Germans, Italians and Ladins - these three nationalities have coexisted peacefully in the northern Italian city of Bolzano, the capital of a province within the special status region, Trentino-Alto Adige, for many centuries. The peculiarity of Bolzano lies in its geographical location: the city is located in a large basin located at an altitude of 264 meters above sea level. In this very basin there are three most picturesque valleys - Isarco, Sarentina and Adige, surrounded by the mountain ranges of Northern Italy, from which stands out the beautiful Catenaccio massif, the “gateway to the Dolomites”.
Selva di Val Gardena, Bolzano. Photo tumblr.com
It is no wonder that many mythical creatures have chosen such beauty as their habitat (as local legends claim): they say that among the Alpine valleys you can meet elves, and on Catinaccio (in German, Rosengarten (rose garden)) live gnomes and their king Laurin (he is the one responsible for an incredibly beautiful phenomenon: at sunset the mountains turn pink (in fact, rocks are made of a special type of mineral)).
Catinaccio. Photo alto-adige.com
It goes without saying that the city of Bolzano is especially appreciated by lovers of mountains and mountain landscapes: the nature here is mesmerizing and gives the observer truly exceptional panoramic views. However, Bolzano offers much more than just delightful nature walks: the city is full of museums and historical sites, and also constantly delights visitors with interesting events (including the famous Christmas markets).
Small, but at the same time modern and elegant: to call the charming Bolzano a native Italian city would be an injustice, because the city combines German and sometimes Austrian features, and sometimes the influence of culture can be clearly traced in it Bel Paese (it must be remembered that Bolzano became part of Italy after the First World War). In any case, if you want to feel the charm of a real European city, in every respect, with a significant historical and cultural heritage - Bolzano is waiting for you!
How to get to Bolzano?
By plane
By car
Note that it is best to go to the opening of Bolzano in a personal car. For travelers, the option of renting a car is available. By ordering a car in advance, while still at home, you can save a lot.
“Italy in Russian” advises you to turn to the services of the popular giant service Rentalcars, multifunctional and simple, which will allow you to choose the most suitable car at home and receive it immediately upon arrival in Bolzano or one of the airports in Italy.
For those who are accustomed to convenience, we recommend ordering a taxi in Bolzano with a Russian-speaking driver. You can select and order a taxi through the convenient Kiwitaxi service: You just need to choose where and where you need to get to. Here you can order a transfer from any airport in Italy. At the specified time, in the specified place, your personal driver will be waiting for you with a sign with your name.
You can order a taxi by clicking on the banner.
A22 Brenner - Modena, exit Bolzano Sud o Bolzano Nord
Highway SS 12 (from Trento)
Highway SS 38 (from Passo Resia)
MeBo Bolzano-Merano expressway.
Where to stay in Bolzano?
Lovers of everything unusual should visit the Archaeological Museum of South Tyrol with objects from the Paleolithic period to the early Middle Ages. The main exhibit of the museum is the mummy. “Ötzi” or “Similawn”, “Otse” or “Frozen-Fritz” are all the names of a unique mummy of a man who froze in the glaciers of the Alps more than 5,300 years ago. It was found by tourists from Germany in 1991 on the Similaun glacier in the Ötztal valley.
Mummy from the Archaeological Museum. Photo iceman.it
In Bolzano you can still find the most typical old town forged signs, hotels, craft workshops and shops. The city museum displays works of South Tyrolean art. Anyone interested in history and ethnology will find here works and objects from the furnishings of peasant houses.
Museum of Modern Art (Museion)
Attention! On Thursdays from 18:00 to 22:00, admission to the museum is free for everyone!
The Museum of Contemporary Art (Museion) was founded in 1987 and displays the works of artists and contemporary art. It is the main venue for all the prestigious exhibitions in Bolzano, a meeting place for business events, conferences and seminars.
Modern Art Museum. Photo dark-black-reaper.deviantart.com
Museum of Nativity scenes Muri Gries (Collezione di presepi del Convento Muri Gries)
Address: Convento Muri Gries, piazza Gries, 21
Schedule and ticket prices
The Muri-Gris Nativity Scene Museum is housed in the Romanesque tower of the abbey, with exhibits dating from around 1750. The Benedictine monastery of Muri-Gris is one of the oldest in South Tyrol, it is located 20 minutes from the city center and is valuable for its artistic and architectural heritage, has a very interesting and no less fascinating collection of nativity scenes.
Nativity scene. Photo: suedtirol.info
Mercantile Museum and the Mercantile Palace building (Museo mercantile e Palazzo Mercantile)
Schedule and ticket prices
This museum traces the economic history of the city of Bolzano through house collections, paintings and furniture from the seventeenth and eighteenth centuries. It is located in a building that was a prestigious place among merchants in 1635.
