Merana
Welcome to Merano: a city surrounded by mountains and nature
Hello everyone, today we're talking about Merano, a city located among the mountains and nature of Trentino-Alto Adige. With a population of 41,115, Merano is the capital of the Burgraviato Community Comprensoriale in the autonomous province of Bolzano.
Physical Geography
The city is located in the valley at the beginning of four important valleys: Val Venosta, Val Passiria, Val d'Adige, and Val d'Ultimo. Merano is surrounded by mountains that range from 1500 to 3330 meters, including the Tessa Group and the Salto-Sciliar. The territory is crossed by the Passirio River, which flows into the Adige.
Neighborhoods
Merano is composed of several neighborhoods: the old nucleus of Merano with the historic center and the Steinach district are located on the right orographic bank of the Passirio; the districts of Maia Alta (''Obermais'') and Maia Bassa (''Untermais'') are located on the left bank of the river. Quarazze (''Gratsch'') and Labers are rural districts that extend on the foothills of the mountains.
Tourism
Merano is a popular tourist destination, thanks to its mild climate and the beauty of its mountain landscape. The city was initially geared towards elderly tourism but in recent years, a more varied tourism offer has emerged. National and international tourism has increased, lowering the average age of visitors.
Origins of the name
The toponym Merano derives from ''Marius'' + ''anum,'' as many other Italian examples attest. The German form, ''Meran,'' on the other hand, reflects a rather recent Germanization.
History
In Roman times, the area of current Merano was part of the Roman province of Raetia and Regio X Venetia et Histria, at the northern edges of the municipium of Trento. The name Merano is first mentioned in 857 as ''Mairania,'' evolving over time into its current form.
Conclusions
In conclusion, Merano is an enchanting city surrounded by mountains and nature, with a fascinating history and a growing tourism industry. It's certainly worth a visit, both for the beauty of the surrounding landscape and for the rare combination of history and modernity that characterizes it.
