Merano

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.