One of the halls of the Palace. Photo guidaaltoadige.blogspot.it
Messner Mountain Museum
Schedule and ticket prices
The Messner Mountain Museum, founded by the mountaineer Reinhold Messner, who was the first in the history of mountaineering to conquer all 14 “eight-thousanders” of the planet, is located in 5 different places, the main one - the museum center, opened in 2006 - is located in Castello Firmian. The branches of the mountain museum are located in the Yuvale Castle (Naturno), the Dolomites (Monte Rita), Ortler and Ripa (Bruneck Castle). All of these museum buildings are connected by climbing paths, so that while moving between exhibitions, visitors can also admire the magnificent landscapes of Alto Adige.
The theme of the museum exhibitions is the emergence and development of mountaineering, the study of the influence of mountains on human character. In the museum you can see photographs, sculptures, memorabilia from various expeditions, etc.
Main branch of the Messner Museum. Photo archilovers.com
Abbey of Muri-Gries and Church of St. Augustine (Abbazia di Muri-Gries e la Ciesa di Sant Agostino)
Address: Piazza Gries, 21
A special part of religious monuments are the churches of Bolzano. Some of the most beautiful and memorable not only from the outside, but especially from the inside are the Baroque Church of St. Augustine (Chiesa di Sant'Agostino) and the Abbey of Muri-Gries (Abbazia di Muri-Gries). In the bell tower of the castle tower hangs the heaviest bell in the whole. whose weight is about 5 tons.
The Abbey of Muri Gris and the Church of St. Augustine are the only monastery in Italy belonging to the monks of the Benedictine order di Muri in Argovia, one of the most important religious complexes of Alto Adige, built in the Baroque style.
Abbazia di Monte Maria, photo Thinkstock
The oldest part of the abbey today is represented by a castle, which was built in the 12th century by the Austrian counts of Mori-Greifenstein. At the beginning of the 15th century, the castle came into the possession of the Augustinian monks, who turned it into a monastery and the main tower into a bell tower.
The Baroque Church of St. Augustine was built at the end of the 18th century. In the interior of the church you can admire beautiful frescoes by the famous Tyrolean artist Martin Knoller.
Murie-Gris, and in the history of local winemaking. The monks took discipline very seriously, and when it came to wine production, too. Already at the beginning of the 20th century, wines produced in the Mury-Gris territory began to be exported to some German-speaking regions. In those years, grape varieties such as Santa Magdalena, Malvasia, Lagrein, Kretzer and Pinot Grigio were grown here.
Castello Roncolo
Address: Via Sant'Antonio, 15
Castle Roncolo or Rünkelstein rises above the town of Ritten, near Bolzano. Castello Roncolo was built in 1237 by the rulers of Wangen and for the first century of its existence belonged to noble families. Roncolo was then bought by the Wintler brothers, wealthy merchants from Bolzano, turning the castle, which once protected the approaches to Bolzano, into a family residence.
It was thanks to the merchants Vintler that Castello Roncolo acquired its beautiful appearance, which visitors can still admire today: having bought the castle, the brothers carried out a large-scale reconstruction and built a number of new rooms in it. At the end of the 14th century, a summer house was also added to the castle, and even later it and the interior of the castle were painted with rich frescoes depicting famous historical and literary characters.
Unfortunately, the merchants were involved in a conflict with the noble families of Tyrol, as a result of which Roncolo was besieged and partially destroyed. Later, the Habsburgs owned the castle: they ordered the restoration of the Rünkelstein halls and the renewal of the paintings on its walls.
At the beginning of the 16th century, a gunpowder warehouse in the castle exploded: the explosion led to damage to the external walls and the destruction of the tower of the Eastern Palace (the eastern part of the castle), and a century and a half later, a fire completely destroyed it.
At the end of the 19th century, the castle was donated to the Austrian Emperor Franz Joseph, who restored the visible damage and donated the Castello Roncolo to the city.
Frescoes in the Castle of Roncolo, 15th century. Photo atlantedellarteitaliana.it
Castle of Sant'Antonio
Address: Castel Sant'Antonio - 39100 Bolzano (near Val Sarentino and S. Antonio bridge)
Castel Sant'Antonio rises near Castel Roncolo and Ponte Sant'Antonio.
The castle was built in the 13th century: the large castle tower with loopholes and a pyramidal roof dates back to this century.
In the 14th-16th centuries, the Castle of Sant'Antonio belonged to the Weineck family, who modified it and continuously expanded it: a church and a chapel were added to the castle complex, as well as a number of residential premises.
The last modifications were carried out in the 20th century by the Aufschnaiter family, who still own and live in the castle.
Interesting fact: it was in this castle, in the cellars, that the Thun brand was born in 1950, producing high-quality ceramics and now known throughout Europe.
Klebenstein Castle. Photo weinstrasse.com
Mareccio Castle
Address: Via Claudia De" Medici, 12
Marecchio Castle is located in the middle of the historical center of Bolzano, its oldest part - the castle tower - dates back to the 12th century and was built by Berthold von Bosen, the founder of the aristocratic Marecchio dynasty.
The Marecchio dynasty was interrupted in 1435, after which their possessions passed to the Reifer family, who did not get along with the local rulers, which is why, after the 15th century, the Marecchio castle began to change hands.
