Merano (German: Meran; Ladin: Maran; Archaic (857 AD): Mairania; Latin: Meranum) is a town in the province of Bolzano-Bozen, Italy. Generally best known for its spa resorts, it is located inside a basin, surrounded by mountains standing up to 3,335 m (11,000 ft), at the entrance to the Passeier Valley, the Vinschgau (Val Venosta) and the Ulten Valley (Val d'Ultimo) valleys. In the past the town has been a popular place of residence for several scientists, literates and artists, as for instance Franz Kafka, Ezra Pound or Paul Lazarsfeld, who appreciated its mild climate. ( wikipedia )