Academy of German-Italian Studies - Villa San Marco

The Academy of German-Italian Studies, founded in 1959 as German-Italian Cultural Institute, is a non-profit association, whose aim is to foster the cultural and scientific exchange between the German speaking and the Italian speaking world.

The Academy organises international conferences, symposia, research and doctoral colloquia, as well as lectures, readings, exhibitions and concerts. It carries out in-house research through its research centres and through collaborative projects with other institutions. Cooperation agreements have been signed with several universities and research centers in Italy, Germany, and Austria.

Traditionally, the Academy’s focus lies in the field of humanities; however, topics pertaining to the social sciences, law and natural sciences are also dealt with. The proceedings of conferences and symposia are published by the Academy itself or by other international scientific publishers.

The Academy does not support any political, religious or ideological direction. It is housed in magnificent Villa San Marco, a stately building erected in 1895.

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 it is a two-minute walk to via Franz Innerhofer

From the city center you can reach Villa San Marco with a 5-minute walk or in just a few minutes by bike, following the cycle path that runs past the Merano Terme and continues to the Ponte della Posta. From there go past the Church of the Holy Spirit and turn into via Franz Innerhofer . The path is shared by both cyclists and pedestrians, so we kindly ask everyone to be considerate and respectful of one another.

 

Bicycle parking spaces are located opposite the St. Josef Clinic at Marconi Park. Take care not to park bicycles and e-scooters carelessly. They can pose a danger to blind and visually diabled 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 designated bicycle parking spaces. 

The St. Josef Parking garage is located in the close area of Villa San Marco and has wide and comfortable parking spaces. You can use the ‘Car Park Finder’ app to view the available spaces in real time.

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.