In the middle of the 16th century, the castle underwent large-scale reconstruction and modification: the current owners - the Remer family - added 4 towers and a chapel to the castello, and ordered the interiors to be painted with frescoes.
Marecchio Castle. Photo flickr.com
Later, the castle changed many owners, until in the middle of the 19th century its owner Anna Sarntain decided to rent the property to the state. Thus, an armory and the State Archives appeared in the castle. Even later, the castle was bought by the municipality, which housed the Bolzano Tourism Office there.
The castle is open to tourists.
Interesting fact: on the wall of one of the castle towers there is a magic palindrome square with the inscription SATOR. The word SATOR is read the same from top to bottom, bottom to top, right to left, left to right, and is supposedly translated from Latin as “The sower of Arepo drives the plough.”
Firmiano Castle
Address: Via Castel Firmiano, 53
As we noted above, this spacious and beautiful castle houses one of the sections of the Messner Mountain Museum, founded by the Italian mountaineer Reinhold Messner. Messner received the castle lease in 2003.
The first historical mentions of Firmiano Castle are found in the middle of the 10th century; the defensive structure was then called Formicaria Castle. In the 12th century, the castle was taken over by ministerials, representatives of petty knighthood, who bore the distinctive surname Firmian. Later, at the end of the 15th century, the castle was bought by Sigismund the Rich, a Tyrolean ruler, and renamed it Sigmundskron. Sigismund kept the castle for a relatively short time - due to debts, he mortgaged the building, after which the castle was completely abandoned.
The castle has had many owners, the last of whom, the Counts of Toggenburg, restored the Firmiano Castle in 1976 and opened a restaurant in its halls. In 1996 the castle became the property of the municipality.
Castle Firmiano. Photo by Thinkstock
Castle Flavon
Flavon Castle was built in the 12th century by the Lords of Haselberg. The lords surrounded their domain with a circular wall, fragments of which can be seen in the eastern and southern parts of the castle even today, and behind the defensive walls there was an extensive residential complex.
At the end of the 15th century, Flavon Castle was completely changed: the current owners of the castle, the Lords of Fie, added living quarters, halls and built a new defensive wall.
Today the castle has three sections, which are decorated with frescoes. Its halls are used for celebrations and conferences, and the castle also houses a chic restaurant.
Panorama of Castel Tirolo. Photo by Anton Gross
Holidays and festivals
Throughout the year, many interesting festivals and celebrations are organized in Bolzano, which attract a large number of guests from other regions of Italy and tourists from different countries.
Ice music festival or “Ice Music Festival” is the most unusual holiday of this city. It is organized in the last ten days of February. In the ice cathedral, specially built for this purpose, musicians play ice instruments made from ice mined from the glaciers of the local valleys. These days, the ice building also hosts a curling competition.
Ice music festival. Photo: wordpress.com
“Speckfest Alto Adige” or “Speckfest Alto Adige” takes place every year on the penultimate weekend of May. These days you can try a variety of spiced dishes prepared by chefs from all over the region. In addition to all the festivals, master classes and laboratories, it is interesting to visit the Watten card game tournament.
A large number take place from November to January. It is on the eve that Bolzano becomes a tourist destination. During Christkindlmarkt, small houses with wooden counters are set up on the main streets and alleys of the city, where you can buy traditional sweets, souvenirs made of glass, wood and ceramics, gifts and Christmas decorations for the home.
Christmas market in Bolzano. Photo flickr.com
Every year the city hosts wine festival "South Tyrol Wine Route". It is a meeting place for wine and food producers and hosts numerous seminars, laboratories and tastings.
The city of Bolzano is famous for its Conservatory, named after the Italian composer Claudio Monteverdi. At the beginning of the 20th century, the Musical Lyceum was located there, which later opened the Royal Conservatory. Every year it takes place here International Piano Competition.
Every year in the spring the famous flower market. Daffodils, tulips, roses, daisies, fuchsias, as well as oleanders and azaleas, various bushes and herbs delight the eyes of tourists and visitors. Some restaurants and cafes offer floral menus these days. And in the fall, a pumpkin market opens in Bolzano. Everything turns yellow and reminds us that autumn is coming.
Pumpkin Festival in Bolzano. Photo: walter.bz
What to try in Bolzano
Bolzano, like many other places, is influenced by Austria, resulting in unusual dishes and a variety of flavors.
Typical dishes: knödel, ravioli alla pusstarese, polenta with venison, salty or sweet dumplings or canederli, schlutzkrapfen (ravioli with spinach), gröstl with potatoes, onions, pork neck and beef, venison goulash, pork tenderloin with sauerkraut, and also fish from rivers and lakes.
Among the sweets: strudel, chocolate cakes, cream cakes, ricotta cakes, Bolzano seltzen (made from dried fruits and raisins).
Other typical products are speck or lard from Alto Adige and bread with cumin, poppy seeds or dill seeds. The area is also known for its good wines: Lagrein, Santa Maddalena, Traminer, Riesling, Pinot, Merlot and Cabernet.
