Merano is an Alpine town in Italy’s South Tyrol region best known for its spas and art nouveau buildings. Lauded for its sunny microclimate and its surrounding picturesque mountains, Merano is an ideal destination for those who love the outdoors.
There are plenty of exciting historical attractions to uncover in Merano. The medieval town gates are an absolute must-see, as is the Gothic St. Nicholas’ Church, which dates back to the 13th century. If you have the time, Trauttmansdorff Castle should be top of your list too. Located south of the city, this captivating castle is surrounded by lush mountains and greenery and is also home to Touriseum, a museum outlining a 200-year history of Alpine tourism.
Visitors who love nature and the outdoors will find much to enjoy about Merano. You can discover a variety of birdlife rescued from the wild at the Schloss Tirol Bird Care Centre. There’s a collection of eagles, vultures, hawks, owls and buzzards, but the real attraction is the twice-daily, 40-minute flight demonstration. The Schloss Trauttmansdorff Gardens are another highlight, located at the Trauttmansdorff Castle. You could spend an entire day wandering around these beautiful botanical gardens, where exotic cacti and palms, fruit trees, beds of flora and more cascade down a picturesque hillside.