Christmas Markets in Merano

Merano flourished as a medieval market town at the crossroads of alpine trade routes, serving briefly as the capital of the County of Tyrol in the 14th century before that distinction passed to Innsbruck. The town's transformation into an elegant spa destination began in the 19th century when Empress Elisabeth of Austria and other European nobility discovered its mild microclimate and thermal springs. This Belle Époque period left Merano with grand hotels, manicured promenades, and a cosmopolitan character that persists today. The region's complex history is reflected in its bilingual character, with both Italian and German spoken throughout South Tyrol, and in architectural layers spanning from medieval arcades to Art Nouveau villas. The alpine setting combined with Mediterranean vegetation creates an unusually temperate winter climate that has made Merano a favored retreat for centuries.