Merano

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Comune di Merano Stadtgemeinde Meran Chemun da Meran
Municipal coat of arms
Country	Italy
Region	Trentino-Alto Adige/Südtirol
Province	Bolzano-Bozen (BZ)
Mayor	Günther Januth

Elevation	325 m
Area	26 km²
Population
- Total (as of December 31, 2004)	35,119
- Density	1,285/km²
Time zone	CET, UTC+1
Coordinates	46°40′N, 11°10′E
Gentilic	Italian: Meranesi German: Meraner
Dialing code	0473
Postal code	39012
Frazioni	Maia, Quarazze, Sinigo
Patron	St. Nicholas
- Day	December 6
Website: http://www.comune.merano.bz.it

Merano (Italian: Merano; German: Meran; Ladin: Meran; Latin: Merona; many of the region's Italian languages/dialects use Meran), is a city in the Trentino-Alto Adige/Südtirol region of Italy. Considered by most to be best known for its spa resorts, it is located inside a basin, surrounded by mountains standing up to 3,335 m (11,000 ft), at the entrance to the Passeiertal (Val Passiria), the Vinschgau (Val Venosta) and the Ultental (Val d'Ultimo) valleys.

Arcades in the centre of the city.

In the past the town has been a popular place of residence for many famous scientists and doctors, who appreciated the mild, mediterranean climate and the pure, healthy air.

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 botanic garden. Both sites are located in the Trauttmansdorff Castle.

1 History
2 Languages
3 Sports
4 External links
5 Images

[edit] History

The meranese valley was inhabited since the 3rd millennium BC, as showed by the presence of mehirs and other findings. The story of the city proper began in 15 BC when the Romans occupied the Adige (Etsch) valley founding a military camp, Castrum Majense. Merano (Meran) was elevated to the status of a city during the 13th century. It was capital of the County of Tyrol from 1418 to 1848.

After the county had been handed over to the Habsburg family in 1363 after the abdication of Countess Margarete Maultasch of Tyrol, in 1420 Friedrich IV moved the court to Innsbruck. Merano (Meran) subsequently lost its predominant position and almost all its importance as an economic hub across the roads connecting Italy to Germany. The important mint was also moved to Hall in 1577.

The Tyrolean struggle for freedom of 1809 drew attention again to Merano (Meran). In that year, on the Küchelberg above the city, the Tyroleans eked out a victory against the French and Bavarians troops.

The area of Merano in 1888.

After World War I, Merano (Meran) became part of Republic of Italy with the rest of South Tyrol. After 1945, it became one of the most important sites of tourism in the region.

[edit] Languages

According to the 2001 census, 51.50 % of the Meranese population speaks German as mother language, 48.01% Italian, and 0.49% Ladin.

[edit] Sports

In 1981, the World Chess Championship match between Anatoly Karpov and Victor Korchnoi was held in Merano (Meran). A chess opening, the Meran Variation of the Semi-Slav Defense, was named after the town. The first act of the musical Chess is about a world chess championship match in Merano (Meran).

The city's handball team is one of the most important of Italy, winner of the scudetto in 2005. The ice hockey team won two national championships, but it is currently playing in the Second Division (A2 series).

Each September, the Gran Premio Merano takes place in the Maia Racecourse; this is the most famous Italian Steeplechase.