A dynasty of merchants, the Rösch family has owned three attached buildings in the lower Arcades of Merano since the middle of the 19th century. At street level, the front-facing building (“Vorderhaus”) hosts the traditional and quite special shop of the Rösch family. Ever since Josef Peter Rösch founded the company “J.P. Rösch” in 1854, both the houses and the company have always been family-run - initially as a shop for colonial goods, later on as a tobacco shop. Its façade can’t be overlooked; it’s truly unique, especially for a town in the heart of the Alps like Merano. Carved in cherry wood and soon varnished in a darker colour, the woodwork ornament features two seamen, one to the left and one to the right of the entrance. It’s certainly one of the few things that links Merano with the oceans. Situated next to the shop there is a heavy wooden gate, which leads you to Residence Rösch. Pass this gate and your holidays will start!