Photo by thinkstockphotos
The city of Bolzano is located in northern Italy, on the border with Switzerland and Austria, in the Trentino-Alto Adige region. It is the capital and administrative center of the province of Bolzano. Bolzano is the capital of South Tyrol.
From the eastern part, the territory of the province of Bolzano is surrounded by the Dolomites mountain range with the Val Gardena Alpe di Siusi valley. It has some of the most beautiful scenery in Italy and is a real paradise for ski lovers. On the western side of the province there are also mountains: the Alps and the Ortles and Cevedale mountain ranges with the Stelvio National Park, where you can see deer, chamois, roe deer and pheasants, as well as walk through coniferous forests, meadows, next to lakes in the valleys.
Landscapes, mountains, valleys, roads
From the northern part of Bolzano the road leads through the beautiful Eggen Valley into the mountainous region of the Dolomite Alps. Breathtaking views can be seen from the Great Dolomite Route, which appeared at the beginning of the 20th century. On the way to the famous ski resort of Cortina d'Ampezzo you will meet Lake Carer at an altitude of 1519 meters above sea level, then the Carer Pass (1745 meters) and the Rose Gardens road. It is very difficult not to notice the white peak of Mount Marmolata (3342 meters). But the journey around Bolzano does not end there: the Fassa Valley and the two passes Pordoi Joch (2239 meters) and Passo di Falzarego (2105 meters) surprise not only ordinary tourists, but also professional skiers with their height.
Lago di Resia, Reschensee. Photo: Anton Gross
The price of a ticket on a city bus is 1 euro per trip.
Main areas
- The historical center with Walter Square, the Cathedral and the Dominican Church. All major hotels, attractions, museums, cafes, restaurants and shops in Bolzano are located here.
- The old district of Gris with the Abbey of Muri-Gris, the Church of St. Augustine and the old parish church. Here are places associated with culture, tradition and wine.
- Wine region of Santa Maddalena with the Cathedral of Santa Maddalena and vineyards.
- Virgolo area with the Church of the Holy Sepulcher and the Church of St. Vigil.
- The new town or western Bolzano is famous for its modern restaurants and cafes.
Attractions
Bolzano is known for its culture and traditions. Here the old part of the city has retained its medieval atmosphere, and the new one, on the other side of the Talvero River, is no different from modern cities with new districts.
The central historical Walther Square, named after the German medieval poet Walter von der Vogelweide, should not be missed. In the center there is a monument to the poet, who is considered the “heart” of the city of Bolzano.
This square is closed on the southwestern side by the Cathedral of the Assumption of the Virgin Mary (Duomo di Bolzano) with a high lace bell tower of the 16th century in the late Gothic style. Its height is 65 meters. The chapel contains frescoes from the school of Giotto dating back to the early 14th century, and the cloister adjacent to the church is decorated with a cycle of frescoes by Friedrich Pacher (1496).
Abbazia di Monte Maria, photo Thinkstock
There is a market on the north side of the square. You can stroll under the arcades nearby. Portico Street is considered the oldest in this city and still retains its original commercial function.
The Franciscan monastery with a wooden altar of the Nativity with carved doors also deserves attention, because... here you can see the work of the German master Hans Klocker (16th century). The Klebenstein Castle (Castel Sant'Antonio, Schloss Klebenstein) in the Baroque style, which has gained popularity since the 1950s thanks to its ceramics factory, also attracts with its beauty. The premises of the factory are located underground.
Klebenstein Castle. Photo weinstrasse.com
Near this castle you can look into the dilapidated Runkelstein Castle (Castel Rafenstein) or Sarentino Castle. The Romanesque castle of Marecchio with the magic palindrome square SATOR on the wall of one of the towers is another attraction of Bolzano. The word SATOR is read the same from top to bottom, bottom to top, right to left, left to right, and is supposedly translated from Latin as “The sower of Arepo drives the plough.” Now there are offices, exhibition pavilions and a congress center here.
Another castle, Roncolo Castle, stands on top of a cliff and towers menacingly over the entire city. It is famous for its medieval frescoes on various themes of daily life in the castle (hunting, competitions and tournaments). On the walls you can also find illustrated pages with the legendary heroes of the medieval knightly work “Tristan and Isolde.”
Frescoes in the Castle of Roncolo, 15th century. Photo atlantedellarteitaliana.it
A special part of the religious monuments are the churches of Bolzano. Some of the most beautiful and memorable not only from the outside, but especially from the inside are the Baroque Church of St. Augustine (Chiesa di Sant "Agostino) and the Abbey of Muri-Gries (Abbazia di Muri-Gries). In the bell tower of the castle tower hangs the heaviest bell in all of Alto -Adige, which weighs about 5 tons.
Via della Mostra in the old part of Bolzano is famous mainly for its palaces, built exclusively for the elite and aristocrats. All buildings are distinguished by beautiful reliefs and pompous facades. One of these palaces of a major merchant was rebuilt at the beginning of the 19th century into the Hotel At the Imperial Crown (Zur Kaiserkrone).
