Town gate "Bolzano Gate"

Located in the southern part of Merano’s old town, the Bolzano Gate is a well-preserved remnant of medieval urban architecture. Constructed in the 14th century, it once served as the city's southern entrance and remains one of three surviving gates in Merano today. The gate’s name reflects its orientation toward Bolzano, the present-day capital of South Tyrol. A fourth gate, the Ultimo Gate, originally stood on Freiheitsstraße street but was later relocated further west before being demolished in 1884.
The Bolzano Gate is a three-story tower crowned by a steeply pitched gable roof. Its southern façade is adorned with a stone relief of the double-headed eagle – the emblem of the Habsburgs – alongside the coats of arms of Austria, Tyrol, and Merano. These heraldic elements underscore Merano’s historical role within the Habsburg monarchy.
Originally, the gate was part of an extensive city wall system built between the 14th and 17th centuries. This fortification enclosed the city center and parts of the Steinach district, serving both as protection from external threats and as a means of regulating trade. Over the centuries, sections of the wall were rebuilt multiple times, particularly after destructive floods caused by the Passer River. The Bolzano Gate stands at Sandplatz square – a square named after the sandy deposits of the Passer River. Nearby is the former Hotel Erzherzog Johann, later known as Hotel Esplanade, which has since been restored and now houses shops and public offices.
Today, the Bolzano Gate is not only an architectural landmark but also an active part of the cityscape. It forms a symbolic and physical threshold between the modern parts of Merano and its historic core, with its medieval arcades, boutiques, and cafés. A visit to the Bolzano Gate offers both a glimpse into the city’s medieval heritage and a vibrant entry point into the daily life of the old town.

From Merano train station you can take the city line no. 1 or no. 4 to the "Parco Elisabetta" bus stop. From there you can reach the Bolzano Town Gate by foot in just a few minutes via the Ponte della Posta bridge.

The St Joseph Clinic has spacious disabled parking spaces. From there you can reach the Bolzano Town Gate by foot via Ponte della Posta bridge in 10 minutes.

You will find bicycle parking spaces at the Piazza Rena directly in front of the Bolzano Town Gate. Be careful not to park bicycles and e-scooters carelessly. They can pose a danger to blind and visually impaired people, as they create obstacles to safely walking along paths and finding entrances. People in wheelchairs and parents with pushchairs can also be hindered by carelessly parked bicycles. Please use the bicycle parking spaces provided.

Via Leonardi da Vinci, which leads from Bolzano Town Gate to Piazza Duomo, is still called ‘Postgasse’ by the locals, which is the former name of the small lane.