Merano is considered an "open city" during World War II. Away from the war events, generals meet, intelligence agencies operate, and criminals gather. Prominent figures temporarily settle here for relaxation, including Mussolini's mistress, armaments minister Albert Speer, leading SS and Wehrmacht officials, as well as representatives of the German resistance. Hotels are converted into hospitals. With the German occupation in September 1943, Jews from Italy are deported for the first time. The city of Merano becomes the seat of Japanese and other diplomats, the central hub for counterfeiters, and ultimately a destination for Mussolini's last followers fleeing. Key politicians from Hungary and France face their fate from here. This is an exciting reading book about the history of Merano, demonstrating that the city was by no means just a resting point during the decline of fascism and National Socialism!.