The bronze statue of Neptune, surrounded by bronze shell bowls, in the Square of Herbs is installed on the site of the former shameful place in Bolzano. Previously, all those convicted and guilty were brought here.
Statue of Neptune on the Square of Herbs. Photo: montagna.tv
Museums
Lovers of everything unusual should visit the Archaeological Museum of South Tyrol with objects from the Paleolithic period to the early Middle Ages. The main exhibit of the museum is the mummy. “Ötzi” or “Similawn”, “Otse” or “Frozen-Fritz” are all the names of a unique mummy of a man who froze in the glaciers of the Alps more than 5,300 years ago. It was found by tourists from Germany in 1991 on the Similaun glacier in the Ötztal valley.
Mummy from the Archaeological Museum. Photo iceman.it
In Bolzano you can still find the most typical old town forged signs, hotels, craft workshops and shops. The city museum displays works of South Tyrolean art. Anyone interested in history and ethnology will find here works and objects from the furnishings of peasant houses.
The Museum of Contemporary Art (Museion) was founded in 1987 and displays the works of artists and contemporary art. It is the main venue for all the prestigious exhibitions in Bolzano, a meeting place for business events, conferences and seminars.
Modern Art Museum. Photo dark-black-reaper.deviantart.com
The Muri-Gris Nativity Scene Museum is housed in the Romanesque tower of the abbey, with exhibits dating from around 1750. The Benedictine monastery of Muri-Gris is one of the oldest in South Tyrol, it is located 20 minutes from the city center and is valuable for its artistic and architectural heritage, has a very interesting and no less fascinating collection of nativity scenes.
Nativity scene. Photo: suedtirol.info
Mercantile Museum and the Mercantile Palace building in Bolzano. This museum traces the economic history of the city of Bolzano through house collections, paintings and furniture from the seventeenth and eighteenth centuries. It is located in a building that was a prestigious place among merchants in 1635.
One of the halls of the Palace. Photo guidaaltoadige.blogspot.it
Celebrities
Ottavia Piccolo is a famous Italian actress. Born in Bolzano. At the age of 13, she performed a role in a television production of Dostoevsky’s story “White Nights” directed by Vittorio Cotaffavi. She voiced Princess Leia in the Italian version of the Star Wars film.
Reinhold Messner - mountaineer, traveler, author of many articles and books. He opened museums dedicated to the relationship between man and mountain ranges. His museum is located in Sigmundskron Castle in Bolzano.
The works of woodcarver and artist Friedrich Pacher are preserved in the old parish church in the district of Gries. The folding altar is his work of art.
Holidays, festivals and competitions
Throughout the year, many interesting competitions, festivals and celebrations are organized in Bolzano, which attract a large number of guests from other regions of Italy and tourists from different countries.
Ice music festival or “Ice Music Festival” is the most unusual holiday of this city. It is organized in the last ten days of February. In the ice cathedral, specially built for this purpose, musicians play ice instruments made from ice mined from the glaciers of the local valleys. These days, the ice building also hosts a curling competition.
Ice music festival. Photo: wordpress.com
“Speckfest Alto Adige” or “Speckfest Alto Adige” takes place every year on the penultimate weekend of May. These days you can try a variety of spiced dishes prepared by chefs from all over the region. In addition to all the festivals, master classes and laboratories, it is interesting to visit the Watten card game tournament.
A large number of Christmas events and markets take place from November to January. It is on Christmas Eve that Bolzano becomes a tourist destination. During Christkindlmarkt, small houses with wooden counters are set up on the main streets and alleys of the city, where you can buy traditional sweets, souvenirs made of glass, wood and ceramics, gifts and Christmas decorations for the home.
Every year the city hosts wine festival "South Tyrol Wine Route". It is a meeting place for wine and food producers and hosts numerous seminars, laboratories and tastings.
The city of Bolzano is famous for its Conservatory, named after the Italian composer Claudio Monteverdi. At the beginning of the 20th century, the Musical Lyceum was located there, which later opened the Royal Conservatory. Every year it takes place here International Piano Competition.
Every spring, the famous flower market takes place here. Daffodils, tulips, roses, daisies, fuchsias, as well as oleanders and azaleas, various bushes and herbs delight the eyes of tourists and visitors. Some restaurants and cafes offer floral menus these days. And in the fall, a pumpkin market opens in Bolzano. Everything turns yellow and reminds us that autumn is coming.
Pumpkin Festival in Bolzano. Photo: walter.bz
What to try in Bolzano
Bolzano's culinary traditions, like many others, are influenced by Austria, resulting in unusual dishes and a variety of flavors. Typical dishes: knödel, ravioli alla pusstarese, polenta with venison, salty or sweet dumplings or canederli, schlutzkrapfen (ravioli with spinach), gröstl with potatoes, onions, pork neck and beef, venison goulash, pork tenderloin with sauerkraut, and also fish from rivers and lakes. Among the sweets: strudel, chocolate cakes, cream cakes, ricotta cakes, Bolzano seltzen (a Christmas cake made from dried fruit and raisins). Other typical products are speck or lard from Alto Adige and bread with cumin, poppy seeds or dill seeds. The area is also known for its good wines: Lagrein, Santa Maddalena, Traminer, Riesling, Pinot, Merlot and Cabernet.
