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Historic center of Merano
What makes the historic center of Merano so attractive?
Clearly, its sophisticated, relaxed charm! And to get to this it needs several centuries of varied and sometimes daring history. Add to this its perfect location along the Passer River, its immediate proximity to the majestic three-thousand-meter peaks of the magnificent Texel Group, and the influence of two language groups and cultures. Cappuccino and beer, spaghetti and dumplings, palm trees, cacti and snow-capped peaks, historic buildings and the most modern architecture, here in Merano the best of many worlds come together!
What must not be missed on any visit is of course a tour of the medieval old town of Merano with its magnificent shopping mile, the 400 meter long Merano Portici. Here, behind the historic facades of the arcades, you will find modern, sparkling stores as well as the branches of the old-established merchants of Merano. Fresh groceries belong to the assortment of the merchants as well as traditional handicrafts, books, Italian shoes, household articles, souvenirs and much more....
In the entire old town rules strict traffic ban, all means of transport must remain outside and make the stroll here all the more relaxed!
If you want to enter here you have to cross the Passirio river, the most beautiful is the Post Bridge with its mosaic decorated bridge posts, the gilded parapet and your rich floral decorations. Straight ahead you reach the Bolzano Gate, a historic city gate from the 14th century, which stands in stark contrast to the modernly designed sandy square to its right. Even today, the city gate, which is designed as a tower, functions as an entrance to the historic old town center with its arcades.
To the left of the Bolzano Gate begins the Freiheitsstrasse, which runs parallel to the Portici and the Passirio river. Here the inhabitants of Merano meet in cafes or trendy bars, the Rennweg connects these two streets in the old town of Merano on its southern side.
If you want to enter here you have to cross the Passirio river, the most beautiful is the Post Bridge with its mosaic decorated bridge posts, the gilded parapet and your rich floral decorations. Straight ahead you reach the Bolzano Gate, a historic city gate from the 14th century, which stands in stark contrast to the modernly designed sandy square to its right. Even today, the city gate, which is designed as a tower, functions as an entrance to the historic old town center with its arcades.
To the left of the Bolzano Gate begins the Freiheitsstrasse, which runs parallel to the Portici and the Passirio river. Here the inhabitants of Merano meet in cafes or trendy bars, the Rennweg connects these two streets in the old town of Merano on its southern side.
In the shadow of the Kurhaus, one walks here along a wide corso, where stores such as the well-known Pur Südtirol, the traditional cigar dealer Garber, but also popular restaurants such as the Forst Restaurant or the Sigmund am Vinschger Gate.
In Freiheitsstrasse there is also the entrance to the Kurhaus and the Municipal Theater, as well as the stairways that lead directly to the spa promenade.The upper arcades border the Pfarrplatz with the St. Nicholas Church, which dates back to 1266 and is considered one of the most important cultural monuments of Merano.
Above it is the landmark of Merano, the wide church tower, visible from far away with its 83 meters height. It is equipped with 7 clocks, which is due to the fact that in the 18th century it was necessary to take into account the increasing height of the houses, which no longer allowed a clear view of the existing clocks (located further down).
The Steinach quarter behind is the oldest quarter of Merano. Even if much has been modernized here, the layout of the streets and alleys indicate its long history. The same applies to many buildings, which have been preserved in their original state with great attention to detail. At the end of the Steinachviertel quarter you will reach the Passeir Gate. This well preserved city gate protected the city from attacks coming from the direction of the Passeir valley, you can still see where the gates and doorposts were fixed. From the gate, the old city wall still leads up to the Powder Tower.
In Freiheitsstrasse there is also the entrance to the Kurhaus and the Municipal Theater, as well as the stairways that lead directly to the spa promenade.The upper arcades border the Pfarrplatz with the St. Nicholas Church, which dates back to 1266 and is considered one of the most important cultural monuments of Merano.
Above it is the landmark of Merano, the wide church tower, visible from far away with its 83 meters height. It is equipped with 7 clocks, which is due to the fact that in the 18th century it was necessary to take into account the increasing height of the houses, which no longer allowed a clear view of the existing clocks (located further down).
The Steinach quarter behind is the oldest quarter of Merano. Even if much has been modernized here, the layout of the streets and alleys indicate its long history. The same applies to many buildings, which have been preserved in their original state with great attention to detail. At the end of the Steinachviertel quarter you will reach the Passeir Gate. This well preserved city gate protected the city from attacks coming from the direction of the Passeir valley, you can still see where the gates and doorposts were fixed. From the gate, the old city wall still leads up to the Powder Tower.
