The arcades in Merano

The arcades in Merano dates back to the time of Meinhard II (died in 1295), Count of Tyrol-Görz and grandfather to Margarethe Maultasch. He did not simply reform the legislation, administration and economy, but also strengthened the farmers class. Meinhard II moved the Pentecost market from Tyrol (Dorf Tyrol) to the emerging settlement of Merano exactly under the arcades, where shops are still one beside the other today and any purchase wish can come true.
Merano has two arcades: the “Portici della montagna” (the Mountain Colonnade) and the “Portici del fiume” (the River Colonnade). The latter are dedicated to Mount Küchelberg , while the former to the bank of the river Passirio.
The two colonnades are rustic, picturesque and quiet: these are the main characteristics of the colonnade in Merano. It also witnesses to the thriving trade square of Merano in Medieval times when it was the capital of the Tyrol County.