Bolzano
What to do
Bolzano, the capital of Trentino Alto Adige, is a city full of charm where innovation and tradition intertwine. Surrounded by mountains, the city is immersed in a mix of Mediterranean and Central European cultures. The union is visible in its architecture, in its alleys, in the small squares of its historic centre. Its nearby mountains and breathtaking landscapes make it a little gem, rich in tradition and culture.
PIAZZA WALTHER
The square, also called the ‘good living room’, is the hub of city life. Built in 1808 on a commission from King Maximilian of Bavaria, it changed several names over the years before being renamed after the German poet. In the centre of the square stands the monument dedicated to Walther von der Vogelweide. In Romanesque style, the statue was carved in white marble by the Vinschgau sculptor Heinrich Natter. During the Christmas period, the square hosts various events such as Christmas markets.
THE CATHEDRAL OF BOLZANO
The Cathedral is one of the most important examples of the Gothic style in the region. The building is built on three previous churches: an early Christian, an early medieval and a Romanesque one. The entire building made of red and yellow marble has a 65-metre high bell tower decorated with windows and arches by the artist Hans von Schussenried. Particular eye-catchers are the green-gold roof and the ‘wine gate’, an elegant Gothic portal decorated with various statues. Inside, Gothic and Renaissance art mingle, decorating the walls, several examples of the school of Giotto.
SOUTH TYROL MUSEUM OF ARCHAEOLOGY
The South Tyrolean Museum of Archaeology, located in the historic centre of Bolzano, possesses a great archaeological treasure: Ötzi, the Iceman. The mummy, found in 1991 at the foot of the Val Senales glacier in the Ötztal Alps, is more than 5000 years old and has been perfectly preserved. The mummy is perfectly preserved in a porthole and has to be kept at a constant temperature and humidity. In addition to various temporary exhibitions, the museum tells the story of the life of the ‘Iceman’, their habits, weapons and equipment.