MERANO, SOUTH TYROL ITALY - A HIKER'S PARADISE

PASSER RIVER- MERANO ITALY

“Sometimes you will never know the value of a moment until it becomes a memory.”

                                                                                                             -Dr. Seuss

     We just returned from Italy, and I've been thinking about some of my favorite places. I remember the charming old city of Merano--a health resort that's located in a lush valley, surrounded by the Italian Alps, in northern Italy. 

There are a lot of things I love about this place, but what really stands out are the lovely walks. This “city of flowers,” located on the roaring Passer River, is full of promenades and gentle paths. They offer incredible views of the river and nearby mountain ranges and have interesting names like: Passer Promenade, Gif Promenade, Summer Promenade,Tappeinerweg Trail, and Prince's Castle.

SAN LEONARDO, SOUTH TYROL

     When a person tires of the nearby walks (if that's possible), they can take advantage of the extensive transport system to access more trails and bikeways. We purchased the seven day pass called the Mobilcard (28 euros) that grants unlimited access to all public transport in South Tyrol—one of the best deals anywhere. Hundreds of trails were available to us, and the best part is that we could return by bus or train when tired.

     The old city of Merano has 900 year old porticoes, medieval walls, arches, and a 19^th century Kurhaus. There are sculptures, flowers, museums, and mature cypress trees to enjoy. It's also home to the Gardens of Trauttmansdorff, one of Italy's most beautiful gardens.

     A visit would not be complete without experiencing the Merano Thermal Baths—a modern oasis in the heart of the city that has 15 indoor and outdoor pools, eight saunas. mountain views, a park, fitness center, and more. The health benefits of this area were discovered by European nobility in the early 1800s. In addition, the Austrian Empress Sissi arrived for the first time in 1870 with her imperial household of over a hundred. She spent nine months here recuperating from tuberculosis. After that time, she made repeated visits to Merano. One of the many trails to enjoy is Sissi's Path that highlights some of her favorite spots. 

      Merano is one of those special places that I could linger for a month or longer and the month of May would be perfect. The weather is cool, the days are long and the flowers are blooming. 

                                                                 * * * 

   

     Meran/Merano (pop. 40,000) is located in the Trentino-South Tyrol region of northern Italy. From the eighth century until 1918, it was part of Austria-Hungary. It was annexed to the Kingdom of Italy in 1919. Public signs are in two languages: German and Italian. Meran is German and Merano is Italian. More than half of the population speaks German. The Dolomite mountains cover most of the area. South Tyrol is also among the wealthiest regions in Italy.

Related Posts: Castelrotto, Italy South Tyrol, July 2015
                        Hay Baths, Dolomites, Northern Italy, July 2015
                     

STONE BRIDGE 

BUILT IN 1616 BY ROMANS

CITY GATES 

MERANO'S OLD TOWN

THE KURHAUS