Bolzano

Bolzano, the capital of the Alto Adige province in the northern Republic of Italy, rests near the Swiss and Austrian borders. The city’s appeal is augmented by its International Piano Competitions, Ice Music Festivals, card game tournaments, Christmas fairs, and spring tulip festivals.

Things to Know about Bolzano

Interesting Facts about Bolzano

1. Bolzano, a unique city in South Tyrol, Italy, beautifully bridges Italian and German cultures, creating a rich tapestry of traditions, language, and architecture.
2. Ötzi the Iceman, discovered in the nearby Ötztal Alps in 1991, remains an awe-inspiring archaeological find, offering a glimpse into prehistoric life and ancient mysteries.
3. Bolzano, nestled amidst the stunning Alpine backdrop, artfully combines Italian elegance with Tyrolean charm, resulting in a cityscape that’s both picturesque and culturally rich.
4. Every year, Bolzano’s renowned Christmas Market captivates visitors with its array of artisanal crafts, delectable treats, and festive atmosphere, celebrating the magic of the holiday season.
5. Housing the illustrious Ötzi, the South Tyrol Museum of Archaeology in Bolzano brings history to life, offering a captivating journey through time and a deeper understanding of our ancestral past.

History of Bolzano

Situated at an altitude of 264 meters above sea level, Bolzano lies in a flat area amidst mountain ranges, known as the gateway to the Dolomites. Many legends are woven around these places.

In German legends, these regions are referred to as Rosengarten – the Rose Garden, inhabited by elves and gnomes, ruled by their king, Laurin.

The city and province are inhabited by representatives of three primary nationalities: German, Italian, and Ladin. This is why Bolzano is often referred to as the city of three cultures.

Attractions in Bolzano

The city beckons travelers with splendid mountain vistas, lakes, ski resorts, vibrant folk celebrations, and historical and cultural monuments. Bolzano can be loosely divided into historical and modern districts. The city’s main attractions and adornments include castles:

• Castel Sant’Antonio, built in the 13th century, notable from a distance due to its high tower with small windows for all-around defense and pyramid-shaped roofs;
• Castel Mareccio, established in the 12th century, reconstructed in modern times, adorned with a new tower building and frescoes by contemporary artists;

• Castello Firmiano, founded by knights in the 10th century, has served as the location for the exhibitions of the Mountain Museum since 2003;
• Castel Flavon, emerged in the 12th century, encircled by a robust fortification wall, used for festive and scientific events, as well as a restaurant.

Exploring the city and its surroundings will introduce you to a plethora of unique treasures of antique architecture spanning different epochs.

Piazza Walter

Piazza Walter, named after the medieval poet Walther von der Vogelweide, is the city center bustling with vibrant market trade and folk festivals.

The main building on the square is the medieval Cathedral of the Assumption of Mary, adorned with a 65-meter Gothic bell tower from the 16th century. Inside the cathedral, frescoes from the early 14th century by Giotto’s disciples and from the late 15th century by Federico Progetti can be admired.

The square was established in the 19th century on the territory of imperial vineyards and was rapidly surrounded by houses. A monument to the medieval poet was erected in 1889.

The luxurious Greif Center shopping mall is also located on the square.

Portico Street

Portico Street (Via dei Portici) is one of the oldest streets, stretching for 300 meters, connecting two squares. During the early Middle Ages, it started with stone gates and defensive walls. Here, you’ll find the most beautiful historical buildings adorned with frescoes from the Middle Ages and the Renaissance (Rinascimento), Baroque ornamental decorations, windows with intricately carved wooden shutters, and arches.

Currently, the Via dei Portici houses the most popular shops.

Argentieri Street

Silver Street (Via Argentieri) emerged in the Middle Ages and began from a house nicknamed “Silver” (Argento casa). Via Argentieri is adorned with palaces, such as Palazzo Mercanti built in 1635, which now houses the Trade Museum (Museo commercio). This unique museum features a rare collection of documents, rare pieces crafted by furniture makers, painted canvases, and more. Silver Street invites tourists to boutiques of well-known brands, restaurants, and cafes.

Dei Bottai Street

Dei Bottai Street (Via dei Bottai), known as the beginning of the Old Town, started from the city gate of Wangen. Today, you’ll find artisan souvenir shops with wrought iron signs of old masters, restaurants serving local cuisine. The South Tyrol Museum of Nature (Museo di Scienze Naturali dell’Alto Adige) is also located here.

Via della Mostra Street

Via della Mostra is one of the fashionable streets where houses of famous aristocratic families from different centuries of Bolzano are located. These houses feature ornate facades with rich decorations.

Some of the historic palaces have been converted into hotels.

Cathedral of Santa Maria Assunta

The Cathedral of Santa Maria Assunta (Cattedrale di Santa Maria Assunta) is referred to as a gem of architecture, representing features of Romanesque and Gothic styles.

