Merano

Merano or Meran is a town and comune in the province of Bolzano-Bozen, Italy. Generally best known for its spa resorts, it is located within a basin, surrounded by mountains standing up to 3,335 m, at the entrance to the Passeier Tal, the Vinschgau and the Ulten Valley. In the past the town has been a popular place of residence for several scientists, literates and artists, including Franz Kafka, Ezra Pound and Paul Lazarsfeld, who appreciated its mild climate.

Among the town's landmarks are the Museum of Tourism, which was opened in the spring of 2003 and shows the historical development of tourism in the province, and the Gardens of Trauttmansdorff Castle, a botanical garden. Both sites are located in the Trauttmansdorff Castle. Also notable are the Steinerner Steg "stone bridge" across the Passer and the medieval Ortenstein tower, popularly called Pulverturm.

Meran is a popular tourist destination especially for Germans and Italians. In summer there are concerts on the promenade almost daily, and there are fine walks around the town and in the surrounding hills, not least "Meran 2000", where there is also skiing in winter.