History
The Gardens of Trauttmansdorff Castle in Merano were opened in 2001, after seven years of construction work. The paths that meander gently through the garden take visitors on a discovery trip of the four garden worlds that host plants from all over the world, across sunny terraces and burbling streams. On the southern side, at the feet of the castle, there are the exotic Sun Gardens with their typically Mediterranean charm and an olive grove, cactuses, aloe and agave plants. In the Water and Terraced Gardens, stairs and small streams connect the various levels and lead to the Garden of the Senses where the scent of aromatic plants, english roses, lilies and jasmine dominate. At the bottom of the terraces there is a Water Lily Pond surrounded by more than 200 palms, as well as camelias and azaleas. On the castle's north side there are the Forests of the World with typical specimens from America and Asia. The Glass House offers tropical crop plants and a terrarium. Finally, the South Tyrolean Landscapes offer an insight into nature and local agriculture. A widespread orchard with old apple and pear varieties, a mountain vegetable garden and a vineyard illustrate the typical South Tyrolean landscape. In addition to various themed gardens, plant collections and lush nature, visitors can also enjoy several art pavilions and experience stations. Moreover, animal lovers will be thrilled to meet the many animals, such as alpaca, Racka sheep and goats, that roam happily through the Gardens. At the centre of the Gardens stands Trauttmansdorff Castle, chosen by Empress Elisabeth of Austria, the famous Sissi, as her place of retreat and rest during several months in 1870/71 and 1889. The castle today houses the Touriseum, the Provincial Museum of Tourism, which traces the 250-year history of Alpine tourism.