The Romanesque-style cathedral was built in the 12th century on the foundation of a church from the early Christian era. In the 14th century, it was reconstructed by the architect brothers Siches (Zioni) in the Gothic style. One of the elements adorning the cathedral’s facade is gargoyles, figures of mythical creatures.

In the 16th century, a Gothic tower was added to the cathedral. The cathedral is distinguished by its rich interiors, including a carved wooden bishop’s chair from the early 16th century with depictions of apostles, as well as fragments of frescoes from the school of Giotto, iconographic images of the Mother of God.

Archaeological Museum of South Tyrol

The Museum of Archaeology (Museo archeologico dell’Alto Adige) presents a narrative about this region from the Stone Age to the Middle Ages. An intriguing exhibit is the mummy of an unknown individual, frozen in the Alpine mountains 5.5 thousand years ago and discovered in 1991.

Modern Art Museum

Museion, opened in 1987, showcases avant-garde artistic works. The museum’s halls host rotating exhibitions by contemporary artists, along with forums, conferences, and seminars.

Monastery of Muri-Gries

The Abbey of Muri-Gries (Abbazia di Muri Gras), situated a 20-minute walk from the center of Bolzano, was founded by monks of the Order of Saint Benedict (San Benedetto). It stands as a significant monument of history and culture in the South Tyrol region. The building features prominent Baroque architecture and is known for its giant bell weighing 5 thousand kilograms.

Part of the monastery complex is a 12th-century castle that once belonged to the Austrian noble family Mori-Greyfenshteyn (Mori-Greyfenshteyn). In the early 15th century, Augustinian monks settled in the castle, making it their residence and placing bells in the watchtower. In the 18th century, the Church of Saint Augustine was constructed in the Baroque style and adorned with frescoes by the Tyrolean artist Martin Knoller.

Today, Muri-Gries is a unique museum housing a collection of Christmas nativity scenes (Collezione di presepi del Convento Muri Grie), with the oldest dating back to the year 1750.

For several centuries, the abbey has been renowned as a winemaking center. Augustinian monks initially cultivated vineyards with grape varieties such as Santa Maddalena, Malvasia, Lagrein, Kretzer, and Pinot Grigio, producing wines. Since the 20th century, the finest local traditional wine varieties have been exported internationally.

Roncolo Castle

Roncolo Castle (Castello Roncolo), also known as Runkelstein (Ryunkelshtayn), is located in the neighboring town of Ritten. It was built in 1237 and fortified as an impregnable citadel.

Significant transformations were carried out in the second half of the 14th century by the Vintler merchant family (Vintler). The castle’s total area was expanded, additional rooms were added, and the spaces were adorned with frescoes depicting literary works and historical events. A summer house was also constructed.

Under the Habsburgs (Asburgo), the castle underwent restoration and the frescoes were revived. However, in the first half of the 16th century, the castle walls and tower collapsed almost entirely due to explosions in the gunpowder depot and subsequent fires. Only in the second half of the 19th century did the castle’s grounds pass to Emperor Franz Joseph of Austria (Francesco Giuseppe), who restored the castle and presented it as a gift to the townspeople.

For Culinary Enthusiasts

Bolzano offers a constellation of diverse dishes from Tyrolean and traditional Italian cuisine that will captivate every palate. Austrian-inspired delicacies, found in most restaurants, are bound to impress:

• Gnocchi dumplings (gli gnocchi)
• Gröstl with potatoes and various meats (grestl)
• Braised venison (gulasch di cervo)
• Pork with sauerkraut accompaniment (filetto di maiale con crauti)
• Freshwater fish dishes (lake trout, char, and more)

• Apple strudel with cinnamon and raisins (strudel)
• Chocolate pastries (torta con cioccolato)
• Cream-filled cake (torta con crema)
• Christmas fruitcake with dried fruit and candied peel (cupcake di natale)

The harmonious fusion of two culinary traditions brings forth unique dishes:

• Ravioli (ravioli) with various fillings
• Polenta with venison (polenta con cervo)

• Experience spinach-stuffed ravioli (schlutzkrapfen)
• Enjoy pastries with soft ricotta cheese (dolci con la ricotta)

Make sure to savor bacon and spiced bread with uncommon additions like poppy seeds, caraway seeds, and dill. If you visit Bolzano on the penultimate Sunday of May, you’ll be part of the Speck Festival Alto Adige, dedicated to the flavorful bacon.

Don’t miss out on trying the local traditional wines: Santa Maddalena, Riesling, Pinot, Merlot, and Cabernet. A summer festival is dedicated to the wines of South Tyrol.

During the days of flower markets, city restaurants showcase flower-themed menus. The autumn months are celebrated with pumpkin dishes in honor of the Pumpkin Fair.

