In the 19th and the 20th centuries many Russians chose Merano to escape from the extremes of the Russian winter, and to receive medical treatment in a healthier climate. In 1897, therefore, the "Zarenbrunn" complex was opened to serve Russian visitors. The Orthodox Church, dedicated to Saint Nicholas the miracle worker, was built to the design of a local architect, Tobias Brenner, and was furnished with both Russian and local works. After a recent renovation, space has been allocated in the Church to conserve an interesting collection of magazines and books (mainly in Russian). A collection of photographs testifies to the golden years of the community in Merano. Opening times: from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. on the first and third Saturday of the month or by appointment. The Church is closed on holidays during the Easter and Christmas periods. Holy Mass is celebrated in the church on the first and third Sunday of the month.
You can reach Merano by car: from the north Munich – Rosenheim – Kufstein (A12 Inntal Freeway, obligatory toll) – Innsbruck (A13 Brenner Freeway, obligatory toll) – Brenner (A22 Brenner Freeway, obligatory toll) – Bolzano (Exit Bolzano South) – Merano (MEBO-Highway) Munich – Garmisch – Innsbruck – Brenner (A22 Brenner Freeway, obligatory toll) – Bolzano (Exit Bolzano South) – Merano (MEBO-Highway) Alternative: Brenner – Vipiteno – Passo Giovo – Val Passiria – Merano Ötztal – Passo Rombo – Val Passiria – Merano from the west Ulm – Kempten – Füssen – Fernpass – Imst – Landeck – Passo Resia (State Road 40 + 38) – Merano Bregenz – Feldkirch – Arlberg – Landeck – Passo Resia (State Road 40 + 38) – Merano St. Moritz – Ofenpass – Münster – Taufers in Muenster – Glorenza – Merano Zurich – Landquart – Klosters – Vereinatunnel – Zernez – Ofenpass – Münster – Taufers in Münster – Glorenza – Merano from the east Lienz – Innichen – Val Pusteria (State Road 49) – (A22 Brenner Freeway, obligatory toll) Bolzano – Merano (MEBO-Highway) – Merano.