Photo by thinkstockphotos
Bolzano is located in the Italian region and is the administrative center of the autonomous province of Bolzano. Three different languages are spoken fluently in the country - Italian, German, and Romansh. It should be noted that the majority of residents are German-speaking.
Previously, on the site of the city there was a huge number of various swamps, and only in the fifteenth year BC, the adopted son of Emperor Augustus decided to build a bridge and several guard posts here.
After the lands fell to the Bishop of Trento, a huge city was built. Please note that the city was completed and rebuilt almost systematically, probably for this reason, at the moment in the city you can see a huge number of diverse architectural buildings, which can rightfully be called masterpieces of the craftsmanship of many great people.
The Gothic Cathedral, which began to be built back in 1295, will certainly interest your attention; it began to be built in the Romanesque style, then continued in the Gothic style, and the building was completed only in the fifteenth century. Thus, an amazing structure appeared with a bell tower over 65 meters high. The city has many cultural and historical attractions. Copyright www.site
Bolzano will definitely appeal to fans of walking; Via dei Portici is considered one of the most beautiful streets in the city. On this historic street, many unique buildings decorated with stucco have been preserved; today, many historical buildings house interesting shops. Each of the buildings located on the street has its own interesting features, the search for which remains one of the favorite entertainments for tourists. With incredibly beautiful stucco work, preserved wooden shutters, original baroque decorations and ancient frescoes, you can take a lot of interesting photographs in this historical area.
Not far from the historical center of Bolzano is the beautiful Marecchio Castle, which has been perfectly preserved after hundreds of years. It is most interesting to visit this ancient castle in the warm season; it is surrounded by a large and beautiful garden, which is also interesting to walk through.
In the immediate vicinity of Bolzano is the Roncolo Castle; it was built in the first half of the 13th century. The main value of the ancient castle is considered to be medieval frescoes, which depict various scenes from court life. In 2000, the castle was completely renovated and now regularly hosts excursions.
Among the religious attractions, it is definitely worth noting the Franciscan Monastery. It was built more than 800 years ago and today is one of the oldest buildings not only in the city, but also in the country. During the Middle Ages, the monastery was surrounded by a powerful wall, which also managed to survive to this day. Many unique decoration elements have been preserved within the walls of the monastery, including frescoes from the 14th century.
Those who like to stroll through museums in Bolzano will also not be bored; they will be able to visit the Archaeological Museum of South Tyrol. Its most valuable exhibit is considered to be the “snow mummy of Ötzi,” an ancient man who froze in the Alps more than 5,000 years ago. The city has a very interesting Museum of Contemporary Art, which regularly hosts various exhibitions, and the Museum of Trade is considered one of the most unusual. It occupies the restored building of the luxurious Mercantile Palace and presents to visitors an extensive exhibition dedicated to the history of the city's economic development. It is important for thrifty tourists to remember that all museums in the city are open to free admission on certain days.
Are you planning to travel to Northern Italy? Then why not stop by Bolzano? This small cozy Italian town is located in a valley hidden in the mountains. Bolzano is also called the “Gateway to the Dolomites” because the city grew up right on the threshold of the Dolomite Alps. Previously, it was considered a city of merchants and landowners, but now it is a cultural center with a magnificent history and gorgeous landscapes. Four cultures and four languages coexist peacefully here - just like in Babylon - but now the Tyrolean version of Italian, German, Austro-Bavarian and Ladin (the language of the indigenous people) are intertwined here. And this is not surprising, because the city is located on the border between Switzerland and Austria.
Many centuries ago there were deep swamps and swamps here; during the Roman Empire, the lands belonged to the son of Emperor Augustus, and after the fall of the empire, the local swamps passed from one tribe to another. In the 9th century, the lands were donated to Bishop Ulderico II, and during the 12-13 centuries the city was built, in 1366 the city became the possession of the Habsburgs. But unfortunately, the architectural sights of those times have not been preserved; the earliest surviving buildings (Church of Calvario) date back to the 17th century. The church is located in an amazing and very unusual place - right on the edge of a cliff.
