The history tells about emperors, princes and other illustrious guests of the spa town
The history of the Merano Thermal Baths are inextricably linked with the past of the spa town of Merano. Already in 1522 the Austrian emperor Karl V knew to appreciate the mild climate of the region and decided for a stay in Merano while travelling to the south. The first scientific reports about the therapeutic aspects of the local climate however date back to the year 1836, when Dr. Josef Waibl published an essay about the climatic advantages of the town of Merano.
The first essay was soon followed by a second one and the town became famous far beyond the regional borders. "A fountain of health with such a high-quality air, water and milk that they were able to lengthen life" - this was the town of Merano of the time. Nobles and artists from all over the world came to visit the idyllic little spa town. Such illustrious guests as the musician Richard Strauss, Franz Kafka or the Austrian empress Sissi were attracted by the gentle climate of Merano.
Already in 1840 a first cold water sanatorium had opened its doors and now elegant manors and hotels began to decorate the town. Beautiful promenades were built and in 1874 the magnificent Kurhaus (House of Cures) was inaugurated. But it wasn't only the mild climate to attract numerous guests and visitors; the renowned grape cure, steam baths, radioactive baths and mud packs were of huge interest too. The golden age of the spa town had begun.
A century-old history is thus characterising the spa town of Merano and its new thermal baths. A history, the thermal baths haven't ignored but built upon and filled with new life.