Shopping in Bolzano

In Bolzano, shopping enthusiasts will discover boutiques of many popular Italian brands. In addition to the mentioned Greif Center, the following are also worth your attention:

• The largest shopping mall, Twenty, is located at via G. Galilei, 20. You can easily reach it by public transportation using buses N6, 7A-7B, 110, and 111.
• Centrum is a shopping center located at Via Galvani 3. The most convenient way to get there is by your own car or taxi.
• Piazza delle Erbe is a market where you can buy all local products, including high-mountain honey, various types of cheeses, wines, pastas, spices, as well as fresh vegetables and fruits. You can freely access drinking water from the fountain in the square.
• Sacher Shop is the official store of the “Sacher” confectionery company and is situated at Volter Square. We recommend it to all those with a sweet tooth.

Where to Stay: Best Hotels in Bolzano

Bolzano has about 100 accommodation options of various comfort levels and a wide price range. We have chosen the best hotels for you based on reviews from tourists and readers of our website.

3 Stars

Three-star hotels stand out for their high comfort level, quality service in restaurants, and additional amenities. Travelers are presented with a choice of 3-star hotels, where they can stay in the city center or a quiet suburb.

Hotel Figl

Figl is a family-friendly hotel surrounded by a small garden, earning top marks from guests for its convenient location.

It is situated in the pedestrian zone of the old town, not far from the train station. Convenient paid parking is available just 50 meters from Figl. The hotel’s rooms are equipped with comfortable bathrooms, air conditioning systems, TVs, and minibars. Guests are offered a buffet-style breakfast.

The hotel entices guests with opportunities to use the gym, visit the pool and mini-golf course, and enjoy a playground for children. Services for horseback riding, cycling, tennis, and skiing are available. The hotel is equipped for the convenience of guests with limited mobility.

Hotel Hanny

Hotel Hanny, located in a quiet part of the city, 2.5 km (1.6 miles) from the central quarters, invites relaxation in comfortable rooms with essential appliances, split-system air conditioning, and internet access.

There’s a restaurant where guests can try the “buffet-style” breakfast and delicious national dishes.

A garden surrounds the hotel and features a terrace with a wonderful mountain view from the windows. Guests can freely use bicycles, and children can play in the kids’ room. The hotel provides free parking spaces.

4 Stars

Stylish four-star hotels are housed in historical buildings and offer tourists a wide range of services, along with diverse local cuisine.

Hotel Greif

The design hotel Greif is located in a historic building amidst a garden, offering views of the Dolomite Alps and Piazza Walther. Rooms with original design, natural wood flooring, elegant living spaces, marble-finished bathrooms, new appliances, and cosmetic products await guests.

The hotel invites guests to a fitness room, a pool, a wellness center, and a massage salon. Children can play in a convenient playground. All guests are provided with bicycles, a garage, and parking for free use.

Breakfast can be enjoyed on the terrace with mountain views or in the luxurious restaurant with a menu of local cuisine. The hotel is fully equipped for guests with limited mobility.

Parkhotel Laurin

Parkhotel Laurin, built in the early 20th century in the center of the city following Art Nouveau principles, is located near the cathedral and is surrounded by a small park.

Rooms with modern furniture design and picturesque canvases by Italian artists attract travelers. The hotel provides spacious halls with state-of-the-art equipment for holding celebrations, public events, scientific conferences, banquets, and exhibition seasons.

Guests can have breakfast and lunch on the terrace or in the garden, where Tyrolean and Italian cuisine dishes are offered.

Apartments and B&Bs in Bolzano

Apartments in Bolzano are designed for families with children and skiing enthusiasts. The rooms are comfortable in both warm and cold seasons, furnished with beautiful furniture and household appliances.

Park Residence Apartments

Park Residence Apartments, located in the center of Bolzano amidst a garden, stand out for their kitchen space and various household appliances in each room.

The hotel offers parking spaces. Guests can use free internet access and, if needed, activate air conditioning or heating systems. Families with young children are welcome at the hotel.

How to Get to Bolzano

To reach Bolzano from most major cities in Italy and Austria, you can take the railway transport:

• From Verona – in 1.5 hours, the ticket price is 24 euros.
• From Venice – in 3 hours, the ticket price is 37 euros.
• From Milan – in 3 hours 30 minutes, the ticket price is 37 euros.
• From Merano – in 35 minutes, the ticket price is 5 euros.
• From Bressanone – in 30 minutes, the ticket price is 8 euros.
• From Trento – in 36 minutes, the ticket price is 9 euros.

Train schedules and ticket prices are available on the website www.trenitalia.com.

From Canazei

To reach Bolzano from the skiing resort Canazei using public transportation, you can take the 101 bus (2 hours 40 minutes) with a transfer to a regional train to Trento.

Traveling by private or rented car will take just over an hour. A taxi ride from Canazei to Bolzano costs around 200 euros.