Even now, local concerts in purely Viennese style, with small orchestras playing waltzes and polkas are the order of the day, as are the sumptuous pastry shops and many-layered cakes with cream, chocolate and jam filling.

History has left a linguistic mark as well: the entire region is bilingual, speaking German as well as Italian.

The best times to visit are spring, when the valleys are abloom with widflowers and apple blossoms, or in autumn when the trees turn red and gold. Merano is a pedestrian's town--whether downtown taking in Via Portici's fine shops, strolling along the pictoresque Passirio River, or following the Tappeiner Walkway among gardens, villas and the vineyards which grace the surrounding hillsides. For  mountain lovers, it's an easy trip to Merano 2000, a winter sports center. Merano also has a wonderful hippodrome which hosts classic steeplechase and gallop races. In keeping with its long tradition of hospitality, the city boasts excellent hotels.