Bolzano is simply amazing, it breathes history and antiquity, every corner has its own legend. It’s so interesting to wander the streets, stare at old houses, church buildings. But with... read more
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Weather in Bolzano by months:
| Month | Temperature | Cloudiness | Rainy days / Precipitation |
Number of solar hours per day |
||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| During the day | At night | |||||
| January | 0.9°C | -6.2°C | 21.8% | 1 day (20.6 mm.) | 9 o'clock 4m. | |
| February | 3.2°C | -6.1°C | 23.2% | 1 day (19.9 mm.) | 10 o'clock 20m. | |
| March | 8.4°C | -3.1°C | 20.0% | 1 day (19.6 mm.) | 11 o'clock 56m. | |
| April | 13.6°C | 0.9°C | 22.3% | 2 days (32.6 mm.) | 13:00 35m. | |
| May | 17.7°C | 4.5°C | 23.2% | 3 days (46.9 mm.) | 15h. 1m. | |
| June | 22.8°C | 8.8°C | 20.7% | 3 days (48.8 mm.) | 15h. 45m. | |
| July | 24.3°C | 9.4°C | 19.4% | 3 days (50.2 mm.) | 15h. 23m. | |
| August | 24.0°C | 9.5°C | 20.8% | 4 days (60.5 mm.) | 14h. 8m. | |
| September | 19.7°C | 6.1°C | 16.3% | 1 day (28.1 mm.) | 12h. 32m. | |
| October | 14.7°C | 2.3°C | 17.7% | 2 days (44.6 mm.) | 10 o'clock 53m. | |
| November | 8.0°C | -0.5°C | 23.0% | 2 days (37.1 mm.) | 9 o'clock 25m. | |
| December | 2.0°C | -4.2°C | 18.4% | 1 day (17.0 mm.) | 8h. 39m. | |
*This table displays weather averages collected over more than three years
TOURIST REVIEWS:
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HOLIDAY REPORTS:
Impressions from a holiday in March
My husband was sent on a five-day business trip to the wonderful city of Bolzano, which is located in northern Italy. My husband took me with him, so the trip to Italy, even in March, was a gift. We arrived in Bolzano at the beginning of March. And despite the fact that this city is surrounded by mountains, like the whole of northern Italy, I didn’t feel much cold. It was even warm during the day, up to 18 degrees in the sun. During the entire period of our trip, neither snow nor rain fell. During the day the sun was shining very brightly, the weather was hospitable and windless. Snow could be seen on the high mountains, the air was clean and fresh. I had a lot of fun during my stay in Bolzano in March. For lovers of ski resorts, Bolzano is simply a paradise, especially in March, when it is no longer as cold as in January and you can feel the approach of spring.
Family holiday
Bolzano is a kind of business town. It has unusual and very beautiful architecture, many attractions and cultural monuments. You will be amazed by the incredible beauty of ancient castles, which are located both on the plain and on the tops of the mountains. It annually hosts many festivals and fairs, and even various international competitions. Both Italians and Germans live in the city. And if you speak at least one of these languages, you can easily find out where you can eat deliciously or just spend time. People in Bolzano are very open and friendly. Numerous tourists and locals stroll along the ancient streets, leisurely eating their ice cream, even in winter. Even if you come to this wonderful city with your family and children, you will always find something to do and a good time. Believe me, there really is something to see here. Although the city streets are full of people, you will not feel any discomfort.
What to take with you on vacation?
If you are going to Bolzano in winter, be sure to take warm clothes with you: a down jacket, sweaters, warm comfortable shoes, mittens and hats. It would be a good idea to take your usual first aid kit with you. In Italy, many medications are given only with a doctor's prescription, even those that are sold freely here. There are practically no night pharmacies. Without knowing the language, it will be very difficult for you to find phone numbers and explain what you need. Therefore, it is better to stock up on your medications and do not risk getting into a difficult situation in a foreign country.
What to do at the resort?
My husband and I and his colleagues managed to visit the wonderful castle Castello Firmiano, which is located on the mountain and was founded more than 10 centuries ago. The feeling is simply indescribable, although before that I wasn’t particularly attracted to castles. I was especially impressed by Roncolo Castle, which is located in the town of Ritten near Bolzano. When you look at this ancient castle, it seems that it is about to “float down” like melted ice cream. I also really liked the Cathedral of Santa Maria Assunta, made in the Romanesque-Gothic style. In the very center of the city, on the central streets there are various shops for tourists with souvenirs, clothes, shoes, in general there is a very large choice and for every taste. You can also stroll through the upscale Greif Center shopping center. Bolzano has a lot of Gelaterias (ice cream parlors), bars and pizzerias. Even in a pizzeria you can have a great dinner and try local drinks and you will be served no worse than in a restaurant or trattoria. I really liked the food in this city. Italians are excellent cooks!
Pros of a holiday in Bolzano
Beautiful, ancient city
Fresh air
Nice friendly people
Very tasty food
The most beautiful sights
Disadvantages of holidays in Bolzano
To be honest, I liked everything about Bolzano, although for many the prices may be a minus.
Is it worth a holiday in Bolzano?
I will be happy to return to this beautiful city. There are so many interesting things in it that you need to go there for at least two weeks.
Helpful information?
In the picturesque Trentino region of Italy, there is the city of Bolzano, which is worth a visit if you dream of getting to know the real beautiful Italy, its history and landscapes.
Bolzano has a truly rich history, which dates back to before our era. The lands of the modern city belonged at one time to different peoples: the Franks, Bavarians and Ostrogoths. Bolzano itself was founded at the turn of the 12th and 13th centuries, and in 1227 it became one of the possessions of the Tyrolean county. More than a hundred years later, the Habsburgs were already the rulers of the city.
