8 Best Things to Do in Merano

The small, paved and tree-lined Piazza Del Grano puts you right in the centre of Merano’s historical district. Centuries-old medieval arcades stretch from this piazza to some of the main landmarks along the Passer River. These include the Piazza Duomo before the riverbend, which played an important role in Merano’s past as a central public space that hosted markets or social gatherings. You can reach Piazza Del Grano with a 10-minute walk east of Merano station, along Via Mainardo.

Enjoy a pleasant walk while window shopping through Merano’s main arcade, Via dei Portici. This centuries-old narrow street stretches for around half a kilometre between Piazza Del Grano and Piazza Duomo, and features a good mix of small, long-running shops and boutiques under the archways of its tall medieval buildings. Some of the local Italian shoe shops and fashion boutiques are worth a look, showcasing some one-off handmade items. There are also bars and restaurants in between, where you can sit for a coffee break while people watching.

At the far end of Via dei Portici, you’ll find Piazza Duomo where the Roman Catholic Chiesa di San Nicolò (Church of St. Nicholas) stands. The church features 14th-century Gothic architecture, with an adjacent 83-metre-tall clock tower that stands out over Merano’s historical district. Step inside (free entry) and admire the church’s beautiful frescoes and 18th-century biblical sculptures around its Gothic choir, illuminated by rays through large stained-glass windows. Visit the Palais Mamming Museum (tickets from €6) beside the church, for a great collection of arts and historical artefacts, ranging from Egyptian mummies to Napoleon’s death mask.

This 13th-century castle is set on the Alpine foothills, 14 minutes’ drive north above Merano. It may be better known as the home of late American poet Ezra Pound, where he wrote parts of his incomplete book-length poem, The Cantos. It’s also an agricultural museum surrounded by vineyards, where you can learn more about viniculture. Tickets are around €6 for adults (free for kids up to the age of 6). Most kids will love the sights of unique farm animals around Brunnenburg, including the woolly Mangalica pigs and the twisty-horned Wallachian sheep.

If you’re a wine lover who’s also interested in the history of viniculture, Castello Rametz (Rametz Castle) is a good choice. The winery and museum is on the green hillsides around 10 minutes east of downtown Merano. You’ll get to learn about each step in wine production, and even explore the medieval and modern cellars. If you happen to visit between March and November, you may opt for an afternoon guided tour with wine tastings included (from around €16).

The late Empress Elisabeth of Austria (fondly known by her childhood nickname, Sissi) loved spending her health retreats in Merano, frequently taking long walks throughout the countryside and staying at Trauttmansdorff Castle. You can retrace her scenic walks, known as Sissi’s Path, from Merano. Head down from the Kurhaus theatre, across the Ponte Romano to cedar-lined parks and past lovely manors, then up to the terraced gardens around the castle. Sissi’s Path can be done at a steady pace within an hour.

As one of the main spa facilities in Merano, Terme Merano is modern and features a collection of indoor pools as well as outdoor thermal baths, where you can soak or wade against the open Alpine foothill views. They also have saunas where clothing is optional in most sections. The 15 indoor pools are open throughout the year, with a 35°C brine pool, whirlpool and a children's pool available. The outdoor pools are only open in the summer (from May to September). All-day tickets are from €19.

This striking Art Nouveau building on the Passer’s northern riverbank is Merano’s main theatre. The Kurhaus annually hosts spring and autumn art exhibitions as well as summer jazz and classical music festivals. The South Tyrol Festival is one of them, featuring a monthly line-up of classical symphony orchestras and solo performances. Tickets are from around €35, available from the ticket office across the promenade from the Forsterbräu beer house. If you come in winter, you can check out the Christmas bazaars around the promenade selling plenty of local goods.