A fascinating garden:

In the Gardens of Trauttmansdorff Castle, plants from all over the world are gathered together and typical landscapes of South Tyrol are presented. Paths meander uphill through water and terraced gardens, leading to the Sensual Garden or the Japanese Garden, to the cacti and succulents mound or to cultivated plants of the south, like the olive tree and the grapevine.

The castle itself is situated in the middle of the Gardens. Previously a Gothic ruin, it was reconstructed by Count Trauttmansdorff around 1850. Empress Sisi stayed here twice during her winter cures in Merano.
Now the castle houses the Touriseum - the Museum of Tourism. In the restored rooms that Empress Sisi used to inhabit, fascinating displays and interior arrangements document the development of South Tyrol into one of Europe's most popular holiday destinations. More information: www.trauttmansdorff.it