Merano

Merano
Meran (German)
Comune di Merano
Stadtgemeinde Meran
View of Merano
View of Merano
Flag of Merano
Coat of arms of Merano
Merano is located in Italy
Merano
Merano
Location of Merano in Italy
Merano is located in Trentino-Alto Adige/Südtirol
Merano
Merano
Merano (Trentino-Alto Adige/Südtirol)
Coordinates: 46°40′N 11°10′E / 46.667°N 11.167°E / 46.667; 11.167
CountryItaly
RegionTrentino-Alto Adige/Südtirol
ProvinceSouth Tyrol (BZ)
FrazioniCentro (Altstadt), Maia Alta (Obermais), Maia Bassa (Untermais), Quarazze (Gratsch), Sinigo (Sinich), Labers
Government
 • MayorKatharina Zeller
Area
 • Total
26.34 km2 (10.17 sq mi)
Elevation
325 m (1,066 ft)
Population
 (31-12-2024)
 • Total
42,046
 • Density1,596/km2 (4,134/sq mi)
DemonymMeraner (de) Meranese (it)
Time zoneUTC+1 (CET)
 • Summer (DST)UTC+2 (CEST)
Postal code
39012
Dialing code0473
Patron saintSt Nicholas
Saint dayDecember 6
WebsiteOfficial website
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Merano or Meran is a comune (municipality) in South Tyrol, Northern Italy. The city is located within a basin, surrounded by mountains standing up to 3,335 metres (10,942 feet) above sea level, at the entrance to the Passeier Valley and the Vinschgau. It is the second-largest city in South Tyrol after Bozen/Bolzano and serves as an important cultural and economic centre.

The city began as a medieval Tyrolean settlement and became the capital of the County of Tyrol in the 13th century, before political power later shifted to Innsbruck. In the 19th century, its mild Alpine climate transformed Meran into a renowned spa town within the Austro-Hungarian Empire, attracting several scientists, literary people, and artists, including Franz Kafka, Paul Lazarsfeld and also Empress Elisabeth of Austria, who appreciated its mild climate. After World War I, it was annexed by the Kingdom of Italy along with South Tyrol.

Today Merano is known for its blend of Austrian and Italian cultural heritage, spa resorts, and historical architecture.