The city of Bolzano

Bolzano never ceases to fascinate visitors: its medieval centre, its architecture combining Mediterranean and northern European styles, the atmosphere of the Belle Époque which pervades the Piazza Walther square, the cheerful bustle beneath the arcades and adjacent streets, the colours and scents of the fruit and vegetables displayed on stalls in the Piazza Erbe/Obst-Platz square, the museums, castles and the unique mix of central European and Mediterranean cultures.

The epochs overlap in works of art and architecture: the Gothic era is represented in the frescoes and architecture of the churches in the district of Gries, the Middle Ages in the secular fresco cycle in Runkelstein Castle, the Renaissance period in the frescoes in the halls of Maretsch Castle and in the magnificent winged altarpiece in the Gries parish church carved and painted by Michael Pacher. "Ötzi", the 5,300 year-old mummy discovered in a glacier with his belongings who can be "visited" in the Archaeological Museum is a link with the Bronze Age, while the evolution of the Dolomites, recently designated a UNESCO world heritage property, is revealed in the Natural History Museum.

The Mediterranean vegetation lining the promenades reaches into the town centre where it mingles with the lush green of the fragrant gardens and vineyards among the houses. Bolzano's most traditional red wine is the fruity and light ruby-coloured St. Magdalener (Santa Maddalena), named after a village on the mountainside overlooking the north-eastern side of the town; and the dark red, velvety, meaty, Lagrein.

Bolzano also offers an impressive and varied program of events throughout the year. Especially worth mentioning are the flower festival and the wine exhibition in spring, the various classical music concerts and dance festival in summer featuring top international artists, and the Christmas market which has raised Bolzano to the status of "Italy's Capital of Christmas."

For further information:

Bolzano Tourist Information
Piazza Walther 8
39100 Bolzano

+39 0471 307000

info@bolzano-bozen.it
www.bolzano-bozen.it