Merano

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Comune di Merano Chemun da Meran Stadtgemeinde Meran
Image:Merano-Stemma.png Municipal coat of arms
Country	Image:Flag of Italy.svg Italy
Region	Trentino-South Tyrol
Province	Bolzano (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	Adriesi
Dialing code	0473
Postal code	39012
Frazioni	Quarazze, Maia, Sinigo
Patron	St. Nicholas
- Day	December 6
Website: www.comune.merano.bz.it

Merano (Italian: Merano, Ladin: Meran, German: Meran; Note that many of the Italian languages ("dialects") in the area use Meran), is a city in the Trentino-South Tyrol region of Italy. It is the second largest city in the Autonomous Province of Bolzano. 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 valleys.

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 South Tyrol, and the botanic garden. Both sites are located in the Chateau Trauttmansdorff.

[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 valley founding a military camp, Castrum Majense. It has been incorrectly claimed as the seat of the line of Duke of Merania which however was a Dalmatian principality. Merano was elevated to the status of a city during the 13th century. It was capital of the county of the 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 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. In that year, on the Küchelberg above the city, the Tyroleans eked out a victory against the French and Bavarians troops.

After World War I, Merano became part of Italy with the rest of the 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 is German speaking, 48,01% Italian speaking, and 0,49% of Ladin language.

[edit] Sports

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).