all, they appreciated the mild, Mediterranean climate and the clear, curative air of this northern Italian spa resort.

Not only in South Tyrol, but far across its borders, Meran has become a synonym for mild climate and fresh air.
The picture shows the lower arcades, seen from the Kornplatz. Diagonally to it runs Rennweg. Much attention and interest was dedicated to the spa, and therefore it has become a world-famous town. For centuries Meran was considered to be the centre of Tyrol’s counties, and its cultural landscape is enriched by many splendid and magnificent buildings, especially castles and mansions, which date back to the time of the counts and earls.

The spa town Meran and its surroundings have the highest density of mighty and splendid castles throughout Europe.
Not least, this can be put down to the fact that the former “Meranerland” was an important historic seat of many counts. At the same time it used to be junction and core of Tyrol with regard to history.
This is the reason why there is a lot to discover in “Meranerland”, from old castles, art-historical monuments, little churches with wonderful frescos, exhibitions giving a deeper insight into the customs and traditions and the historical development of the region, to unique and almost unspoiled natural landscapes.

The Gardens of Trauttmansdorff Castle

St. Valentin-Str. 51a, Obermais - tel. 0473 - 23 57 30
One of Merano’s most recent attractions, which is especially appropriate for a town of parks and gardens is the magnificent Botanical gardens opened in 2001. Trauttmansdorff Castle, in the middle of the Gardens, houses an interesting Museum of Tourism (see Touriseum). A single ticket gives access to both the Gardens and the Museum.
The Gardens are laid out on the eastern edge of Merano and can be quickly and comfortably reached by means of buses 1B and 4, and there is a large car and coach park. The hillside location of the botanical gardens, for the most part facing south-west, favours the growth of both local and exotic flora and is a demonstration of Merano's especially mild micro-climate.
The entire area extends over 12 hectares/29.7 acres (the Gardens cover about 8.5 ha/21 acres). It has a footpath network of nearly 7 km/4.3 miles and vertical drops of up to 100 metres/105 yards. It is home to a unique plant world comprising 4,000 different species and 17,000 individual plants.
It is run by the Research Centre for Agriculture and Forestry, Laimburg

Opening hours: 01st April to 15th November 06: daily from 9 am to 6 pm, during the summer months from 9 am to 9 pm
Admission: Single ticket Euros 9,50, children up to the age of 6 free of charge; various reductions and guided tours are offered

The botanical gardens are divided into four major sections:
The Forest of the Worlds section are home to a wide variety of deciduous trees and conifers of American and Asian origin.
The opulent vegetation in the Sun Gardens section evokes the unmistakable image of the south. Traditional plants from the Mediterranean area such as lemon, olive (with the northernmost olive grove in Europe) and fig trees, cypresses, grapevines and lavender grow here. The highlight of the Sun Gardens are the various cactus species from America's deserts.
The section in which the element of water plays the main role are the Water and Terrace Gardens, section, linked by stepped footpaths. Their centrepiece is the large Water Lily Pond which features very special tropical water lilies and a number of "stowaways" such as frogs. On its overgrown shores there is a glasshouse with many wonderful species of
orchids. The surrounding terraces vividly and attractively display various types of garden. For example, there is the Italian Garden with its yew maze, the English Garden of Herbaceous Perennials, the Garden of the Senses with fragrant herbs and aromatic plants.
The immense variety of local, natural and cultivated countryside can be found in Landscapes of South Tyrol section. Chestnut groves, vineyards, cornfields and orchards are represented here together with innumerable species of trees and shrubs such as beech, willow, grey and black alder as well as a a geological mosaic.

• 11 artistically designed pavilions established to answer questions on botany, for instance, "Why do water lilies not drown?" These artistic and educational tours of the Gardens help visitors to understand the connection between nature and art.
• 3 greenhouses (Limonaia, Orchid House, Semi-desert of succulent plants)
• various attractions - Sissi-Promenade, Aviary, Viewing Platform "The Glasses" and the Grotto with a multimedial show
• a restaurant with a large terrace.

For further information visit:: www.trauttmansdorff.it

Merano: Thermal Baths

Surrounded by a Mediterranean park landscape, the new Merano Thermal Baths are situated in the heart of the town of Merano. They offer an oasis of relaxation and wellbeing with many aquatic and spa attractions for locals and visitors to South Tyrol alike. The spa treatments and thermal traditions of Merano have been revived and newly interpreted in an innovative and pleasant ambience. The central architectural feature of the baths is an imposing glass cube, where the dividing line between the interior and the exterior seem to disappear. One has the sensation of being in the midst of nature, with views of the majestic mountains around Merano and the 51,000 sq m Mediterranean park, where a varied bathing landscape has been laid out between palms and a water lily lake.
25 indoor and outdoor swimming pools await visitors to the Merano Thermal Baths offering new aquatic experiences. But we also strongly recommend the 1,250 sq m elegant sauna landscape with 8 different saunas and steam baths, as well as the fitness centre which specialises in preventive health treatments and fitness checks. A highlight of the Merano Thermal Baths is the 1,400 sq m Spa & Vital Centre, where natural South Tyrolean raw materials such as apples, grapes, herbs and whey are used for unique health and wellbeing treatments.
The interior design of the Merano Thermal Baths is by the Milan architect Matteo Thun. He fell into raptures when talking about his latest work: "The Merano Thermal Baths will be unique in and beyond Europe. Nowhere else can you find such a natural oasis right in the middle of a town."

We are a proud partner of the MERANO THERMAL BATHS, more informations on: www.termemerano.it