The St. Nikolaus cathedral

This cathedral is dedicated to Saint Nicholas, the patron saint of merchants, entrepreneurs and carters. It stands in what was once the commercial center of the town, where goods coming from north and south were traded. The construction started in 1302 and continued until the middle of the 15th century. It is a large Gothic "hall" church. The south side, facing the main market square, was richly decorated and became the main facade. The Gotic portals are richly decorated, and there is a fine 14th century statue of St. Nicholas and an imposing late 15th century fresco of Saint Christopher on this facade. Masses (in German only) Weekdays: 9:00 a.m. Saturdays: 9:00 a.m. and 6:00 p.m. Sundays: 8:00 a.m., 9:00 a.m., 11:00 a.m. & 7:00 p.m.

At Merano train station take either the bus no. 1 or bus no. 4 and get off at the Elisabeth Park stop at via Cavour. From there you reach the church in 10 minutes by foot.

The St Joseph Clinic has spacious disabled parking spaces. From there you can reach the parish church on foot in 10 minutes.

You will find bicycle parking spaces on Piazza Duomo. Please note that bicycles must be pushed to reach the parish church along via Portici or via Leonardo da Vinci, as these are pedestrianised areas. Take care 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

The right behaviour and good manners make visiting cultural sites more enjoyable for everyone and show your respect for art, culture, and history.

• Photography is sometimes allowed, sometimes not. Check the signs.
• Silent phones and quiet voices make for a better experience – for you and everyone else. This might be tricky in groups, but it’s worth the effort.
• Uneven floors and narrow stairs can sometimes make things tricky. Take your time and stay safe.
• Accessibility matters: Not all cultural sites are fully accessible, but where they are, give priority to those who need it. It’s a matter of dignity – for them and for you.
• Pets are best left outside unless otherwise allowed, as they’re not usually permitted inside cultural spaces.
• Check emergency exits and evacuation plans– just in case. If there’s an emergency, stay calm, follow the signs, and head to the assembly point outside.

Most of this might seem obvious – and it is! But a little reminder never hurts. By being calm, mindful, and respectful, you’re making a big difference – for yourself, your surroundings, and future generations.