The first buildings of the city, architecture and structures stood almost five hundred years, up to the 18th century. The renewal of streets and the design of new areas took place in the mid-18th century; I must say that most of these changes have survived to this day and are open to the gaze of anyone.
Today, Bolzano attracts many tourists due to its picturesque surroundings, amazing authentic architecture, favorable climate and the title of the cradle of real Italy.
The city has become the capital of two world-famous festivals: an annual piano competition (first time in 1939), a jazz festival (since 2007). The city is multinational: Italians, Germans, and Ladins live here in the same neighborhood.
Famous Bolzano natives include a famous football player of the twentieth century Antonio Pasinato and Italian figure skater Carolina Costner.
To visit Roncolo Castle, you will need to go to Bolzano’s neighboring town called Ritten. The castle here was built for defensive purposes; its massive walls are more reminiscent of a real citadel.
Most of the changes to the castle were brought about by the Wintler family, who expanded the scale of the building and decorated the premises of the citadel with picturesque frescoes, referencing the motifs of many literary works and historical events. Also, the castle belonged to the Habsburgs for some time, who tried to restore and restore it. The castle came into the possession of the city much later, only during the reign of Emperor Franz Joseph.
The existence of the castle has been recorded since the 13th century. To this day it has been preserved in quite good condition and is open to tourists all year round. Architecturally, it stands out thanks to a high single tower strewn with small windows designed for the all-round defense of the castle.
The roof of the Castle of San Antonio is shaped like a pyramid. A photo session offered by local photographers will effectively diversify your walk around these places.
This castle begins to write its history already in the 12th century. During its existence, the building suffered severe damage more than once and was almost destroyed. Over time, the castle was restored by the city authorities with the help of sponsors. Today, Marecchio Castle has a renewed look, decorated with frescoes and acquired a new tower complex.
There are castles in Bolzano and the surrounding area, which today are entirely used for other purposes. An example of this is the Castle of Firmiano. It was built in the twelfth century; surrounded by a powerful fortress wall, in the 21st century it is an elite restaurant and venue for events of various types.
Various events are held daily in the central square of the city: fairs, theatrical performances and folk festivals. Also, part of the area is reserved for retail shops, where you can enjoy Italian street food and stock up on a couple of souvenirs for family and friends.
Not much can be said about the history of the square: it was named after the medieval German poet Walter. The monument towering in the middle of the square is dedicated to him. It was erected at the end of the 19th century.
The main building of the square is the Cathedral of the Assumption of the Virgin Mary, which was built a very long time ago. The frescoes decorating the walls of the cathedral date back to the 14th century and were made by the highest level craftsmen of that time.
Less than half an hour's walk separates guests from the central part of Bolzano from the Muri-Grâce Abbey, which is recognized as one of the main historical and architectural monuments not only in the city, but throughout Italy. All buildings of the complex are made in Baroque style.
The real celebrity of the abbey is the bell, which weighs up to five tons. Today, Muri-Grâce offers a tour of nativity scenes that is unique in the world. The oldest and most valuable exhibit in the collection is more than two hundred years old.
Location: Piazza Gries - 21.
Like any city in Europe, Bolzano has several squares. Two of them are connected by a small street, the length of which is only three hundred meters.
The authorities and architects of the city did not allow modern art to interfere with Portico Street, which is why, when you get there, you are immediately immersed in the atmosphere of medieval Italy with frescoed walls, exquisite stucco and neat windows and intricate carved patterns on the shutters.
This street got its loud and sonorous name thanks to the house from which it originated. This house was called Silver, and then the whole street began to be called that. On
The territory of Argentieri is dominated by several palaces, some of which have existed for about five hundred years. Today, one of the palaces houses the Museum of Trade. The museum's collection consists of numerous rare exhibits and documents from different eras.
This street is a real paradise for tourists. The number of souvenir shops will make anyone's eyes run wide, and luring customers with loud voices will make you lose track of money and time. After a productive shopping trip, don’t forget to refresh yourself with local delicacies in the local restaurants, which invite you to stop by with the aromas of Italian herbs.>
In every city in the world, even a small one, there are elite areas where apartment prices skyrocket, and cars parked outside the houses make you cringe. This is exactly what Via Della Mostra is like in Bolzano. If you want to know how representatives of the upper castes live in the city, you can take a walk here.
Bolzano, a historical gem, the cradle of authentic Italy, could not exist without the local archaeological museum. The museum's exhibitions will tell you about the history of the city, from the Stone Age to the Middle Ages.
The true value is considered mummy of the unknown. The victim was discovered frozen to death in the Alps more than five thousand years ago. It was found only in the early nineties of the last century.
Location: Via Museo - 43.
The glass building of the museum is not immediately perceived as appropriate in a city so far from modern in its atmosphere. The Museum of Contemporary Art was opened in the late eighties and today opens its doors to everyone who wants to enjoy the avant-garde, as well as attend various scientific events and seminars. The museum is often used as a venue for exhibitions of world-famous authors.
Location: Piazza Piero Siena - 1.
